Single-beam data encoding using a holographic angular multiplexing technique

We propose a novel configuration for angular multiplexing holographic encoding in which the signal beam and the reference beam are combined into a single beam. By using a spatial light modulator based on twisted nematic liquid crystals, the signal and the reference beams are modulated in amplitude mode and phase mode, respectively. The multiplexed interference patterns with the reference beams of different incident angles are recorded near the Fourier transform plane, and then the signals are selectively reconstructed by the corresponding reference beam. Both the simulation and the experiment of single-beam angular multiplexed holography are performed with consistent results. Compared with the traditional angular multiplexing holographic recording system, the single-beam configuration is more compact, easier to adjust, and less sensitive to the vibration of the environment. Therefore, it will be more attractive for potential applications in many fields, such as high-density signal recording and data encryption. (C) 2011 Optical Society of America