EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF A 6-LEVEL PHASE MASK ON A DIGITAL HOLOGRAPHIC STORAGE-SYSTEM

We measure the M/# and the bit-error rate of a digital holographic sto rage system with a 4f optical arrangement for three configurations: re cording at the Fourier plane with and without a phase mask and recordi ng outside the Fourier plane without a phase mask. Unexpectedly, no si gnificant change in the dynamic range was observed when a phase mask w as used to record in thick crystals. However, we show that a phase mas k is a key component in a 4f digital holographic storage system if hig h-fidelity holograms with optimum volumetric density are to be stored. (C) 1998 Optical Society of America.