Building Your Own Kirlian Photography Equipment
A technical guide to constructing high-voltage electro-photography devices for experimental imaging.
1Understanding Kirlian Photography
Kirlian photography is a contact print process utilizing high voltage to capture corona discharges on film. Named after Semyon and Valentina Kirlian, who pioneered the technique in 1939, the method records electrical phenomena without a camera lens. It relies on physical interactions between high voltage fields and the subject's electrical resistance.
2Historical Context and Development
While popularized in the 1970s by Ostrander and Schroeder, the field dates back to the 1700s with Georg Christoph Lichtenberg. Later, Nikola Tesla and Dr. F.F. Strong utilized Tesla coils to document electrical discharges. These early experiments established the foundational physics behind capturing images of electrical sparks and corona effects on film.
3The Basic Imaging Mechanism
The process involves placing sheet film on a metal discharge plate, with the subject positioned directly on the film. High voltage is applied momentarily, causing a corona discharge to pass through the object and record onto the film. Inanimate objects are typically grounded to enhance the intensity of the resulting electrical corona.
4Debunking Paranormal Claims
Many early claims suggested Kirlian images could predict illness or reveal bio-plasma fields. However, observable phenomena are explained by standard physical laws, such as variations in skin resistance due to stress or fatigue. Atmospheric conditions like humidity and pressure also significantly influence the corona discharge patterns recorded during the exposure process.
5The Phantom Leaf Phenomenon
The phantom leaf experiment involves photographing a partially cut leaf, where the missing portion occasionally appears as a ghostly image. While some researchers cite this as evidence of an ethereal body, reproducible results remain elusive. Most attempts to replicate this in controlled laboratory settings fail to produce consistent, verifiable photographic evidence.
6Safety and Device Construction
Constructing a Kirlian device requires a high voltage transformer and a battery-powered supply. Despite the portability of batteries, the device generates pulses capable of delivering a dangerous shock. Users must exercise extreme caution, as the high voltage output is sufficient to cause injury if handled improperly during the assembly or testing.
7Essential Circuit Components
A simple manual device uses a high voltage ignition coil, a copper-clad board, and capacitors wired in parallel. A momentary toggle switch is critical for safety, ensuring the circuit remains disconnected when not in use. This prevents residual charge from remaining in the capacitors, which could otherwise pose a significant shock hazard.
8Preparing the Discharge Plate
The discharge plate is a copper-clad board covered with a thin plastic sheet to prevent direct contact between the subject and the metal. This insulation layer is vital for safety and image quality. The plastic sheet should extend at least one inch beyond the plate to ensure proper electrical isolation during operation.
9Choosing the Right Film
Beginners are advised to start with black and white ortho film, which is cost-effective and allows for development under a red safelight. This provides immediate feedback, unlike color film, which requires total darkness. Mastering the development process with black and white film is essential before attempting more complex color sheet photography.
10Grounding and Subject Safety
Living subjects must never be grounded during exposure to avoid severe electrical shock. Individuals with heart conditions or pacemakers should consult a physician before participating. Conversely, inanimate objects should be grounded to a cold water pipe or circuit ground to produce a stronger, more defined corona discharge on the film.
11Capturing Images with Cameras
While Kirlian photography is a contact process, a standard camera can be used by substituting the discharge plate with a transparent electrode. The camera must feature a bulb setting to keep the shutter open during the high voltage discharge. This setup allows for more versatile imaging compared to traditional contact print methods.
12Experimental Methodology and Results
Proper exposure is achieved through trial and error, adjusting voltage and frequency to suit the subject. By flicking the switch 10 to 20 times, the photographer records the corona discharge. This systematic approach allows for consistent results, proving that Kirlian photography is a tool for capturing physical electrical variables, not metaphysical entities.
Original article: Hacker News: Front Page — Building Your Own Kirlian Photography Equipment