PHYSICS INVESTIGATORY

PROJECT
2024-2025

3D- HOLOGRAM
AKSHIT VASUDEV
CLASS:12-B
GR.NO:1099
ROLL NO:
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt
gratitude to everyone who has supported and guided me
throughout the process of completing this project. Their
encouragement, advice, and assistance have been
invaluable, and without their unwavering support, it
would have been challenging to complete and submit
the project on time.
I am especially thankful and would like to extend my
sincere gratitude to my teacher, Mr. Bhaskar
Khandelwal, for his constant guidance and valuable
insights. His expertise and encouragement were
instrumental in helping me navigate the complexities of
this project.
I also wish to express my deep appreciation to our
principal, Mr. Rishikesh Padegaonkar, for providing
moral support and fostering a positive environment that
enabled me to work on this project with focus and
determination.
Lastly, I am profoundly grateful to my parents and
friends, whose constructive suggestions and continuous
encouragement were crucial in the successful
completion of this project. Their belief in me gave me
the confidence to persevere and put forth my best effort.

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 AIM
The primary aim of this investigatory project is to delve
into the fascinating world of 3D holograms by
exploring the science and technology that make them
possible. This involves gaining a comprehensive
understanding of the fundamental principles of
holography, constructing a basic 3D hologram
prototype, and analyzing its wide-ranging applications
across various fields.
Through this project, I seek to highlight how 3D
holograms have the potential to revolutionize multiple
industries, including communication, entertainment,
and education, by offering more immersive and
interactive experiences. Additionally, the investigation
aims to shed light on the future possibilities of
holographic technology and its role in shaping a more
advanced, connected world.

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 INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the Future of Visual Technology!

In this project, we dive into the mesmerizing world of

holograms—a technology that has transitioned from the
realm of science fiction to an awe-inspiring reality.
Holography, once a fantastical concept, now captivates
our imagination and continuously pushes the boundaries
of what is possible in visual displays. In the following
pages, we will uncover the principles, technologies, and
applications of 3D holograms, taking you on an
exhilarating journey through the world of three-
dimensional light projections. Prepare to be amazed and
inspired as we unravel the science and magic behind 3D
holography.
A hologram is a three-dimensional image of an object,
so lifelike that it feels as though you could reach out
and touch it. Holography is the cutting-edge technique
that enables wavefronts of light to be recorded and later
reconstructed to create these stunning images. While it
is best known for generating real 3D visuals,
holography also boasts a vast range of other
applications. In essence, holography is not limited to
light waves—it can theoretically record and reconstruct
any type of wave.

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At its core, holography is a process for recording and
reconstructing light fields. A light field is the result of
light waves scattered off objects, creating an intricate
pattern of light that can be captured and reproduced.
The concept of holography is somewhat analogous to
sound recording, where a sound field created by
vibrating objects like musical instruments or vocal
cords is encoded and later reproduced, even without the
original source. However, holography is even more
sophisticated—closely resembling ambisonic sound
recording, which allows the recreation of sound fields
from any listening angle. Similarly, holography allows
the reconstruction of light fields from any viewing
perspective, bringing the image to life in full three-
dimensional splendor.

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 History

The concept of holography has its origins in the mid-

20th century, rooted in the groundbreaking work of
Hungarian physicist Dennis Gabor. In 1947, Gabor
introduced the theory of holography while striving to
enhance the resolution of electron microscopes. This
innovative research not only revolutionized imaging
techniques but also earned Gabor the Nobel Prize in
Physics in 1971. Despite this significant achievement,
the practical implementation of holography remained
out of reach until the invention of the laser in 1960. The
laser's ability to produce coherent light made it possible
to create and reconstruct holograms with precision and
clarity.
The earliest holograms were rudimentary, two-
dimensional, and static, relying on photographic plates
to record and display objects. However, as
advancements in optics and imaging technologies
unfolded, these limitations were overcome, paving the
way for the development of 3D holography. A major
breakthrough came in the 1990s with the emergence of
digital holography, which leveraged computer
technology to generate, store, and manipulate
holograms, unlocking new possibilities for dynamic and
interactive displays.

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Today, 3D holography has evolved far beyond its early
stages and is no longer confined to the realm of science
fiction. The advent of sophisticated light projectors,
spatial light modulators, and cutting-edge algorithms
has enabled the creation of holograms with stunning
depth perception and immersive qualities. These
advancements are transforming the way humans interact
with visual information, opening new frontiers in fields
such as communication, education, medicine, and
entertainment. As 3D holography continues to advance,
it promises to redefine our understanding of
visualization in the digital age, offering endless
opportunities for innovation and creativity.

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 Timeline
June 20: Information and details regarding the
project were given to us

June 24: Settled on the topic, 3d hologram

July 2: Made the synopsis

July 9: Submitted the synopsis to ask opinions on

my plans for the project.

