Laser Holography

Laser holography is the purest holographic art form and without doubt offers the most realistic and lifelike holographic portraits. This type of hologram is made by shining laser light, which is a completely safe process, directly on the person whose portrait is being taken. A master hologram, the holographic equivalent of a photographic negative, is created. This type of hologram is recorded in Spatial Imaging's specialised portrait studio at Richmond-Upon-Thames, near London. The master hologram is then used by Spatial Imaging to produce a display hologram which, when illuminated, produces the holographic portrait image. Spatial Imaging makes two types of display holograms - white light reflection holograms and laser transmission holograms.

White light reflection holograms

White light reflection holograms are illuminated from the front using a normal domestic spot light. When illuminated the portrait image can be seen to straddle the holographic plate i.e. part of the portrait image projects in front of the hologram and part lies behind. The holographic portrait is life sized. 

Advantages:

  • This type of hologram is a 'true' hologram and as such it provides a solid, three-dimension and realistic image with full parallax i.e. up and down and side to side look around.
  • The hologram can be easily wall mounted and illuminated from the front with a standard spot light.

Disadvantages:

  • Animation is not currently available.
  • The portrait image is monochromatic i.e. appears in a single colour, usually orange, yellow or green.
  • Whilst deep images can be produced the parts of the image which are deeper than approximately 150 mm (6") are not usually in sharp focus.

Laser transmission holograms

It is generally accepted that laser transmission holograms provide the ultimate three-dimensional holographic portrait. They are illuminated from behind using the pure, single-colour light from a laser or an LED illumination system. The entire portrait image appears to float approximately 30 cm (12") or more behind the hologram. This unique type of hologram takes on the appearance of a window and, as when looking through a real window, the entire person and any surrounding items, furniture etc. can be seen in sharp focus. It is even possible to include more than one person in the same hologram.

Advantages :

  • This type of hologram is also a 'true' hologram which provides a solid, three-dimension and realistic image with full parallax i.e. up and down and side to side look around. It is generally accepted to that this type of hologram offers the ultimate in holographic portrait recording.
  • The entire image up to 2 meters or more behind the hologram is in sharp focus.
  • Far more of the person or a group of people can be recorded.

Disadvantages :

  • Animation is not currently available.
  • The image is the same colour as the light source and therefore is monochromatic i.e. a single colour. Common colours include red, orange, yellow, green or blue.
  • There is no forward projection of the holographic image.
  • The hologram requires backlighting which can be more difficult to implement.