Enhancing field of view of digital holography using an angular multiplexed holographic optical element

Digital holography (DH) is capable of the most precise multidimensional imaging and measurements in various fields ranging from optical metrology to biomedical imaging. However, DH has not progressed in accordance with its capabilities. The fundamental and technically challenging roadblock of DH is the small field of view (FOV) restricted by the parameters of the available digital image sensors. Here, we introduce a novel approach, to our knowledge, via the use of a specialized multiplexed holographic optical element that overcomes the limit of the maximum angle between the object and reference beams without violating the sampling theorem and achieves wide FOV, of more than 35°, in off-axis DH. The proof of the concept of the proposed wide FOV DH system is experimentally demonstrated by recording digital holograms of objects placed within the realm of an angular range of 0° to 35°. The method may be useful for various applications, including non-destructive testing, biomedical engineering, holographic displays, communication, entertainment, and beyond those envisioned in this paper.