Technical Development Report: Creating a Software Environment (PC) for CGH (Computer-Generated Holograms) Calculation Using 2D Transparencies and 3D Models as Objects.

Research and Development (R&D)

The development of this software was an interdisciplinary project at the intersection of applied optics and programming. Work on the algorithmic part included:

• Theoretical Analysis: In-depth study of scientific papers and classical formulas for CGH calculation as a result of interference between a reference beam and multiple luminous points of an object.
• Model Translation: Translating physical formulas from theoretical form into a discrete mathematical algorithm for computer calculations using the C# language.
• Experimental Core Verification: Conducting tests on reference models to confirm that the software implementation in Unity is mathematically equivalent to physical processes.

System Functionality (Base Module)

Based on the verified algorithm, a software environment was created in Unity with the following functionality:

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Hardware Configuration

• SLM Parameters: Matrix resolution (pixels) and physical pixel size (µm).
• Laser Parameters: Wavelengths for three channels (RGB).

Source Data Management

• Multi-layering: Ability to load up to 6 independent B&W 2D images as object layers.
• Geometric Settings: For each image, physical dimensions (x, y in µm), exact distance from the hologram plane (z), and the number of calculation points are specified.
• Export: Automated saving of the result in PNG format without compression or color distortion.

Calculation Process Control

• Selection of a specific wavelength for mask generation (single or RGB).
• Input of the incidence angle of the reference beam.
• Selection of the diffraction angle limit. To separate points that cannot be physically formed due to the diffraction grating resolution.
• Visual monitoring: total number of points in the scene and total estimated time (ETA).

Additional Module: Working with 3D Geometry

To automate the creation of 3D object holograms, an internal "Virtual Scanning" tool for objects was developed within the Unity environment:

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• 3D Model Import: Support for standard meshes with customizable lighting.
• Volumetric Discretization: The algorithm scans the model's placement space at a specific step, capturing the coordinates (x, y, z) and the color of each surface point.
• Integration: The data is transferred to the main core for the volumetric object hologram synthesis.

Conclusion and Verification

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  Source 3D Model
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  Generated Point Cloud
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  Point Cloud: Side View
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  Point Cloud: Close-up
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  Calculation Menu: Point Count
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  Calculation Result (PNG)
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  Reconstructed CGH Image

During the final tests, PNG distributions (generated from a colored 3D model) were displayed on an amplitude SLM. The optical image reconstruction matched the calculated data with high precision, confirming the accuracy of the algorithm and the functionality of the software environment.