Can 3D Holograms Be Created by Exciting Nitrogen Molecules in Air?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of creating 3D holograms by exciting nitrogen molecules in the air to emit blue light, drawing parallels to fluorescent lamps and advanced microscopy techniques. The scope includes theoretical exploration and technical considerations related to holography and light manipulation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes the idea of using electromagnetic radiation to excite nitrogen molecules in air to create a 3D holographic effect, likening it to Two-photon Excitation Microscopy.
  • Another participant suggests that the concept resembles optical-optical double resonance, indicating a potential connection to existing scientific principles.
  • A different viewpoint emphasizes that a true hologram relies on stable diffraction patterns, which may not be achievable with gas atoms due to their varying velocities and positions, potentially leading to incoherent images.
  • The same participant speculates that while the proposed method may not create a hologram, it could produce bright pixels in a 3D pattern, but challenges arise with visibility of layers behind others, suggesting the need for advanced image processing to manage this issue.
  • There is a mention of historical display technologies that have been unconventional yet somewhat effective, hinting at the possibility of future innovations in this area.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and nature of the proposed method, with no consensus reached on whether it could effectively create a true hologram or merely a set of bright pixels. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the practicality of the idea.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the behavior of gas atoms, the complexity of achieving coherent images, and unresolved technical challenges related to image processing for depth perception.

Jackissimus
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I was watching the first Star Wars, the scene with "Help me Obi Wan Kenobi ...", and I thought:
Wouldn't it be possible to create a 3D holograph by exciting the nitrogen molecules in the air to shine blue, similar to a fluorescent lamp? The idea is to focus multiple sources of electromagnetic radiation into each voxel of the 3D image. And when the low energy photons meet in the voxel, they would together produce just the right amount of energy to excite the nitrogen. I am thinking something similar to how Two-photon Excitation Microscopy works, maybe even using the same femtosecond laser technology. What do you think?
 
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Sounds a bit like optical-optical double resonance. Have you encountered that yet in your searching? :smile:
 
Nope. 😊👍
 
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Jackissimus said:
to create a 3D holograph by exciting the nitrogen molecules in the air to shine blue, similar to a fluorescent lamp?
A true hologram is a diffraction pattern and it relies on the parts of the pattern all being in stable positions so that an incoming coherent wave will re-form the pattern of the original object. Gas atoms will have a range of velocities and positions and won't cause formation of a coherent image.

You seem to be suggesting a method (not holographic) of exciting all atoms in each 'pixel' in a 3D volume. What you would see would (I think) be a set of bright pixels corresponding to parts of the surface of the original object in a 3D pattern. The problem would be that layers 'behind ' other layers would still be visible. Very confusing. To deal with that, the image processing would have to turn off (blank) bright pixels in directions behind a nearer object.

I guess the processing could make the system work for an observer viewing from just one particular direction.

But Never Say Never. There have been some very whacky display technologies which 'worked' tolerably well in the past. Browse the enormous list of patents for TV displays.
 

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