Computer-generated holography (CGH) is a technique that uses computer algorithms to generate holograms. It involves generating holographic interference patterns. A computer-generated hologram can be displayed on a dynamic holographic display, or it can be printed onto a mask or film using lithography.[1] When a hologram is printed onto a mask or film, it is then illuminated by a coherent light source to display the holographic images.
The term "computer-generated holography" has become used to denote the whole process chain of synthetically preparing holographic light wavefronts suitable for observation.[2][3] If holographic data of existing objects is generated optically and recorded and processed digitally, and subsequently displayed, this is termed CGH as well.
Compared to classical holograms, computer-generated holograms have the advantage that the objects that one wants to show do not have to possess any physical reality, and can be completely synthetically generated.
Ultimately, computer-generated holography might expand upon all the roles of current computer-generated imagery. Holographic computer displays might be used for a wide range of applications, for example computer-aided design (CAD), gaming, and holographic video.