Few people can forget their first time seeing a hologram: the ghostlike image floating in space, changing its appearance in response to movement. Holograms have stirred childlike wonder in scientists and rapt curiosity in
generations of schoolchildren. Abundantly depicted in science fiction novels and movies, holography is still imprinted with the dream of a better future through science and technology. Nowadays, holography plays a critical role in applications as diverse as credit card security, nondestructive testing of composite materials, and data storage and processing. Holography is one of the rare techniques that can transcend the realm of science
into the magic of art.
The primary objective of this Field Guide is to present an overview of the various concepts of holography, including a
theoretical foundation, a description of the different types of holograms (both optical- and computer-based), techniques used to produce them, and the most common recording materials. It is meant to provide the student, scholar, researcher, engineer, or professor with a broad panorama of the field and to help readers explore holography and understand its technical aspects and methodology.
Holography is not reserved solely for scientists with expensive equipment - it is a hobby and a passion that
can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in science who wants to make their own holograms. I hope that this Field
Guide can demystify holography, but keep the wonder untouched and inspire you to discover the beauty of optical
sciences.
Pierre-Alexandre Blanche
College of Optical Sciences
The University of Arizona
December 2013