July 10: Approval of the synopsis

August 11: Planning for the project

August 15: Purchased the materials required

August 20: Started making the working model

August 26: Did the first testing of the working

model

September 9: Presented the working model

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September 10:Applied the modifications required

September 12: Presented again and approved

October 1 : Started making the report.

October 15: Presented the rough report

October 17: Applied the corrections required

October 21: Presented the corrected report and

approved

October 30: Printed the final report

December 10: Final approval for working model

December 11: Stamping and correction of final

report

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 Principle
A hologram is created by superimposing a second
wavefront, known as the reference beam, onto the
wavefront of interest. This generates an interference
pattern, which is then recorded on a physical medium.
When the reference beam alone illuminates the
interference pattern, it is diffracted to reconstruct the
original wavefront.
Holograms can also be generated computationally by
modeling the two wavefronts and combining them
digitally. The resulting digital image is then printed
onto a suitable mask or film and illuminated with an
appropriate light source to recreate the wavefront of
interest.
Holography has diverse applications across various
fields due to its ability to accurately capture and
reconstruct three-dimensional wavefronts. In optics, it is
used for data storage, enabling the storage of vast
amounts of information in three dimensions. In medical
imaging, holography allows for detailed visualizations
of organs and tissues. It is also extensively used in
security features for credit cards, currency, and
identification documents to prevent counterfeiting. With
advancements in technology, computer-generated
holography is becoming increasingly significant,
offering greater flexibility and precision in creating

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dynamic and interactive 3D displays for entertainment,
education, and virtual reality.

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 Theory
A wavefront is an imaginary surface that represents the
points of a wave vibrating in unison. Understanding the
process of holography requires a clear understanding of
two key phenomena: interference and diffraction.
Interference occurs when two or more wavefronts
overlap and combine, while diffraction happens when a
wavefront encounters an obstacle or aperture. Both
processes play a crucial role in the creation and
reconstruction of holograms.
Plane Wavefronts:
When a recording medium is illuminated by a point
source and a normally incident plane wave, the
resulting interference pattern forms a sinusoidal zone
plate, which acts as a negative Fresnel lens. The focal
length of this lens is determined by the distance
between the point source and the recording plane. This
negative lens property results in the plane wave being
expanded into a wave that appears to diverge from the
focal point of the lens.
When the recorded pattern is illuminated with the
original plane wave, some of the light is diffracted,
creating a diverging beam that mimics the original
spherical wave. This process essentially records the
spatial information of the point source, and when
illuminated with the correct reference beam, the

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holographic image of the point source is reconstructed.
This principle is fundamental in creating 3D images of
simple objects.
Point Sources:
The process of recording a hologram using point
sources follows a similar principle. When the recording
medium is illuminated by a point source and a normally
incident plane wave, it creates a sinusoidal zone plate
that behaves like a negative Fresnel lens. The focal
length is once again related to the distance between the
point source and the recording plane.
When a plane wavefront strikes the negative lens, it is
spread into a wave that seems to diverge from the focal
point. When the recorded pattern is illuminated with the
original plane wave, light is diffracted, forming a
diverging beam that mirrors the original spherical wave,
resulting in the creation of a holographic recording of
the point source. This method is critical in capturing
point source objects in holography.
Complex Objects:
To record a hologram of a complex object, the process
involves splitting a laser beam into two separate beams.
One of the beams illuminates the object, causing it to
scatter light onto the recording medium. According to
diffraction theory, every point on the object acts as a
source of light, so the recording medium is effectively

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illuminated by a collection of point sources located at
different distances from it.
The second beam, known as the reference beam,
directly illuminates the recording medium. The light
from each point source interferes with the reference
beam, creating sinusoidal zone plates in the recording
medium. These individual zone plates are superimposed
to form a random speckle pattern, which ultimately
encodes the 3D information of the object.
This complex interference pattern, which is a
combination of all the individual point sources
interacting with the reference beam, allows for the
reconstruction of the object’s full 3D structure. The
result is a holographic representation of the object that,
when illuminated by the reference beam, gives a full 3D
visual of the object. The speckle pattern, often seen as
random, is crucial in achieving this 3D effect, as it
preserves the depth and spatial information of the
object.

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 Application
Art and Holography:
Early on, artists recognized the immense potential of
holography as a creative medium. They gained access
to science laboratories, collaborating with researchers to
bring their ideas to life. Holographic art often emerges
as the result of a partnership between scientists and
artists, blending technical precision with creative vision.
In some cases, holographers consider themselves both
artists and scientists, seamlessly merging the two
disciplines to create captivating works of art.

Sensors and Biosensors:

Holograms can also serve functional purposes when

integrated with sensors or biosensors. These holograms
are created using specialized materials that react with
certain molecules, resulting in changes to their fringe
periodicity or refractive index. This interaction alters
the color of the holographic reflection, enabling
practical applications in detecting chemical or
biological changes. Such innovations showcase the
versatility of holography in scientific and industrial
contexts.

