Recording Ultra-Realistic Full-Color Analog Holograms for Use in a Moving Hologram Display

Summary

We present a protocol to record a set of ultra-realistic full-color analog holograms, showing the same brightness, transparency, and homogeneous colors, on ultra-fine-grain silver-halide holographic emulsions for the fabrication of a dynamic holographic 3D display.

Abstract

This paper demonstrates a method to record a set of twelve ultra-realistic full-color analog holograms presenting the same brightness, transparency and homogeneous colors for the fabrication of a Fantatrope, a dynamic holographic 3D display, without the need for special viewing aids. The method involves the use of 3D printer technology, a single-beam full-color Denisyuk optical setup with three low-power lasers (red, green, and blue) and an iso-panchromatic high-sensitive silver-halide holographic emulsion specially designed for recording analog holograms without any diffusion. A cyclic animation is created with a 3D computer graphics program and different elements are 3D printed to form models for the holograms. Holograms are recorded with a full-color holographic setup and developed using two simple chemical baths. To prevent any emulsion thickness variations, the holograms are sealed with optical glue. Results confirm that all holograms recorded with this protocol present the same characteristics, which allow them to be used in the Fantatrope.

Introduction

Three-dimensional (3D) displays are an important research topic^1,2,3 and most of the current approaches use the stereoscopic principle⁴ that causes visual discomfort and fatigue^5,6. The Fantatrope is a convenient new type of dynamic holographic 3D display that can show a short animation in full color without the need for special viewing aids⁷. A Fantatrope uses a series of twelve full-color holograms corresponding to the different phases of an animation. All holograms us....

Protocol

CAUTION: All appropriate safety practices must be followed when using lasers¹² and chemical products, including the use of personal protective equipment such as safety goggles, glasses, gloves, and lab coats.

1. Content creation

1. Model the different elements of the scene (character and background) with 3D computer graphics programs such as Blender, a free and open-source 3D software toolset.
2. Create a 12-frame cyclic animation with the 3D computer graphics program.
3. 3D print and paint the different elements.
   1. Print characters and background at the same scale using a fused depos....

Results

3D content was created and a cyclic sequence of twelve images was imagined, and the different elements were then 3D printed and painted (Figure 1). A Denisyuk single-beam full-color optical setup was assembled to record holograms (Figure 2). After recording, the holograms were developed and sealed (Figure 3) to obtain a set of twelve ultra-realistic full-color analog holograms with a 180° full-parallax, showing the same brightness, transparency and homogeneous colors (

Discussion

Traditionally, stop-motion film uses puppets or clay models. To avoid movement and obtain a bright image at the time of hologram recording, a set of 3D printed characters and backgrounds are chosen. Furthermore, the different elements are attached firmly and without stress in the box. If an element is fixed with constraint or moves during the recording, it will appear black or fringed in the final hologram. 3D printing is a very interesting new tool for creating original models for analog holography.

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Black marker	Monami	Magic Cap
FDM monochrome 3D printer	Anet	A8
Holographic bleach	Ultimate Holography	BLEACH-1L	Non-toxic
Holographic developer	Ultimate Holography	REV-U08-1.2	Non-toxic
Holographic plates	Ultimate Holography	U04P-VICOL-4X5	Light-sensitive
Laser (DPSS 532 nm 100 mW)	Cobolt	Samba	Follow safety practices
Laser (DPSS 473 nm 50 mW)	Cobolt	Blue	Follow safety practices
Laser (HeNe 633 nm 21 mW)	Thorlabs	HNL210L	Follow safety practices
Laser power meter	Sanwa	LP1
Matte black spray paint	Plasti-kote	3101
Microscope objective	Edmund Optics	40X 0.65 NA
Pinhole	Edmund Optics	10 μm
Spatial Filter Movement	Edmund Optics	39-976
UV glue	Vitralit	6127	Use gloves
Wetting agent	Kodak	Photo-Flo
White PLA filament	Hatchbox	PLA-1KG1.75-BLK
X-cube	Edmund Optics	54-823