How to Create Holographic Images
Holograms are made by recording the light from a laser onto a holographic film. The result is an image that will change as the viewer's orientation changes, making the image appear to be three-dimensional. You can easily create a hologram with one of the readily available holography kits on the market; getting good results, however, will require a bit of preparation.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Dark room
- Sturdy table
- Mouse pad
- Hologram subject (preferably small, hard, and metallic)
- Cardboard
- Holography kit (including laser, holographic plates, and chemical solutions)
- Hairdryer
-
-
1
Set up the room. Start with a small, dark room. The results of your hologram will be directly related to two factors: how dark you can make the room and how much you can limit vibrations or any small movements while making the hologram. Your holography table should be sturdy and sit firmly on the floor. The room should be free from drafts and completely quiet.
-
2
Place your subject on the table. Although you can make holograms from just about anything, the ideal subject for your first few holograms will be small, hard, and preferably metallic. Metallic objects work best because they are able to reflect the laser light more effectively than other objects. Place the object on a mouse pad to isolate it from moving.
-
3
Position the laser so that its beam will fully cover the object and place it about 40 cm away. The laser should be mounted so that it does not move or vibrate.
-
4
Turn the laser on and allow it to warm up for a few minutes.
-
5
Mix the chemical baths. If required, mix the processing chemicals according to the manufacturer's instructions. There are a few processing baths available to develop holographic film, and the instructions may vary.
-
6
Place a piece of cardboard in front of the laser beam to block the light.
-
7
Remove the holographic plate from its packaging. When you remove the plate, try to keep it away from all light.
-
8
Locate the holographic emulsion on the plate. The side with emulsion will feel slightly sticky.
-
9
Lean the holographic plate against the object with the emulsion side touching.
-
10
Lift up the cardboard and expose the holographic plate to the laser. During this time, any movement will cause the hologram not to come out properly. Moving the subject, touching the laser, slight vibrations, and even talking could ruin the exposure. After 10 seconds, lower the cardboard to stop exposing the plate.
-
11
Keeping the holographic plate completely dark, develop it using the prepared chemical solutions. Development times will vary based on your specific solution.
-
12
Use a hairdryer to dry the holographic plate.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You can make a hologram with inexpensive laser pointers; your results, however, may vary.
Coins, keys, and similar objects make good starting subjects as they are small and their metallic properties reflect the laser light well.
Even 1/1,000th of an inch movement could ruin a holographic exposure.
Although some holographic processing chemicals are quite toxic, JD-3 solutions are relatively safe. Use the appropriate level of care when working with chemicals.
You cannot actually make a "projection hologram" as seen in the Star Wars movies. This is currently impossible, as light travels in straight lines, and would defy the laws of physics.
