ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a review of the basic principles of physical and geometrical optics that are useful for an understanding of the field of holography. Knowing and controlling the state of polarization of the optical field is important for the formation of holograms. Holography is based on the recording of interference patterns formed by light originating from an optical source. Designing and conducting holography experiments require an understanding of basic optical components and imaging relations. Total internal reflection is the basis for making optical waveguides and will be discussed later in the design of substrate mode and edge-lit holograms. The chapter discusses the basic elements of scalar diffraction theory are presented since it is fundamental to understanding many aspects of holography. For many applications in optics, the scalar field representation is sufficient and provides a simpler solution and greater insight into the problem under investigation.