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Security Applications:

Holograms are widely utilized for security purposes due

to their complexity and difficulty to replicate. They are
created from a master hologram using expensive,
specialized, and technologically advanced equipment,
making counterfeiting nearly impossible. In addition to
security features on items like credit cards and
passports, holographic scanners are employed in
various industries, including post offices, major
shipping companies, and automated conveyor systems.
These scanners determine the three-dimensional size of
packages and, when used alongside check weighers,
help optimize pre-packing processes for bulk
shipments, such as loading trucks or pallets.

Holographic Data Storage:

Holographic data storage represents a groundbreaking

technique for storing information at high densities
within crystals or photopolymers. As the demand for
greater storage capacities grows, current technologies
like Blu-ray Discs are nearing their data density limits.
Holographic storage offers a promising alternative by
utilizing the entire volume of the recording medium,
rather than just its surface. This allows for significantly
higher storage capacities, making it a strong contender

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for the next generation of popular storage devices. Such
advancements are particularly vital as more electronic
products integrate sophisticated storage solutions.

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 Materials Required
 Transparent Plastic Bag:
A clear plastic bag is essential for creating a surface that
can hold and display light effectively. Its transparency
ensures minimal obstruction of light waves, which is
critical for hologram projection.
 Cardboard:
Used to provide structural support and create a frame or
base for the holographic setup. Cardboard ensures
stability and helps maintain the proper alignment of
components.
 Black Cloth:
The black cloth serves as a background to reduce light
interference and improve the contrast of the hologram.
It absorbs stray light, ensuring that the projected image
appears clearer and more vivid.
 Adhesive:
Adhesive materials like glue or tape are required to
assemble the components securely. They ensure that all
parts of the hologram setup remain fixed in their
respective positions during the projection.

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 PROCEDURE

1-)Prepare the Plastic Bag:

Take the transparent plastic bag and cut out a square
piece measuring 14 cm x 14 cm. Ensure the edges are
smooth and even for accurate light projection.

2-)Cut the First Cardboard:

Take a piece of cardboard and cut it into the required
shape and size as specified in the design plan. This
piece will form the base or part of the structure for the
holographic setup.

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3-)Cut the Second Cardboard:
Take another piece of cardboard and cut it according
to the design specifications provided. This second piece
will complement the first cardboard in building the
structure.

4-)Assemble the Cardboards and Plastic Bag:

Stick the two cut cardboards together, ensuring proper
alignment, and then attach the plastic bag piece to
them as shown in the diagram. Use adhesive to secure
the parts firmly.

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5-)Create a Box Structure:
Take an additional cardboard piece of the specified size
and use it to form a box-like structure. This will provide
a stable framework for the hologram setup.

6-)Add the Black Cloth:

Cover the entire setup, including the box, with a black
cloth. This minimizes external light interference and
enhances the visibility of the holographic projection.
Place this setup over the model, ensuring it is properly
aligned for optimal projection.

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 Result
When you place your mobile on top of the setup, the
content displayed on your mobile screen will appear as
a 3D projection on the transparent plastic sheet. This
creates a mesmerizing holographic effect, making the
images or videos look like they are floating in mid-air.

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 Case Study
Holography has revolutionized the entertainment
industry, particularly in live concerts, by enabling the
creation of captivating and lifelike visual experiences.
One of the most notable instances of holographic
technology in concerts was the resurrection of
legendary artist Tupac Shakur at the 2012 Coachella
music festival. The audience witnessed a seemingly
real, three-dimensional performance by Tupac, despite
his passing in 1996. This hologram was achieved
through advanced projection techniques, including the
use of a semi-transparent screen and precise image
rendering.
Holographic concerts allow artists to perform in
multiple locations simultaneously, making it possible to
reach wider audiences. This technology has also been
used to celebrate the legacies of deceased artists,
creating a bridge between past and present generations
of music lovers. For example, holographic
performances of Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley
have captivated audiences worldwide, blending
nostalgia with cutting-edge technology.
The use of holography in concerts extends beyond
individual performers. Entire stage setups can be
transformed using 3D holographic visuals, immersing
the audience in fantastical environments. For instance,
performers can appear to interact with dynamic,
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holographically rendered backdrops, such as forests,
galaxies, or underwater scenes, enhancing the
storytelling aspect of their shows.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
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 Wikipedia: www.wikipedia.com
 Hariharan, P. (1996). Optical Holography.
Cambridge University Press.
 Hariharan, P. (2002). Basics of Holography.
Cambridge University Press.
 Lipson, A., Lipson, S. G., & Lipson, H.
(2011). Optical Physics. Cambridge University
Press.
 ChatGPT: AI Assistance and Content
Generation Tool by OpenAI.

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