Student Explorations into Optics by Using Mathematica to Create
Computer-Generated Holograms

Seth Stanley and Brian Carlton

University of West Florida

Abstract

Mathematica is being used as an excellent tool to explain a variety of optical phenomena, namely coherent electromagnetic wave interaction and holography. With Mathematica, students are able to see how waves behave through space and time and then are able to visualize how these waves interfere through certain media. In addition, it is used to analyze the interaction between multiple EM waves, culminating in the creation of computer-generated holograms using both Fresnel and Fourier methods. Furthermore, more complex holograms are generated, exposing students to more optical phenomena and to increasingly complex numerical methods.