Color Reflection Holograms Recorded in a Panchromatic Ultrahigh-Resolution Single-Layer Silver Halide Emulsion

Abstract

A review of color holography is presented as an introduction. A new method of recording and processing high-quality color holograms in an ultrahigh-resolution silver halide emulsion has been developed. Color reflection holography presents no fundamental problems with regard to the geometry of the recording setup, but the final result is highly dependent on the recording material used and its processing. By the introduction of extremely high-resolution panchromatic emulsions it has become possible to obtain high-quality, large-format color reflection holograms. The use of three laser wavelengths on a single-layer emulsion in the recording process makes the holographic recording technique similar to the early Lippmann photography technique of the last century. That combination not only promotes good color rendition, but, additionally, because no dyes or pigments are used in the emulsion of the final hologram, high archival color stability can be predicted for the image. The recording procedure, employing a Denisyuk setup and three laser wavelengths, and the processing technique are described. The processing of such holograms is critical to obtain high diffraction efficiency and good color rendering. In particular, the prevention of emulsion shrinkage is extremely important. Color holograms up to 30 × 40 cm have been recorded.