Lippmann process
Quick Summary
The Lippmann process is a method of color photography developed by physicist Gabriel Lippmann. This technique relies on the interference of light waves to capture colors directly, rather than using dyes or pigments.12
To achieve this, the process uses an extremely fine-grain photographic plate placed in contact with a mercury reflector within the camera. The mercury reflects light rays back through the emulsion, where they interfere with the incoming rays. This interference creates a latent image that varies in depth according to the color of each light ray.12
While revolutionary for its direct color reproduction, the Lippmann process was slow and tedious due to long exposure times and the inability to make copies. Consequently, it never gained widespread popularity but marked a significant step in the evolution of color photography.2
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