The first step to making your own hologram is setting up an optical table. This is simply a device to neutralize as many vibrations as possible. When making a hologram even the smallest vibrations (100ths of a millimeter) can cause your image to get ruined. An optical table us usually a very sturdy table that is filled with lots and lots of sand so that vibrations can’t reach the mirrors, lenses, etc. easily. This also allows you to position things exactly where you want them on a sturdy base.
To test your table, you usually use our good old friend: the Michelson Interferometer (below). The idea behind this device is that your laser beam is split into two beams, recombined, then projected onto a surface. This produces a interference pattern (above). If the pattern is stable, your table is good. If the patter in changing you know that something is causing movement. Here are some possibilities:
- Air currents (ventilation)
- Vibrations (walking, appliances, etc)
- Something touching the table (you?)
History | How They Work | Links | Main Hologram Page | Multibeam Holograms | Setup | Singlebeam Holograms
