How to Make a Holographic Image
Holographic images can be a lot of fun to make and even more fun to look at. Using readily available holography kits that contain lasers, holographic plates and processing chemicals, you can make your own holograms at home. While the process is a little complicated and requires a bit of practice, you can make holograms from a wide variety of objects.
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Things You'll Need
- Dark room
- Table or any other stable platform
- Bright, hard object (to be the subject of your hologram)
- Cardboard
- Laser
- Holographic film sheets or holographic plates
- Holographic chemical solution (included in holographic kits)
- Green light bulb
- Hairdryer
Instructions
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Set up a holography room. Ideally, you want a room that will be dark, quiet and free from any small movements such as drafts, creaky floors or other noise and vibrations. In addition, set aside a space to perform the chemical processes. This should be in the same room or nearby and also be dark and near a sink.
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For better results, it is best to use hard, metallic objects such as coins because they can easily be illuminated with laser light and will not move during the laser-lighting process. In contrast, avoid soft objects, especially those made of linen or fabric.
To completely avoid any movement or slippage, place the object on a vibration-isolating surface, such as a mouse pad or a tray of sand.
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Prepare and warm up the laser for at least five minutes.
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Position the laser about a foot away from the subject so that its beam spreads out in a horizontal, elliptical shape. You can set the laser up on any sturdy object that will not move at all and angle it so that its beam will fully illuminate the subject.
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Prepare the chemical processing solution. Depending on the holography kit you choose, the instructions may vary. Be sure to follow all the directions for your holography kit.
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Turn off all lights. The room will need to be completely dark to get a good holographic image. If you need a work light, install a dim green safety light in your work area.
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Block the laser light using a piece of cardboard.
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Prepare the holographic plate. Make sure that the room is very dark once you remove the holographic plate from its box.
Locate the side of the plate that has the holographic emulsion. The emulsion side will feel slightly sticky when touched.
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Place the plate over the subject with the emulsion side facing down. Let it rest there for at least 10 seconds.
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Expose the subject to the laser. Lift up the cardboard and let the laser hit the holographic plate and subject for about 10 seconds. Lower the cardboard to block the laser.
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Develop the holographic plate. Following the instructions that came with the holographic kit, develop the plate with the processing chemicals.
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Let the holographic plate dry. To speed up this process, you can use a hairdryer on a low-heat setting.
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Tips & Warnings
To get the best holographic image, keep your work free of vibrations and light, especially when the holographic plate is being exposed.
The easiest objects to make holograms from are hard, metal objects.
It may take a few tries to master the process; however; once you do, making holograms become much easier.
Do not look directly into the laser or aim it at anyone's eyes.
Developing the holographic plate should be done by an adult or under adult supervision.
When developing the plate, make sure to wear gloves and goggles.
