Video hologram

Japanese scientists create touchable holograms, believing this could contribute to architecture and medicine. Correspondent Jim Drury reports.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT:

This isn't CGI.

These are touchable holograms, created by Japanese researchers.

They've used femtosecond laser technology that fires high-frequency laser pulses lasting one-millionth of one-billionth of a second.

The pulses respond to human touch, allowing users to manipulate the hologram's pixels in midair.

SOUNDBITE (Japanese) DR. YOICHI OCHIAI, TSUKUBA UNIVERSITY, SAYING:

"You can't actually feel the videos or pictures, and although you can project a video, you can't interact with it by touching it. So, if we can project an image in a three-dimensional form, and if you can touch it, then you can make something where you'll think that there actually is something there."

Researchers say their Fairy Lights technology could be used in entertainment, medicine and architecture.

SOUNDBITE (Japanese) OCHIAI SAYING:

"People's daily lives would change if we used a bigger laser in a bigger space where people can interact with it, and see how it can be used in situations where three-dimensional communication is necessary, such as a construction site or in the medical field."

Some experts believe the technology could one day create a computer keyboard beamed on to a person's lap - or allow us to experience virtual touch during video chat.

Researchers at Japan's Tsukuba University have created touchable, interactive holograms.