Do-it-yourself holography

If an object is illuminated by a coherent, monochromatic light source such as a laser, it is possible to record an interference pattern produced by light scattered from the object on a photographic film placed close to the object. No camera is necessary, and if the developed plate (hologram) is viewed in the laser beam, a virtual three-dimensional image of the object is seen through it.

The article describes a simple experimental arrangement for obtaining a hologram provided a laser is available, the lower power type used for lecture-room demonstrations being suitable.

Results are shown together with an elementary treatment of the wave superposition and photographic processes.