Abstract
The diffracted field of a one-dimensional gaussian beam by an amplitude sinusoidal grating of zero thickness is treated by the technique of angular spectrum of plane waves. The general equations are presented, and the special case of normal incidence is discussed in detail. In particular, the restrictions on the beam parameters which ensure gaussian behaviour of the diffracted fields are given. It is shown, that the condition to ensure the separation of the different orders and the condition that the diffracted fields are gaussian, are not the same. The significance of these calculations to the theory of focused image holography is considered.