Unleashing creativity: children make their first holograms at the open house.
Thanks to a donation in kind from the Leverkusen-based chemical company Covestro, children at the University of Stuttgart were able to experience the world of holography on Science Day 2023.
The Institute of Applied Optics had transformed its library into a living workshop where the young participants could discover the fascinating field of holography. Using various materials and figures, the children were able to create small scenes and holograph them. The finished holograms were then used to make a key ring at another station.
Depending on age and interest, an attempt was made to explain the basic idea of holography to the children and young people (flanked by other 3D visualization techniques that were presented at the institute).
The setup was similar to the Denisyuk method for on-axis reflection holograms. The recording material - a photopolymer film from Covestro - Bayfol® HX200 was exposed for about 40 seconds with a 400 mW laser at 532nm (of course under strict safety precautions and approval by the institute's laser safety officer). After exposure, the film material was cured under ultraviolet light.
The Bayfol® HX200 film was detached from the glass carrier and transferred to a black film, cut out and ultimately framed in a keychain.
All in all, thanks to Covestro, more than 80 children and young people were able to make their first own hologram that afternoon, and we hope that a little enthusiasm for science and optics was sparked in some of them.
A low-threshold introduction to the world of holography and practical instructions can be found in the book „Hologramme zum Selbermachen (1.000 Laser-Hacks für Maker)“.
About Covestro:
Covestro is one of the world's leading manufacturers of high-quality plastics and their components. With its innovative products and processes, the company contributes to greater sustainability and quality of life in many areas. Covestro supplies customers around the globe in key industries such as mobility, construction and housing, and electrical and electronics. In addition, Covestro's polymers are used in areas such as sports and leisure, cosmetics, healthcare and in the chemical industry itself.
The company is fully aligned with the circular economy and aims to become climate neutral by 2035 (Scope 1 and 2). In fiscal 2022, Covestro generated sales of €18 billion. As of the end of 2022, the company manufactures at 50 sites worldwide and employs around 18,000 people (converted to full-time positions). More at: www.covestro.com