We address the performance of transmission geometry volume holograms as depth-selective imaging elements. We consider two simple implementations using holograms recorded with spherical and plane beams. We derive the point-spread function (PSF) of these systems using volume diffraction theory and use the PSF to estimate depth resolution. Furthermore, we show that appropriately designed objective optics can significantly improve the depth resolution or the working distance of plane-wave reference holographic imaging systems. These results are confirmed experimentally and demonstrated for objects with millimeter axial features, imaged from the 5- to 50-cm range.
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