Archival Permanence of Holograms?

ABSTRACT

A review is presented, of the evidence available concerning the permanence of high resolution images and holograms photographically recorded on silver halide emulsions, together with the influence of any degradations on the image quality. The archival permanence of holograms has received little attention other than print-out silver in bleached holograms.

Preliminary incubation experiments show that holographic plates are susceptible to fungal attack. Spores may have been present in the air as the plate was drying or in the atmosphere of the test apparatus. A vigorous experiment to accelerate oxidative attack shows that the silver grating image is severely damaged by high levels of oxidant and acid vapour. Reconstruction of the image is possible, although a marked visual increase in scatter noise was observed.

Preliminary recommendations, are included, for the storage and display of holograms, to avoid possible problems of image deterioration.