Is a Two-Sided Reflective Dish Considered a Hologram?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around whether a two-sided reflective dish can be classified as a hologram. Participants explore the definitions of holography, the principles of light reflection, and the misconceptions surrounding optical illusions marketed as holograms.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if the reflective dish fits the definition of a hologram, seeking clarification to avoid misleading schoolchildren.
  • Another participant asserts that the dish does not relate to holography and explains it operates on the principle of a 'virtual image.'
  • A participant expresses curiosity about the origins of the misconception that such dishes are holograms, linking it to marketing and cultural representations of holograms in media.
  • There is a mention of the term "holomirrors" used in marketing, suggesting a potential source of confusion.
  • One participant notes that while 3D holographic projection systems have been developed, they often have limitations, such as restricted viewing angles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the two-sided reflective dish does not qualify as a hologram, but there is ongoing discussion about the reasons behind the misconception and the current state of 3D holographic technology.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the ambiguity in definitions of holography and the influence of marketing on public perception. There is also uncertainty regarding the capabilities and limitations of existing 3D holographic projection systems.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to educators in physics, students learning about optics, and individuals curious about the distinctions between holography and optical illusions.

sciboinkhobbes
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Hello everyone,

An interesting discussion has arisen within my physics department.

Would this (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002W3J7M/?tag=pfamazon01-20) two-sided reflective dish technically fit the definition of a hologram?

We often present this demonstration to schoolchildren, talking about how light reflects off of mirrors and discussing the focal point of the dish, but parents (and some children) are apt to ask whether it's a hologram. We want to make sure we're not leading them astray.

Thanks for any clarification!
 
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sciboinkhobbes said:
Hello everyone,

An interesting discussion has arisen within my physics department.

Would this (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002W3J7M/?tag=pfamazon01-20) two-sided reflective dish technically fit the definition of a hologram?

We often present this demonstration to schoolchildren, talking about how light reflects off of mirrors and discussing the focal point of the dish, but parents (and some children) are apt to ask whether it's a hologram. We want to make sure we're not leading them astray.

Thanks for any clarification!

That has nothing to do with holography. It works on the principle of a 'virtual image':

http://www.hope.edu/csi/Activity_Kits/FloatingCoin_Background.pdf
 
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Awesome, thank you! That confirms my suspicions. I'll have to let the physics freshmen know they can't tell the 10-year-olds it's a hologram any longer.

So my question is, how did this misconception arise in the first place? These optical illusion demonstrations are even marketed as "holomirrors". Does it have something to do with our conceptions of floating 3D holograms from the movies? It appears that a true hologram is much different, simply a photograph made with interference patterns from multiple light sources.

Is the confusion maybe also attributed to the idea of light interfering to produce the "floating coin" image?

And finally, are 3D holographic projections possible/have they been created (like Princess Leia... "Help me, Obi-Wan!")?
 
Are you asking why a company would give a meaningless spiffy sci-fi name to their product? I suspect marketing.

3D holographic projection systems have been developed in fits and spurts for the past 20 years or so- I'm not familiar with current state-of-the-art, but the systems I have seen have a very restricted view angle- your head has to be held in fairly precise alignment with the display.
 

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