In order to create holographic images, a laser is needed to bounce light off of a target image, and a special type of film is required to capture the light as it is deflected away from the object. Mirrors and lenses are also commonly used in holography. A reliable power supply is needed in order to make sure that the laser can emit a high intensity beam. Once the image has been captured, developing the film requires the use of a chemical bath, just as in standard photography. Though not a part of the hologram equipment itself, a small object that will be the subject of the image is also integral to holography.
One essential piece of hologram equipment is the laser, a high-intensity beam of light that is focused on the subject of the holographic image. Once it is turned on, the laser light is scattered off the object and a three dimensional image can be captured. A reliable power supply is also needed in order to run the laser.
The light coming off of a laser is in a narrow beam, so a lens is often placed in front of the laser beam to widen it enough to capture the entire image. The size and shape of the lens will affect quality of the holographic image. Mirrors may also be used to direct the light around the object.
A special type of film is another piece of important hologram equipment. Hologram film is usually sensitive to either red or green laser light. This film is sandwiched between two pieces of glass and placed either between the laser and the object or to slightly behind and to the side of the object, in the path of the laser but at an angle. The position of the film will influence the amount of depth in the hologram as well as the intensity of the image.
Once the holographic image has been captured on a piece of holographic film, it will need to be developed. These images are developed in a chemical bath, just as standard photographs are. Once the image is developed, it can be transferred to a piece of foil with a piece of hologram equipment called an embosser. Companies that manufacture large quantities of holographic prints may also use special hologram laminators or die cutters.
