The theoretical background of holographic recording in very thin layers is
given. Interference of two surface evanescent waves is used to achieve high
and low grating spatial frequency. Another important recording case with s
urface reference and the usual (homogeneous) object wave is also elucidated
. The calculations are made on the base of the effective thickness, introdu
ced by N Harrick for internal reflection spectroscopy of very thin layers.
The possible applications of this type of holographic recording in surface
investigations are discussed.