BB640 tested with a 658nm Diode laser

Note: This article reflects the personal views of the authors only. This article does not claim to be a scientific test. The exposures were made using amateur equipment on a limited number of film samples.

Here are the results of experiments performed by Ronny with BB640 at Ronny's lab in Hønefoss, Norway.

Above: BB640 4x5 single beam and BB640 8x10 single beam holograms. Simply fantastic -

Test with a 658nm laser diode module (27mW) and white statue (Venus from Milan?)
Preswell 2-3 min in 7,5% TEA
Dry appr. 1 hour
Exp.time 12sec. (10xAgfa/2)
Dev. in SM6 for 2min./ D=2,5
Brief wash
Dichromate bleach until clear + 30sec.
Wash, wash and wash

Results: very bright and deep holograms, and remember that we are talking single beam holograms here!

We have also tried out the Pyro-developer, but not achieved the same bright results as with the "Magic" developer SM6. We have discussed this to find an explanation, and the conclusion may be that the air dampness in the lab could have an effect, or maybe we have to expose the plates a little bit longer when using the Pyro dev? Well, there is no reason to change to another developer if your current developer works OK in your lab.

Our warmest recommendation to holographers world wide will therefore be the German BB-640 plates, suitable for HeNe's and diode lasers. They've also made plates specially designed for 690nm diodes too (BB-700 with a special Dye).