Upgrade of the pedagogic and popular science tool for holography to a colour version

TL;DR

This paper describes the upgrade of a pedagogic holography tool from monochrome to full colour, enabling larger, more spectacular holograms and new experiments for educational outreach and university teaching.

Contribution

The authors developed a new kit that produces larger, colour holograms and includes upgraded and new pedagogic experiments for diverse educational levels.

Findings

Produced 4x5 inch colour holograms with simple setup

Enhanced educational experiments for university and teacher training

Achieved high vibration tolerance for practical use

Abstract

In 2012, a pedagogic tool for monochromatic holography was realized for pedagogic and popular science purposes [Th. Voslion and A. Escarguel, Eur. J. Phys 33, 1803 (2012)]. Following its success, we decided to upgrade it to make larger colour holograms and new pedagogic experiments. The resulting kit includes all the necessary equipment to produce 4 "x 5" colour holograms with a simple optical assembly and with an excellent vibration tolerance. The resulting holograms, in colour and bigger, are much more spectacular for science outreach purposes. For teaching purposes, some of the existing experiments have been upgraded, and new ones have been developed for university students and continuing education of teachers: colour reflection Denisyuk holograms, single shot transmission/reflection holograms, angular and wavelength multiplexing, holographic diffraction gratings with improved setup.