Building a DIY Kirlian Photography Device
A technical guide to constructing high-voltage electro-photography equipment for capturing corona discharges.
1Historical Context of Kirlian
Kirlian photography, named after Semyon and Valentina Kirlian, emerged in 1939 as a method for high-voltage contact printing. While popularized by the 1970 book Psychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain, the technique relies on corona discharge. Early pioneers like Nicola Tesla and Yakov Narkevich-Todka explored these electrical phenomena long before modern interest.
2The Underlying Physical Mechanism
The process records corona discharge between an object and a discharge plate onto film. It does not require a camera lens, as it is a contact print process. Observable effects, often misattributed to paranormal bio-plasma fields, are actually caused by standard physical variables like skin resistance, humidity, air pressure, and voltage frequency.
3Addressing Paranormal Claims
Many early claims suggested Kirlian images could predict illness or reveal ethereal bodies, such as the phantom leaf experiment. However, these results are inconsistent and lack scientific reproducibility. Most variations in corona discharge are easily explained by physical factors like stress, fatigue, or alcohol consumption, which alter a subject's galvanic skin resistance.
4Safety and Device Construction
Building a Kirlian device involves high-voltage ignition coils and battery power supplies. Despite being portable, the generated high-voltage pulses can deliver dangerous shocks. Users must exercise extreme caution, especially when handling capacitors, and individuals with heart conditions or pacemakers should strictly avoid contact with the device to prevent serious health risks.
5Essential Circuit Components
The manual device requires a high-voltage auto-transformer, capacitors, and a momentary toggle switch. Batteries, such as 67.5-volt photo units or series-wired 9-volt batteries, provide the necessary power. The circuit design ensures the battery remains disconnected in the resting state, which preserves battery life and prevents accidental discharge from stored energy in capacitors.
6Discharge Plate Assembly
The discharge plate is constructed from a 4x6 inch copper-clad board. A high-voltage wire connects to the copper, which is then covered by a thin plastic sheet approximately .005 inches thick. This insulation layer prevents direct contact between the object and the plate, ensuring the corona discharge is properly recorded on the film.
7Testing the Electrical Circuit
Before mounting components, verify the circuit by attaching a wire to the test point and holding it near the discharge plate. Flicking the momentary switch should produce a visible spark jump from the high-voltage wire to the plate. Once confirmed, secure components with epoxy and coat exposed wires with insulation spray to prevent arcing.
8Choosing the Right Film
Beginners should start with Kodalith 2556 Ortho black and white film. This high-contrast graphic arts film allows for development under a red safelight, making the process significantly easier than working in total darkness. It is cost-effective and provides immediate feedback, which is crucial for learning how to adjust exposure settings for consistent results.
9Working with Color Film
Color film requires total darkness, which complicates the handling of high-voltage equipment. To manage this, photographers often sandwich film between opaque sheets or use light-tight boxes. Daylight-balanced film typically yields blue and green hues, while tungsten-balanced film produces warmer yellows, oranges, and reds, offering a more visually striking result than monochrome.
10Grounding and Subject Safety
Grounding protocols depend on the subject. Inanimate objects like coins or leaves should be grounded to produce a stronger corona discharge. Conversely, living subjects must never be grounded to avoid hazardous shocks. Always ensure the subject is isolated from any electrical ground when the high-voltage power is applied to the discharge plate.
11Capturing the Final Image
Place the film emulsion side up on the discharge plate, then position the object on top. Flick the switch 10 to 20 times to create the exposure. Since proper exposure is determined by trial and error, keep detailed notes on voltage and timing to refine the quality of the recorded corona discharge images.
12Advanced Imaging Possibilities
For those wanting to use standard cameras, a transparent electrode must be constructed to replace the metal discharge plate. An SLR camera with a macro lens and a bulb shutter setting is required. This setup allows for long-exposure photography, enabling the capture of corona discharges that are otherwise difficult to record with simple contact.
Original article: Hacker News — Building a DIY Kirlian Photography Device