Hologram: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term comes from the Greek words 'holos' meaning 'whole' and 'gramma' meaning 'thing written'.
• The concept was first introduced in 1947 by the Hungarian scientist Dennis Gabor while working on electron microscopy.
• Gabor's invention was not widely used until laser technology was developed in the 1960s, allowing clearer holograms.

Science

• Holograms are created by recording light patterns from a laser and reconstructing them to create a 3D image.
• They can store large amounts of information; a patch of holographic film can hold more data than a traditional CD.
• Unlike photographs, holograms capture the phase and amplitude of light, giving them depth and perspective.

Pop Culture

• Holograms are often featured in sci-fi movies, like when Princess Leia appears as a hologram in 'Star Wars'.
• In 2012, the late rapper Tupac Shakur 'performed' as a hologram at the Coachella music festival, stunning audiences.
• Holography has become a popular tool in art, with artists creating interactive installations that change based on viewer movement.

Technology

• Modern VR headsets often use holographic technology to create immersive experiences that feel real.
• Researchers are exploring holograms for data storage, aiming to use them for faster and more efficient computing.
• Holographic displays are being developed for applications in medicine, allowing for better visualization of complex structures.

Literature

• Holography is a common theme in speculative fiction, exploring implications of image and reality in works by authors like Arthur C. Clarke.
• In Philip K. Dick's stories, holograms often illustrate the blurred line between real and artificial, prompting philosophical questions.
• The artistic representation of holograms can be found in poetry and essays discussing the nature of perception and illusion.

Positioned at #22,615, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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