Holography

Abstract

A hologram is a photographic recording of a spatial light field, rather than of directional light formed by a lens. Its defining quality is a three-dimensional appearance that exhibits visual depth cues and can be viewed without the aid of intermediate optics. The holographic method was invented in 1947 and its technology advanced throughout the twentieth century, most notably since the development of the laser in the early 1960s. It has contributed to numerous scientific innovations and applications in the fields of industry, business, and medicine. Culturally, holography has fascinated society by positioning itself early on as the photograph of future and making its way into entertainment such as science-fiction films. This paper will examine the emergence of the hologram, from its scientific origins to its manifestations in commercial and popular culture. The aim of this work is to better understand holography as a photographic medium, its history, and to provide some insight to its future potentiality with the recent development of 3D digital displays.