How to Print a Hologram

A hologram is a three-dimensional image captured on a special type of photographic plate. The image is created through the use of a laser light. The laser light bathes the object in a strong layer of light. The strong light impregnates the holographic plate with the image of the object. This type of hologram is the simplest hologram to create. Make a hologram at home or in a classroom using a Class IIIa diode laser with the capability of running on a 3.0 V direct current.

Things You'll Need

• Class IIIa diode laser (found at specialty or electronics stores)
• Electrical tape
• "C" batteries
• Wire
• Wire cutters
• Gator clips
• Wooden clippy clothespin
• 8-oz. foam cup
• Sand, salt or sugar
• 18-inch ruler
• 2-by-2-inch solid object
• 5-by-5-inch cardboard
• 8-by-8-inch 180 to 300 pound paper
• Slavich PFG-O3M plates - size 2 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches
• JD-4 processing kit
• (The Slavich PFG-03M plates and the JD-4 processing kit can be purchased at a photography store specializing in cameras and film.)

Instructions

Laser Preparation

1. Place two "C" batteries side by side, making sure the posts are to the top. Wrap electrical tape around the two batteries to hold them together. Do not cover the posts.

2. Cut two lengths of wire 12 inches long. Attach one end of each wire to a battery post. Tape into place.

3. Attach a gator clip to the opposite end of each wire.

4. Clip one gator clip to the post on the Class IIIa diode laser.

5. Fill an 8-oz. foam cup three-quarters full of sand, salt or sugar. Press the claw end of a wooden clippy clothes pin into the sand, salt or sugar until the metal spring is just above the surface.

6. Clip the free gator clip on the end of the wire onto the spring of the clippy clothes pin. The laser will light up if done correctly. Redo if needed. Turn off the laser.

Hologram

1. Place the cup and laser on a stable flat surface. Put the 2-by-2-inch solid object 15 inches from the laser light. Turn on the laser. Hold a piece of 180 to 300 pound paper behind the solid object. Check to see if the laser light is spreading in a horizontal fashion and a perfect shadow is cast on the paper. Adjust the laser until a crisp shadow is made.

2. Remove the paper. Place a 5-by-5-inch piece of cardboard directly in front of the laser light to block the light. Turn off the light in the room so that it's almost totally dark. Enough light should be present so no injuries occur while completing the hologram process.

3. Remove the holographic plate from the box. Replace the lid on the box. Stand the sticky side of the holographic plate directly behind the solid object. Let it rest against the object and make sure it is at a perfect vertical stance. Wait 15 seconds before proceeding to make sure the holographic plate is not moving.

4. Carefully lift the cardboard in front of the laser light from the table approximately 1/16 inch. Wait two seconds then lift the cardboard straight up. Expose the holographic plate for 10 to 30 seconds. Replace the cardboard and unhook the laser light from the batteries.

5. Develop the holographic plate according to the instructions on the developing agent.

Tips & Warnings

• Paint the sticky side of the hologram plate with black paint after developing. This helps with the clarity of the hologram.

References

• TWM: The Universe as a Hologram
• MSNBC: How to make holograms at home
• Integraf: Simple Holography