AHT at a glance

World’s first 3D Cinematic Hologram Film Studio

Some people say, before you die you should experience swimming with Dolphins;   we would like to add another sensational  experience to this list,   namely to walk and talk with a hologram.   If you have never done this – it will freak you out.

Hologram (FAQs)

Here we attempt to answer most frequently asked questions about holograms & holography. If you do not see the question you wish to ask,  please contact us.     We will try to answer your question.

What is a hologram?

Hologram is an image registered with use of coherent laser light. It allows to preserve the 3-D information of a holographed subject. With a single source of white light, the image is "played back" and appears in 3-D exactly as it was  registered in the studio.  Image can project deep inside, or "stick" out of the picture.

What is the use of holograms?

They are  used  for  attractive  product  packaging,  security  applications  (they  are almost impossible to counterfeit), fancy gifts, etc.. Holograms are new media of 3-D art, registration of priceless artifacts, etc.. They are also used in new technology aircraft, automobiles, etc.. A few leading companies work on holographic video and TV systems.

Can I make a hologram using my favorite photograph?

Yes, and no. It is possible to make a hologram of photograph, but photograph itself contains flat, 2-D image information.  Therefore on the hologram it will also look flat. It would look just like a flat photograph floating in the space on front, or behind the frame.  The third,  missing dimension of a photograph cannot be reconstructed by holographic process.

What media are used for holography?

There are different kinds of holograms:  The oldest - silver halide film.  It is a film similar to camera film,  but of much  higher resolution.  These are excellent for  wall pictures,  portraits, etc.Dichromate hologram is made  of special  gelatin emulsion  sealed between two glass plates. It is mainly used for small earrings, holo-watches, pendants, etc. It offers really bright and sharp imaging.Embossed holograms are the ones on "silver foil". Embossed holograms are the   lowest  priced in large runs.    They are used on  credit cards,  security applications, sports cards, stickers, etc. Embossed holograms often are multi-colour. Colour information is computer-generated before embossing process.

Photo-polymer is a relatively new material.  It gives very bright image on a  flexible surface. Used for bright wall holograms,   keyrings, etc..  It may  be transparent -- which  opens new possibilities.   Holographic  sunglasses are made with photo-polymer.  One can look through normally, when on the other side they create extremely bright 3-D image.

Some holograms show motion. How is it done?

There  are a  few   techniques  of  hologram  making:      Single image  --  usual choice for documentary or portrait holography.  Subject just  "sits still"  and looks 3-D. Multi-channel holograms.  They show  a few different  images,   usually  changing from  side to side. Most commonly 2 or 3 channels are used. It is like making a few "shots" on the same piece of film from different angles.

Stereograms  are the ones  that show a smooth movement.   They are made of up to a few hundred frames - a little bit like a cartoon movie animation. They can be computer generated, made from digital video or movie tape - showing a short sequence of some action.

What is the best way to display hologram?

Transmission holograms need light behind them, therefore home displaying is rather tricky with transmission holograms.  Reflection holograms  require single light source from front-above, more-less 45 degrees.  These are much easier to display,  and are suitable as home decor.  Usually light  creating strong shadow contrast is the best,  and soft,  or multi-source light will blur the image. Most conveinent is to display holograms at eye level, so they can be visible from a distance without a problem.

Can the image be enlarged or reduced?

It is possible, but very complex and expensive. For this reason the natural choice is to create holograms in 1:1 size. Some stereograms can be made in other sizes.

How about full colour holography?

Most  of  holograms  are made in  one colour  -  similar to  black  and  white holography. The typical greenish - yellow colour of a hologram is natural colour of the film -more precisely it is "side effect" of developing process.

Multi - colour holograms are available, but as it takes extremely complicated process and is time  consuming,  they are  still rare  and expensive.  (The embossed   holograms are multi-colour, but it is not the "original" colour - it is colour added by computer in mastering process.)

Will a hologram last long?

Holograms are very durable, and with proper care will outlive any regular photographs or prints.

Do I need a special lighting to view hologram at home?

Most of today's holograms are white light holograms. You would need just a regular source of light, like a track light, halogen spot or clear light bulb shining directly on the picture.