Contrary to popular belief, holograms aren’t just a part of high-tech galleries or science museums. In fact, creating a hologram, a 3D image produced through a photographic technique named holography, can be an interesting DIY project. All you need are some readily available and affordable materials such as film plates, a laser, safety goggles, a book, clothes peg, cardboard, batteries, and any small object, preferably plastic and translucent, you wish to convert into a 3D image. A hologram kit comprising necessary chemicals and instructions would also be handy and it can be easily procured from photography and department stores or online platforms.
Start by preparing the work area in a dimly-lit room. Construct a base with cardboard and position your laser device on it using a clothes peg to hold it still. This will be the source of illumination for your hologram. Place your selected object around fifty centimeters in front of the base. Block any available natural light and lean a piece of film plate against your object. Allow for approximately 10 seconds for the plate to settle.
Switch on your laser, wearing safety goggles for protection, never looking directly into the laser source. Place a book between your laser beam and the object, acting like a camera shutter. Lift the book slowly, allowing the laser beam to pass through to the film plate for around 10 seconds, before putting it back again to block the laser. Now, the film plate has been exposed to the laser beam and is ready to be removed from the object. Follow instructions on the hologram kit to develop and dry the plate.
The final step is the most exciting — slice your gaze upon a 3D DIY hologram under dim light, marking your initiation into the tech world. For perfectionists, ensure a darker room for better hologram quality and avoid placing the plates too close or too far from the object to prevent blurry images. Minimize stray light to avoid double images. Make sure to use a quiet room with least noise distraction for the best results. Creating a hologram is a fun, scientific endeavor achievable with everyday objects, minimum requirements, and a bucketful of curiosity.
