World's First: Hologram That Displays Full-Color 3D Images While Maintaining Glass Transparency
NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories (STRL), in collaboration with Institute of Science Tokyo, has developed a new surface relief hologram capable of displaying vivid full-color 3D images while maintaining high transparency. By leveraging light amplitude to create shallower surface structures, they minimized light scattering, achieving both clear visibility through the glass and high-definition 3D projection. Potential applications include see-through display systems for retail stores and museums.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 19, 2026 at 23:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 19, 2026 at 14:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 20, 2026 at 09:25 (18h 53m after Collected)
NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories (STRL), in collaboration with the Institute of Science Tokyo, has developed a new holographic production method that displays full-color 3D images through a transparent glass substrate.
The key feature of this technology is the coexistence of high transparency and vivid full-color 3D. The developed technique is an application of the "surface relief hologram" method. By suppressing light scattering (substrate cloudiness), which has been a traditional challenge, observers can clearly see the scenery through the glass while simultaneously enjoying high-definition 3D images floating in front.
[Background of Development]
Surface relief holograms can display relatively large 3D still images over a wide viewing area, but previously faced challenges with "light scattering" and "complexity in achieving full color."
[Three Key Innovations]
1. High transparency via "shallow and smooth irregularities": By introducing a design method that also utilizes light "amplitude," the surface irregularities were reduced to a "shallow step" of approximately 0.5μm and a "smoothly continuous shape," maintaining transparency.
2. Successful "full-colorization" with a single hologram: Established a technology where red, green, and blue light are irradiated from different directions onto a single hologram to superimpose the 3D images.
3. "Improved image quality" with reduced computational load: Achieved higher image quality for 3D images while keeping computational load low.
[Prototype Specifications]
- Ultra-high definition: Approximately 60 billion pixels in a 12cm square area.
- High precision: Pixel spacing of 0.5μm.
- Natural 3D effect: Unique holographic depth perception where the image changes smoothly with viewpoint movement.
[Future Outlook]
Aiming for applications in future see-through 3D image display systems, such as product explanatory displays in retail windows or museum exhibits.
The key feature of this technology is the coexistence of high transparency and vivid full-color 3D. The developed technique is an application of the "surface relief hologram" method. By suppressing light scattering (substrate cloudiness), which has been a traditional challenge, observers can clearly see the scenery through the glass while simultaneously enjoying high-definition 3D images floating in front.
[Background of Development]
Surface relief holograms can display relatively large 3D still images over a wide viewing area, but previously faced challenges with "light scattering" and "complexity in achieving full color."
[Three Key Innovations]
1. High transparency via "shallow and smooth irregularities": By introducing a design method that also utilizes light "amplitude," the surface irregularities were reduced to a "shallow step" of approximately 0.5μm and a "smoothly continuous shape," maintaining transparency.
2. Successful "full-colorization" with a single hologram: Established a technology where red, green, and blue light are irradiated from different directions onto a single hologram to superimpose the 3D images.
3. "Improved image quality" with reduced computational load: Achieved higher image quality for 3D images while keeping computational load low.
[Prototype Specifications]
- Ultra-high definition: Approximately 60 billion pixels in a 12cm square area.
- High precision: Pixel spacing of 0.5μm.
- Natural 3D effect: Unique holographic depth perception where the image changes smoothly with viewpoint movement.
[Future Outlook]
Aiming for applications in future see-through 3D image display systems, such as product explanatory displays in retail windows or museum exhibits.
FAQ
Is full-color display possible with this transparent hologram?
Yes, this newly developed technique uses a single processed surface to overlay red, green, and blue light for simple yet vivid full-color images.
Why does this hologram appear transparent?
By leveraging light amplitude in the design, the surface relief structure is made shallower and smoother, which prevents light scattering and substrate cloudiness.
How high is the image quality?
It features an ultra-high definition structure with approximately 60 billion pixels in a 12cm square area, enabling smooth and natural 3D depth perception.