Laser light is used to create holograms

By Stacy Shoemake, University Communications

When the time came for Pat Johnson to fulfill his research credits he hoped to create a new and experimental project as opposed to participating in a general science research class. For Johnson, an independent research project allows a broader range of learning by incorporating difficult mathematical concepts into his physics research. He approached Dr. Don Weber with the idea of conducting research on holograms, optics and 3-D images.

“Patrick wanted to do something applied as opposed to theoretical – something he could actually do, and Patrick really likes mathematics. The extraordinary thing about a hologram, when you make one – you have this 3-D image on a piece of film like a Polaroid. The interesting thing is that I can now cut that hologram into a hundred pieces and every piece would have the whole scene on it. If I cut a Polaroid into a hundred pieces, I’ll get one piece of an ear, another of a head and so on,” explained Weber.

For Weber, the research Johnson was proposing would be a return to work he once conducted in Lay Science Building. Excited about revisiting the world of holography and optics, Weber gave Johnson the freedom to develop a research project implementing concepts of mathematics, physics and optics they hoped would ultimately produce holographic images.

Johnson is a senior studying physics and mathematics. A recent class in quantum mechanics peaked his interest in understanding the principles of light. Additional space in the Trustee Science Center opened the door for his unique research project to begin.

“When light interacts with itself you have to bring quantum theory and quantum mechanics together with wave equations. I’m trying to get a better understanding of the nature of light through a practical aspect like holography,” said Johnson.

Although the concept is highly revolutionary, Johnson’s research doesn’t require high-tech equipment. His private research room in the Trustee Science Center is equipped with two inner tubes, a cheap camera with the face broken off, photographic film and a laser beam. With these simple tools Johnson is trying to better understand light while capturing interference patterns in the form of holographic images.

“A hologram is a recording of an interference pattern between two light beams. I’m bringing one beam and shining it onto the object itself and then onto the film behind it. Then I add a second light beam and shine it directly onto the film without hitting the object. The first beam spreads out after it hits the object and the second beam is going to come back and interfere with that. So, I’m left with the image of whatever object I have in front of the film,” explained Johnson.

The applications for holograms range from simple images on a greeting card to the possible future ability to project completely realistic 3-D images of tanks and troops on battlefields. Army scientists are currently studying holographic possibilities of intimidating enemy forces with lifelike images that would make the American troops seem larger than life. Military researchers hope to implement holographic technology on the battlefield in the next ten years. Johnson’s research experience at Drury could lead to future research projects, perhaps even research with the military.

“I’m on active military service right now. It just happens to be that my job is to finish my degree. When I finish my degree – then the Navy will give me another job,” said Johnson.

Upon graduation next May Johnson is entering the United States Navy Engineering School. His research project at Drury gives Johnson valuable experience incorporating separation of variables and differential equations to gain a better understanding of light, isolation of movement, and holographic images. As the research continues, Johnson feels thankful to have an inspiring mentor like Dr. Don Weber to work with.

“Last semester I went to Dr. Weber and asked if we could do holographic research. He already had his semester planned – but he changed his entire schedule just to work with me on this research,” said Johnson. “That’s really indicative of all the teachers in the physics department. Every time I’ve come to one of my professors with a problem, they have always been willing to drop everything and help me as much as possible.”