A novel method for the characterization of the processing of both abso
rption and phase holograms is proposed. Differently from the previous
models, the square root of the diffraction efficiency of the processed
hologram was directly related to the amplitude of the optical density
modulation obtained at the developed step. This characteristic is a g
ood indicator of the degree of nonlinearity of the hologram processing
. While the Lin functions of phase holograms are similar to those of a
bsorption holograms, the shape of the proposed function is completely
different. The optical density and diffraction efficiency of holograms
recorded using Agfa-Geveart 8E75HD plates and processed with AAC deve
loper and a solvent bleach without a fixation step were measured and u
sed to demonstrate the method.