Vectograph

The Vectograph is a process of Photographie in stereoscopic relief developed as from 1936 by Polaroid.

The aspect is that of a semi-rigid in Noir and white photographic Plaque positive, of unspecified format, which one observes in Relief thanks to polarizing glasses, model normally intended for the vision of the stereoscopic projections fixed or animated.

Photography on polarizing support

After success, in 1935, projection of Cinema in relief in polarized light, the laboratory of Polaroid develops a photographic technique founded on polarization, called soon Vectograph.

If one projects a normal photographic image on a special polarizing plate whose molecules have the property to be directed according to the quantity of light that they receive, one obtains a visible image only through one filter polarizing suitably directed compared to the plate supporting the image.

If one once applies this principle for each image of a stereoscopic couple, with directed polarizing 90° filters one compared to the other, and that one observes the image obtained through polarizing glasses intended for projection or the cinema in relief, one obtains an image in three dimensions, of presentation convenient, because rigid, unbreakable and easy to view.

In 1940, Polaroid announces the realization, in its laboratories, of Vectograph colors.

Military applications

Immediately, the American military authority shows its interest for the process and Polaroid manufactures without more delaying of the handbooks of aerial navigation and the images in Hyperstéréoscopie of air recognition and potential military targets. There was even a training center of the personnel with Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Continuation after the Second world war

Publicity

After the war, Polaroid tried to develop its vectocardiographic activity towards the Publicité and in the windows of the stores. Certain processes of Vectograph were included in the instantaneous novel method of development launched by Polaroid in the years 1950.

Ophthalmologic tests

The most common Vectograph image that one can see is Titmus Fly Stereotest, used by the ophthalmologists to detect the anomalies of the stereoscopic Vision.

To do oneself of Vectograph

In the years 1980, a company of Chicago marketed of Vectograph to the request and proposed even all the ingredients to carry out oneself of it.

References

Hall Morgan and daN Simmes, In relief , Wonderland Productions, Paris, 1984

Article on Vectograph, Stereoscopy.com

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