How to illuminate your hologram
Holograms are a physical structure that reshape light. The quality of the image you see depends not only on the recorded hologram but the light that you use to replay it. Getting the correct angle of illumination is important.
To test for the correct angle you can ask a friend on a ladder to hold the light, or with a fixed light tilt the hologram until the image is brightest. With transmission hologram this also gives you control of color.
The sharpness of the image increases as you move the light further away from the hologram. A light at a distance at least 3ft for a 11×16″ hologram and more than 6″ for a 20″x24″ transmission hologram is optimal. For bright illumination at this distance use a spotlight or pin spot, 6-15 degree beam spread, 10 and 12 degrees are most common.
For small holograms – such as those made in a Make Your Own Hologram Workshop Ikea Jansjo lights work well
At the HoloCenter we use SORAA LEDs for most of the artwork. These LEDs have an excellent color spectrum, clean beam and no UV
There a lots of different light fixtures to choose from, remember you will need to be able to adjust the angle and you may want a fixture that enables you to fine tune the light position.
Socket extenders can be a simple way to control the lighting angle from an existing light fixture.
At the HoloCenter on Governors Island we use low voltage wire track lights. This is a great solution for a historic house where the ceilings are fragile.
There are lost more option so if you have further questions please reach out