How to Make a Hologram

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If you want to make a homemade 3D hologram, it's easier than you think. Every year, thousands of hobbyists, students, and teachers make holograms at home, work, or school. To make a hologram, you'll need some basic holography supplies and household items, a quiet and dark room, and about 30 minutes to process the image. With time and a steady hand, you'll be able to create your own professional hologram!

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Setting up the Materials

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  1. Before starting your project, gather all of the required materials so you know you'll be able to make and process the hologram. Purchase all of the following materials from a specialty film store or online:
    • Holographic film plates
    • Red holography laser pointer (preferably adjustable)
    • Holography processing kit
    • Safety goggles
    • Thick rubber gloves
    • Large hardcover book
    • Metal tongs
  2. Subjects that are translucent, plastic, or made of furs or fabrics tend to warp in image form. For the clearest image, use a solid metal or porcelain object that reflects light and is no larger than your holographic film plate. [1]
    • A coin, for example, would make an excellent hologram subject. A teddy bear would not.
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  3. Holograms develop best in darkness because the contrast between the object and its surroundings will be greater when it is illuminated. Turn off all the lights in your developing room and, if applicable, cover any windows or other sources of natural light. [2]
    • Avoid rooms with creaky floorboards, loud air currents, or other sudden noises, as even slight vibrations can tamper with the hologram's image. Rooms with tile, concrete, or carpet flooring are ideal.
    • Until you're ready to illuminate the object with the laser pointer, you do not need to turn off the lights.
  4. Choose a table that will hold your object firmly and does not creak or wobble. If you can't find a sturdy table, flat concrete or tile floors can work as an alternative.
    • Glue your object to a wood or metal platform against the table if you're worried about your object moving on its own.
  5. The chemicals in the processing kit may be toxic in their dry, undiluted form. Wear safety goggles and thick rubber gloves to protect your eyes and skin while handling the processing kit.
    • Never touch the processing chemicals without your gloves and goggles on to prevent injuries.
    • If you're sensitive to chemical smells, wear a dust mask or respirator while you work.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Positioning the Laser Pointer

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  1. Use a clothespin to secure the laser pointer to a plastic stand. Set the stand on the sturdy surface about 1–2 ft (0.30–0.61 m) from the object you want to capture. [3]
    • To prevent eye injuries, never look directly into the laser pointer's beam or point the beam at another person. [4]
  2. Turn on the laser pointer and point it directly at the object. Adjust the beam until it hits the object directly and illuminates as much of the object as possible.
  3. Switch off the main lights and block all direct or natural light from entering the room. The room should be dark enough that you cannot read print to successfully process a hologram. [5]
    • If your eyes have a hard time adjusting to the dark, plug in a small nightlight underneath the table.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Capturing the Holographic Image

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  1. Set up a hardcover book or other large, flat item between the laser pointer and the object to block the beam. This will function as a "camera shutter" of sorts while capturing the holographic object's image. [6]
    • If you use an alternative item to the hardcover book, choose a completely solid object. Transparent or translucent objects will not block the laser beam.
  2. Remove a holographic film plate from your supplies and position it carefully against the object. If the film plate is not thick enough to stand on its own, prop it up with plastic stands on both sides. [7]
    • Let the holographic film plate settle for about 10-20 seconds before starting the image capturing process.
    • Store the holographic film plates in a covered box until you're ready to use them for the sharpest image.
  3. The book should still block the laser light from reaching the plate at this stage. Hold the book in this position for about 10-20 seconds, waiting for any slight table vibrations to subside before you continue. [8]
    • Move slowly to prevent table vibrations or sudden noises, which can warp the hologram's image.
  4. For about 10 seconds, remove the object blocker so that the laser beam hits the holographic film plate. After 10 seconds, lower the book again to cover the laser beam.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Processing the Holographic Plate

