Wavelength-scanning digital interference holography for optical section imaging

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a simple digital holographic method that allows reconstruction of three-dimensional object images with a narrow depth of focus or axial resolution. A number of holograms are optically generated by use of different wavelengths spaced at regular intervals. The holograms are recorded on a digital camera and reconstructed numerically. Multiwavelength interference of the holograms results in images of the contour plane whose thickness can be made arbitrarily narrow. Objects at different distances from the hologram plane are imaged clearly and independently, with complete suppression of the out-of-focus images. The technique is available only in digital holography and should have useful applications in holographic microscopy. (C) 1999 Optical Society of America.