Holographic system for copying holograms by using partially coherent light.

A method for copying holographic optical elements with partially coherent light by using a holographic system is presented. The system includes two holographic lenses that are made as thick-phase holograms on silver halide-sensitized gelatin. The geometric conditions during reconstruction of the holographic system with white light are studied and the performance of the system is analyzed by a ray-tracing technique. The spatial and temporal coherence factors for the system are > 0.9, and this indicates that it is possible to obtain good holographic elements with this holographic system. Copies of diffraction gratings and holographic lenses obtained with dichromated gelatin and photoresist as the recording material present good optical quality.