Hologram printer when defined is actually a hardware that records the image sequence mechanically onto the master hologram. It holographs the optical image on the LCD which is then 'printed' on the film.


With technological upgradations, supreme quality holographic printers are now available in the markets with high resolution & full color capacity to print a three-dimensional picture.

How does a Hologram Printer works?

Hologram printers make use of holographic technology for creating a lucid three-dimensional images. This is used in hard-copy publications or electronic documents. The very technique of these printers depend on the holographic engineering, i.e. the light order is produced by the meddling of two crossing beams which are :

• The "signal" (or "object") ray. It retrieves recorded material from the optical storage media.
• The "reference" shaft.

Together they form the amazing three-dimensional picture which ultimately is known as a "Hologram." The hologram printers are comparatively expensive & complex than the two dimensional color printers. Each object on LCD can be transformed into a hologram & the hologram printer helps in imparting a new look to them. The step motor of the printer helps the film plate move towards the right position which gets fixed later on. Thereon, the particular object from the LCD is exposed on it, & thus, we are able to see the same picture from varied new angles.

Printer Slits

When we talk of holographic printer, then we cannot ignore one of its very pertinent aspect, i.e. the printer's slits. There are slits on both sides of the printer. These are 90 mm high with 0-5 mm in width & having a 1-2 mm opening. The shape has been designed such which completely avoids the projection of shadows on the photographic film plate. The slits are adjustable on both sides of the printer keeping in mind the varied requirements. As when the reflection hologram lights from the reference gets recorded, then the object beam illuminates the film from opposite sides.


With the help of two micrometer screws firmly placed on printers slit, adjustments are made. Thus, only a bit of the hologram gets exposed. Film plates are installed from the side of the printer. 6 metal springs helps in keeping them firmly placed in a stable position while 3 springs at the top & 3 springs at the bottom of the film plate holder are placed. All these ensures stability with an easy operation of the printer.

The Micro Controller for the Holographic Printer

Micro controller bridges the gap between the PC and the mechanical printer. It helps control the film plates position & the exposure time by adjusting the shutter speed. In some cases, it is built up of an 8-bits Intel 8031 chip which consists of an Aritmetric Logical Unit, ALU, two 16-bits counters/timers and a 8-bits ports. Unit of the controller has an EPROM which further consists the driving program for the printer.

The Software Program: ARIP Control

In some cases, there is a specific Windows software program known as ARIP Control (Automatic Real Image Printer) which controls the holographic printer. It helps in controlling the generation of images by giving vital signals to the printer controller. ARIP requires bitmap (BMP) format image files, where any kid of picture can be transformed into a hologram. The ARIP control software has got many features which makes it a versatile software. Such as :

• Automatic digital saving of camera clicked photographs & easy transfer to the software.
• Instant scanning & bitmap file conversion of normal camera photographic pictures.
• Easy conversion of video camera films in bitmap format.
• Film can be loaded & at the press of the button film plate is installed in the printer when film holder move to the right position.
• Instant recording starts thereafter.
• The printer is connected to the correct computer port.
• Time is adjusted for the table to be stable.
• Adjusting of the shutter speed.
• Button Port used for setting the parameters for the serial port.
• Crystal frequency for controlling the micro controller placed in the printers electronic circuitry.
• Size of the film holder in mm which is set for exposure.
• Step rate between each exposures is duly adjusted.
• Image size is adjusted as well.

Two Important Holographic Printers5/5/2007 Researchers at Sony Corporation (Tokyo, Japan) have come up with prototype holographic stereogram printers which are based on technology invented at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Laboratory in Cambridge, MA. As published in a news report in 1998, Sony's system, can produce monochromatic holographic portraits of up to 8 X 6 cm in just three minutes and this comprises all the three steps of image acquisition, processing and printing. Zebra Imaging Inc. (Austin, TX) have also come up with a device that is also designed to produce an output quickly in less than a minute, without image-processing, for a hologram of up to 13 X 25 cm.