Abstract

For several years our research group has investigated the design of computer generated holograms, with an eye towards producing any desired pattern of optical interconnects. We've investigated both amplitude and phase holograms, and a variety of design algorithms to produce each¹. We have decided to concentrate our efforts on the phase-only holograms based on their superior reconstruction ability, diffraction efficiency, and the flexibility to produce interconnects on axis. In general, multi-level phase holograms require an iterative design approach to produce adequate results. We have developed a hybrid method which couples the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm with a random search procedure. We have quite successfully used these routines to produce dozens of holograms for optical computing applications, including implementing weights between the synapses of an optical neural network¹, producing a reference table in an optical A/D converter, and to compute carry look ahead bits in an optoelectronic adder circuit². The method has become useful enough, that we have packaged the design software with a graphical interface to make it easier to use and more generally applicable. The rest of the paper is dedicated to a description of this software package, some issues involved with manufacturing, and directions for future work.

© 1995 Optical Society of America