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  1. Mix the processing powders in transparent bowls to dilute the powerful chemicals. Read the packaging instruction carefully and add the directed amounts of water and solution mixes in separate bowls, stirring carefully with a thin, metal object.
    • Do not stir different solution mixes together unless directed by the packaging. Follow the packaging instructions carefully to prevent potential accidents.
    • Again, always wear safety goggles and thick rubber gloves while handling processing chemicals.
    • Most kits should include a developer and bleach solution for processing the hologram. Each should be mixed separately.
  2. Use metal tongs to wiggle the hologram back and forth in the solution without exposing your hands to chemicals. After 30 seconds, rinse the hologram in a bowl of lukewarm water for about 30 seconds.
  3. Grip the object with the metal tongs again and swish it slowly back and forth in the bleach solution for 30 seconds. After 20 seconds have passed, rinse the hologram again in lukewarm water for about 30 seconds.
    • Unless the instructions say otherwise, it is safe to use the same water bowl for rinsing both solutions.
  4. Prop the holographic plate up vertically against the wall and place a paper towel beneath it to catch drips. Let the plate air dry in darkness, leaving it undisturbed until it is dry to the touch.
    • The plate should take between 2-3 hours to dry completely, depending on the size.
  5. After the plate dries, expose it in direct light to inspect your completed hologram. If you're satisfied with the finished image, you have successfully made a hologram.
    • If you're not satisfied with the hologram's image, repeat the process with a new film plate or contact a professional holographer.
    • Don't be discouraged if your first hologram doesn't turn out as expected. Like all hobbies, making high-quality holograms takes time and practice.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How does a hologram work?
    Community Answer
    A hologram captures a representation of the light passing through the imaging plate on its way to the viewer. The hologram captures the light before it is focused, and thus contains information about the light from many points of view. The way this information is captured involves light wave interference patterns using lasers. The light wave interference pattern is recorded by the silver halide crystals.
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  • Question
    How do I make a 4D hologram?
    Community Answer
    You can't. D refers to dimension and we live in a 3-dimensional universe so a fourth dimensional hologram is impossible.
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  • Question
    Can you use a picture for a hologram?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as you do everything else right. You should try using something else before, that way you can get the hang of it first.
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      Tips

      • The total cost to build a hologram ranges from $100-500 USD. If you want to build a hologram for the lowest cost, contact a professional holographer or holography supply store for advice.
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      Warnings

      • Work with a careful, steady hand while making the hologram. Even small, accidental movements can tamper with your hologram's look.
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        Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
      • The chemicals used while processing holograms can be toxic in their undiluted form. If you are a child or teenager, adult supervision is highly recommended to prevent injuries.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Holographic film plates
      • Red holography laser pointer (preferably adjustable)
      • Holography processing kit
      • Bright, hard object
      • Safety goggles
      • Thick rubber gloves
      • Large hardcover book
      • Metal tongs
      • 6 1 inch (2.5 cm) bottles of distilled water
      • Nightlight (optional)
      • Metal or wooden platform (optional)
      • Glue (optional)
      • Respirator or dust mask (optional)

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      References

      1. ↑ https://opg.optica.org/ao/fulltext.cfm?uri=ao-57-1-A150&id=379303
      2. ↑ https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/faculty/science/imhotep/7.8%20Making%20a%20Hologram.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Dpf7uN7J4hc
      4. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/laser-toys-how-keep-kids-safe
      5. ↑ https://blog.lidskialf.net/2022/02/12/home-made-holograms/
      6. ↑ https://blog.lidskialf.net/2022/02/12/home-made-holograms/
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Dpf7uN7J4hc
      8. ↑ https://blog.lidskialf.net/2022/02/12/home-made-holograms/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make a hologram, put your object on a table and position a red holographic laser 12 in (30 cm) away, making sure the object is fully illuminated. Next, turn off the lights and block the laser light from reaching the object with a book. Then, lean a holographic film plate against the object and wait 10-20 seconds before lifting the book. Expose the plate and object to the laser light for 10 seconds, then process the plate according to the kit's instructions and let it air dry. To learn more about how processing works, read on!

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      Reader Success Stories

      • B. Lamarr

        Jan 9, 2019

        "I was able to build my own hologram with the inscription of my name. Thanks!"
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