
Although some holograms can be reconstructed only with laser light, others can be viewed only under white light. These two hologram types have generated a spectrum of variations. As with transmission holograms, unrecorded or non-illuminated portions of the emulsion remain transparent. The light reflects from the plate toward the observer’s eyes. To view a reflection hologram, the light source and observer must be on the same side of the holographic plate. Those portions of the emulsion not recorded or illuminated remain transparent. The light is transmitted through the plate before it reaches the observer’s eyes.

To view a transmission hologram, the light source and observer must be on opposite sides of the holographic plate. Two main types of optical holograms exist: transmission and reflection holograms. This results in the captured scenery having a three-dimensional appearance that can be observed from different perspectives. In contrast to simple photographs, which can record only amplitude and wavelength information, holograms can reconstruct complete optical wavefronts. The recording itself stores the amplitude, wavelength, and phase information of light waves. Figure 0: A full-color Denisyuk reflection hologram magnified with a loupe ( Yves Gentet’s ultimate holograms).Ī hologram is a photometric emulsion that records interference patterns of coherent light.
