Visualization of light propagation

Abramson has demonstrated that by using the finite coherence properties of light, holograms can be constructed that allow one to visualize the path that a simulated light pulse takes through an optical system. We have demonstrated that using an alternate hologram construction and readout geometry, light with a very long coherence length can also be used to visualize light propagation. Experimental results showing well resolved time-sequence photographs of reflection, refraction, and diffraction in an optical system are given.