Kathmandu. Researchers in Japan have made a historic leap forward in the technology of the future. They have developed such a hologram technique. Which can not only be seen but also touched and felt.
Scientists from the University of Tsukuba and the University of Tokyo have made this amazing work possible through two separate systems. This technology is expected to bring big changes in the future in education, health, entertainment and telecommunications, connecting the digital world with physical reality.
plasma-based ‘Fairy Lights’ hologram
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have used femtosecond laser pulsation technology to create airborne holograms that can be floated and touched.
Scientists shoot laser beams into the air for a duration as short as a femtosecond (one millionth of a second). It ionizes air molecules to form tiny dots in the plasma. These dots appear to float in tiny, manipulable 3D shapes of light.
When the user touches these floating light droplets, these points produce a safe, light shock or vibration. The skin senses these vibrations. It gives the user the feeling of touching a digital object without using gloves or any surface.
The camera installed in this system tracks where the user’s finger is. So that holograms can respond.
Ultrasound-based’haptoclone’ system
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The University of Tokyo has developed a technology that uses ultrasound to give a sense of touch. It’s called a ‘haptoclone’.
The system uses a thick mesh of ultrasonic sound-producing devices. It focuses sound waves into the air to create pressure points invisibly.
These pressure points mimic the feeling of touching a floating hologram. Now this feeling is limited to light pressure. But researchers claim that more realistic tactile experiences could be offered in the future.
Current limitations and future prospects{
Fairy Lights holograms are usually only a few centimeters larger. The ultrasound system can also simulate only light touch. You can’t feel like you’ve touched a solid object. Both of these systems are expensive and consume a lot of energy.
This technology will revolutionize the visual presentation and educational sector immediately. Medical students will now be able to study human body parts in a way that can be touched. There will also be a big change in the world of entertainment and gaming. Where tactile controllers will be available in the new generation of games. Apart from this, in the education sector, students will be able to use digital objects in science and mathematics classes.
In the long run, this technology will completely change the concept of remote presence. It will be possible to touch the physical avatar of the participants and shake hands with people who are far away. In addition, it will bring revolutionary reforms in medical education. Where doctors can practice surgery on real three-dimensional virtual tissue.
Positive and Negative Sides
One of the biggest advantages of this technology is its ability to provide interactive and physical responses to digital content. The resulting 3D visualization is safer and more realistic. At the same time, it enables new forms of remote collaboration and holds high potential in all fields, including medicine, the arts, retail.
However, this technology is still in its early stages. Its displays are small and the systems are complex. This requires expensive and powerful equipment. Another drawback is that the technology is not fully portable or practical for the home. Its current weakness is that the sensation of touch is limited and the object does not feel solid. In addition, hologram programming requires special skills.
Japan’s breakthrough in plasma and ultrasound technology signals the beginning of the era of tactile light. Although this technology is currently limited in size and high cost, it will fill our rooms, streets and appliances with touchable interactive light in the future. It is sure to have a huge impact on entertainment, education, medicine and daily life.
