frequently asked questions

What are holograms? 
Holograms (hõlõ·gràm, n.; [holo= whole & gram= picture]) are true three  dimensional images recorded photographically using the special coherent properties of laser light.

How long have holograms been around?  
The theory of holography was conceptualized by the  Hungarian scientist Dennis Gabor in 1947 but it was not until the 1960's and the invention of the L.A.S.E.R. (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) that the first holograms were  produced. In 1971 Dr. Gabor received the Nobel Prize in physics for his invention. Considering its  cousin photography is over 150 years old holography is still indeed in its infancy. Pulsed holography is still in the womb & the cutting edge for display holography.

What is the difference between a analog & digital hologram? 
To produce an analog hologram  we use actual real 3/D subject matter (people, animals, models, etc.). To produce a digital hologram  we use digital computer files & "write" them pixel by pixel as a hologram. Analog holograms have much  greater resolution but must be recorded on a 1:1 recording ratio from the actual subject matter.  Digital holograms offer much less detail but can be done of anything that can be conceived of in the computer environment.

What is the largest size holograms you can produce? 
Currently the largest size holograms we produce is 3.5x5 feet. By tiling these holograms together, still larger holograms can be produced.  For portraiture, our normal sizes are 12x16 & 16x24 inches.

I thought objects had to be very still for holograms- How are you able to record people &  animals? 
For normal lasers this is true but with our proprietary pulsed system the laser "fires" its  light energy in a duration of only 20 nanoseconds- that is 20/1,000,000,000 (billionths) of a second!  Essentially nothing can move in this time except light itself.

How long does it take to produce a hologram?  
That depends. For large scale display holograms  used in advertising & commerce the general time frame is from 4-6 weeks. For commissioned  portraiture we usually have the holograms completed for our clients the within a few days. Depending  on quantity, high-volume runs are usually finished in 4-6 weeks.