Edgelit holography : extending size and color

Abstract

This thesis provides details of research undertaken to determine practical methods of increasing the size and color capabilities of the edgelit hologram. Primary emphasis lies in the application of the edgelit hologram for image display purposes. However, the techniques developed here are applicable to other holographic recording techniques which utilize a steep-angled reference beam. The technical issues involved with edgelit holography using a glass block recording method and DuPont photopolymer recording materials are described. The considerations and procedures for scaling the size of the edgelit hologram up to 20.3 x 25.5 cm (8 x10 in) (400% larger than previously demonstrated) are given. Collimated reference beam, and phase-conjugate illumination techniques are used to record transfer images of three-dimensional objects in two steps, and techniques for obtaining true-color holographic diffusers are described. Finally, a coupled H1-H2 edgelit hologram recording method is described which has potential applications for the mass-production of holographic diffusers and stereograms.