We will explain how to make a hologram, but first let’s see a little about this topic. A hologram is an advanced technique of photography, it is the term given to a visual phenomenon in photography. Images are handled through light, causing them to be created in third dimension; This is achieved because there are several planes at the same time.
It is possible to create several different holograms on the same plate, for this there is a technique called double channel, in order to be able to make multiple holograms; in these the images will change according to the point of view in which they are observed; For this, the angle in charge of forming the reference beam must be varied and the plate must be moved to cyclical exposures.
Making a hologram is done through holography, the photographic technique that studies and is interested in achieving three-dimensional effects; This technique is widely used today to create images of this type for videos and movies.
The effect between the image and the light is achieved by means of a laser beam that is responsible for microscopically recording a photosensitive film. The image has to receive the light, looking for the correct perspective to achieve the third dimension.
For a hologram to work, you need to have a person or object that you want to record, have the right light, which is the laser beam that will shine on the object and of course a recording medium; It is also important to have the appropriate light in the space where this technique will be created, so that the light beams can make their intersection easier. This is more based on professional models.
The creator of holography was the Hungarian Neddis Gabor, he did it in 1947 and received a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1971 for this cause. We think that it is much more recent, because this model was perfected with laser light; Gabor’s designs were much simpler because there was not as much material to achieve the works that are done today. Although Gabor patented this invention, what he was really investigating at the beginning was to improve the resolution of the images that had to be seen through an electron microscope. The process was called by the term holography; At first, the images were shown in a complete way, but not their perspective. Holography comes from the Greek word holos (complete).
Complete holograms, that is, with three-dimensional objects, were created in the United States in 1963 by Juris Upatnieks and Emmett Leith and in the Soviet Union by Yuri Denisyuk. Today they are used in different applications and DVD players, also as a form of security for bills, credit cards, etc.
Next we will explain how to create a hologram at home; You don’t need a lot of money or super advanced technology to achieve it, you will only need a CD box and a Smartphone. We are not going to tell you that it is “extremely easy” either.
What do you need to make a hologram?
- A smartphone
- A CD case
- Scotch tape
- Pair of scissors
- Job
- A pen (pen)
- A rule
- Graph paper
- Knife, cutter, scalpel, glass cutter.
- Liquid silicone gun
Instructions for making a hologram
- Smartphone: you can manage to transform your mobile device into a hologram projector, in order to see 3D images.
- Take the graph paper and establish the dimensions on it, this template will be to be used in what will be your hologram projector. In other words, draw there what you will later cut out on the back cover of the CD case as well. Take the pen and the ruler and draw a line of one centimeter, leaving space below to continue with the drawing, find the middle of this line and draw a perpendicular line downwards, measuring 3.5 cm, finished, draw in parallel to the first line another line but 6 cm long (the figure should be very symmetrical), now join the ends of the line above with those of the line below (the two parallel lines). The image should look like a trapezoid, now cut out your template.
- Take the CD case and remove the inner part that is usually white or black, only the transparent part should remain.
- Clean the pieces of the CD case well, to achieve better effects.
- Take a marker (marker) and trace the template on the CD cover 4 times; With a cutter or a scalpel, cut out, very carefully so as not to hurt yourself, the 4 trapezoids.
- You can remove the traces of marker (marker) that remain on the base with a little alcohol, so you will avoid interference in the hologram and you will not get stained either.
- Draw another box on your squared sheet, this will be with the aim of making the hologram look straight on you. Remember that the largest measurement of the trapezoids was 6 centimeters, so make a square with this measurement (6×6).
- Now proceed to join the four parts to be cut from the CD cover, for that take the silicone gun or transparent colored adhesive tape, it all depends on your possibilities. Place the widest part of each piece on each line of the square drawn on the sheet, and angle them inward. Go pasting one by one, forming a three-dimensional pyramid. Be patient so that it fits you well, the upper part must be completely uniform, since it is the one that will be attached to your Smartphone. It is advisable that you file the edges that will remain on top.
- You can now remove the guide sheet, as your hologram player is now ready.
- Turn off the light, take your pyramid (projector) and put it on your cell phone with the narrow part on the screen and you will be able to enjoy your 3D images.
- The image will be reflected in four different points, which will achieve the wonderful effect that you will see.
Tips for making a hologram
- Always try to find the box that has fewer scratches or imperfections, but if it does, it will not be an impediment either.
- The rule helps you to cut straight.
- Moving images must have focal points.
- It is recommended that the drawing of point 2 be done by hand.
- Be very careful when you handle the blades so as not to cut yourself; most videos look easier when it comes to trimming the acrylic down to what it actually is.
- With glass we can make giant holograms and project from the TV, but it will be more dangerous to work with this model and the television must be protected.
- If you want to make this hologram and you are under 14 years of age, you can do it but always with the supervision of a responsible adult.