This question already has an answer here: Is it (theoretically) physically possi

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This question already has an answer here:

Is it (theoretically) physically possible to project an image into thin air? 5 answers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=jfySIeS1XZE#t=118s

If so, how are they created (roughly speaking). Earlier in the video he says that a laser scanned the surface of the object, which suggests that no physical object needs to be present at the time of viewing the hologram, like what is required for a Mirage toy (seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFqlQiTTHRs). Is this right?

I am aware that this is a fictional show, so what they are saying should not be taken too seriously and the hologram effect could be added by CG effects, but I am interested in the actual workings of this type of hologram (as opposed to a "flat" hologram).

Explanation / Answer

I think you'd describe the display in that clip as a volumetric display rather than a hologram. As the Wikipedia will tell you, there have been basic examples of such displays created but at the moment nothing like the display in the clip exists.

The problem is how to get some medium in your display to emit light. The example in the Wikipedia article uses a laser to heat air until it forms a plasma. However this is only monochrome and of limited resolution. Try a Google image search for "volumetric display" for a selection of current attempts, but be prepared for disappointment!

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