New printer creates realistic 3D holograms

Researchers have developed a new printer that creates 3D digital holograms with an unprecedented level of detail and realistic color. The new printer can be used to recreate high-resolution objects for museum exhibits, architectural layouts, works of art, or advertising. Moreover, viewing holograms do not require glasses or special viewing tools.

Our research project, which lasted 15 years, was aimed at creating a holographic printer with all the advantages of previous technologies and eliminating disadvantages such as expensive lasers, low print speed, limited field of view and unsaturated colors, ”said Yves Gente, head of the research team. “We did this by creating a CHIMERA printer that uses low-cost commercial lasers and high-speed printing to produce holograms with high-quality color over a wide dynamic range.”

Researchers have described a new printer that creates holograms with a wide field of view and full parallax on the special photographic material that they developed. Full parallax holograms reconstruct the object so that it is visible in all directions with a field of view of 120 degrees.

The printer can create holograms based on 3D computer models or scans obtained using a special device developed by researchers.

The CHIMERA printer uses red, green, and blue low-power, continuous shutter lasers that adjust exposure for each laser for a few milliseconds. The researchers also created a special anti-vibration mechanical system to protect the holographic plate from movement during projection.

hightech.fm