Technology
How do holograms work?
A hologram works by recording how light waves bounce off an object, not just its color and brightness. When light shines on that recording, it recreates those waves — so your eyes see a 3D image that shifts realistically as you move.
See it in motion.
Watch a 2-minute animated lesson that shows exactly how holograms works.
Step by step
- 1It records the full pattern of light waves from an object.
- 2Laser light is used to capture and recreate the pattern.
- 3Shining light on it rebuilds a 3D image.
- 4The image shifts with your viewpoint, like a real object.
Frequently asked questions
- How do holograms create a 3D image?
- They record and replay the actual light-wave pattern from an object, so your eyes perceive real depth.
- What's the difference between a hologram and a photo?
- A photo records flat color and brightness; a hologram records wave information, capturing 3D depth.
- Are the floating 'holograms' in shows real holograms?
- Often not — many are clever reflection tricks rather than true light-wave holograms.