title: Application of the mode approximation to reconstruction holography.
abstract: The result of holographic processing is described by using the well-known mode approximation. This approximation yields new expressions for degenerate read-write holography in the optically thick scattering regime in the case in which many transverse modes are occupied. The approach differs from those of previous efforts by the inclusion of the effect of multiple dynamic gratings. The presentation makes clear the limitations of the practical applicability and the mathematical validity of the new result in relation to the better known regimes, using various approximations to predict the lowest-order fields. The application of reconstruction holography to aberration compensation is specifically considered. The effects of phase-mismatch terms are estimated. The effects of both phase and absorption gratings are obtained. Self-modulation of the recording wave is included and unstable solutions are predicted for some regimes. It is found that the various regimes have fundamentally different processing capabilities.
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Holmes