Practical Holography

Most books on holography fit into one of two main forms; those for the amateur hobbyist holographer, or those for the full blown professional ; thankfully Practical Holography does not fit in to either of these categories but covers both without being either patronising or overwhelming to the interested beginner or too lacking in detail and undemanding for the professional.
I have used previous editions at levels ranging from short one day introductory courses through to students taking Ba, Ma and Phd level studies.
The main text is supplemented by the use of margin notes and more detailed explanations of items and technical terms in the text are in boxes on the relevant pages. The illustrations are superb showing historic and recent holograms ( in two dimensions of course ) and the layout diagrams are clear and easy to follow. It is up to date with the latest technical innovations and covers all aspects of holography from its inception to the present day, and also offers some intriguing glimpses into the possible future of the medium.
The layout has sufficient information in the early chapters to give the beginner a good grounding in the properties of light and optics and an understanding of the basic properties of the continuous wave gas laser; later other types of laser are dealt with.
Before explaining how you can make your first hologram a very useful and detailed list of the equipment needed is given along with details of how to construct many of the items needed; various types of hologram are then clearly explained and if the set up diagrams are followed in the order given, both novice and professional would have little difficulty in producing good results.
The comprehensive notes on developing chemistry later in the book are up to date and cover the latest film and plate in production.
This is the book for any serious holographer with either their own equipment or access to that of a college or university, and with the advent of the cheap Diode Laser, a matter of a few pounds, many interested beginners will want to try their hands at making holograms: this is also the book for them.

Well worth buying by the interested amateur; for any college library it is essential.

Rod Murray
Consultant Holographer: former head of holography Royal College of Art London.