Expose a Hidden Message w/ Polarisation Filters

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of exposing a hidden message using polarisation filters and specific photographic techniques. Participants explore the properties of film and methods for encoding information that can be revealed under polarised light.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using a black and white image that disguises a message, which can be revealed when viewed through polarising filters.
  • Another participant asserts that ordinary photographic film does not preserve polarisation, questioning the initial proposal's feasibility.
  • A participant inquires about specific types of film that might preserve polarisation, mentioning PAN F PLUS 35MM as a candidate.
  • Another participant suggests that while standard photographic film is sensitive to light intensity, there are alternative methods to encode hidden messages on such film.
  • One participant seeks guidance on where to learn about encoding hidden messages and asks about the manufacturing process of polarised film.
  • A suggestion is made to search for terms related to hiding information in images, including techniques like superposing low-level intensity variations that are not visible to the naked eye.
  • Another participant provides insight into the production of polarised film, mentioning the heating and stretching of plastic film to create elongated domains for polarisation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the capabilities of standard photographic film regarding polarisation, with some asserting limitations while others explore alternative methods. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the initial proposal's feasibility.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the properties of photographic film and the specifics of polarisation. The discussion includes unresolved questions about the manufacturing process of polarised film and the effectiveness of various encoding techniques.

Phil the tinkerer
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I want to expose a very fine grain film where an image disguises a message but when viewing the through polarising filter allows the message to be revealeded. I envisage exposing the B & W image that is light by light polarised through a positive mask of the message and simultaneously a negative mask light oppositely polarised of the same massage. The idea is the final image will have the property that in natural un polarised light appear to be a simple image but when viewed through a polarising filter the message will be seen. Is what I suggest possible?
 
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Ordinary film will not preserve the polarization.
 
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Is there a kind of film which will preserve polarisation? The film I have had suggested is:-

PAN F PLUS 35MM​

35mm, ISO 50, high contrast, super sharp black & white film with very fine grain. Ideal for studio photography and bright, natural light.

  • Slow speed ISO 50
  • Exceptionally fine grain
  • Outstanding resolution & sharpness
 
As DrC said, standard photographic film is sensitive to light intensity only, not to polarization. If you want to encode hidden messages, there are other ways to do that on standard photographic film. Have you looked into any of those?
 
Thank you for answering. No I haven't where can I learn about those? What search term would you suggest? do you know how polarised film is made? My impression from a long time ago it consists of lines for linear and circles for radial. How close together are the lines? or is this a metaphor for some quantum type effect?
 
Phil the tinkerer said:
No I haven't where can I learn about those?
Just try some general Google search terms. Try stuff like Hiding information in images and similar. IIRC one of the techniques is to superpose low-level intensity variations in the image that are not apparent to the naked eye, but carry information (like a low-contrast QR code added to the image that people will not normally notice).

Phil the tinkerer said:
do you know how polarised film is made?
You could search on Poloroid lens or similar to get some good info. IIRC, one way is to heat and stretch the plastic film to make the domains elongated, which gives the film an overall polarization capability in the long direction.
 

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