Create a Holographic Illusion Pyramid

Have you ever wondered how to create a holographic illusion pyramid? With the right materials and a bit of DIY know-how, you can make an impressive setup that projects a 3D image through your smartphone. Follow these steps to build your own hologram projector and amaze your friends and family.

Materials Needed

To construct your hologram projector, you will need the following items:

Old CD cases Tape or glue Graph paper A pen A ruler A smartphone

Mapping Out the Template

Part 1: Creating a Template

Gather materials: Most of the items you need will be readily available in your home. Old CD cases, tape, graph paper, a pen, a ruler, and a smartphone. Determine dimensions: For a standard hologram projector, the dimensions of the template should be 1 cm on the top, 3.5 cm on the sides, and 6 cm on the bottom. These proportions represent a rhombus, a type of parallelogram with four equal sides and perpendicular diagonals. Draw the template: Use a pen and ruler to draw a rhombus shape on graph paper. The shape should resemble an isosceles trapezoid when completed. You can scale the dimensions if you want to create a larger or smaller hologram. Cut out the template: Carefully cut out the shape from the graph paper using scissors, a box cutter, or a utility blade for a precise edge.

Constructing the Projector Screen

Part 2: Preparing the CD Case

Remove unnecessary material: Cut off the sides of the CD case, leaving only the front plastic cover, which will be the source material for the projector screen. Clean the plastic: If necessary, clean the CD case with glass cleaner to ensure a clear projection. Slight scratches are fine, but fewer scratches can improve the clarity of the hologram. Trace and cut templates: Use the dimensions from the template you created and trace four identical shapes on the plastic. These pieces will form the sides of the pyramid. You may need to use multiple CD cases to get the required number of templates.

Assembling the Hologram Projector

Part 3: Assembly and Projection

Tape or glue the templates: Align two plastic pieces side by side and secure them with tape or glue at the top and bottom, ensuring a strong and clean seal. Repeat the process for the remaining two pieces, creating a pyramid shape. Shape the figure: Stand up the taped pieces on the bottom edge and bend the edges where the tape is applied to create corners. Tape the two open ends together to form the final pyramid shape. Display the image: Choose a simple video or moving image to project, such as a fish swimming or a flower moving back and forth. Use a smartphone screensaver or a video to display the image. Place the hologram projector: With the moving image still displayed on the smartphone, place the hologram projector on the smartphone screen, aligning the short end on the bottom and the 6-cm side on top. You should now see a 3D hologram of the image projected through the CD case.

Conclusion

With a bit of effort, you can create a holographic illusion pyramid that will captivate and intrigue your audience. This project combines basic construction skills with smartphone technology to produce a memorable and educational experience. Try experimenting with different images and sizes to see how they affect the quality and clarity of the hologram projection.