Kirlian photography utilizes high-voltage contact printing to capture corona discharges, a process that allows users to build custom equipment using high-voltage transformers, capacitors, and copper-clad boards. While some interpret the resulting images as evidence of a “bio-plasma” field, the technical reality involves measuring physical variables such as skin resistance, humidity, and voltage to produce specific visual effects on photographic film.
The methodology behind Kirlian photography relies on the interaction between a high-voltage source and a subject placed on a discharge plate. As reported by imagesco.com, this contact print process does not require a traditional camera or lens when using a standard metal plate, though a transparent electrode can be substituted to allow for standard camera use with a bulb setting. The visual output is a recording of the corona discharge occurring between the object and the plate.
Electrical components required for manual Kirlian devices
Building a manual Kirlian device requires specific electrical components to manage the transition from low-voltage battery power to the high-voltage pulses necessary for an exposure. The architecture described by imagesco.com utilizes a battery-powered system to maintain portability, though the resulting pulses present a significant shock hazard. A functional prototype typically incorporates the following hardware:
- Power Supply: A series of 67.5-volt photo batteries (or approximately ten 9-volt batteries wired in series) to produce a baseline of 135 volts. Alternatively, a 120V/24V step-down transformer paired with a voltage quadrupler can generate roughly 100 volts.
- Transformer (T1): A high-voltage auto-transformer (self-inductive) featuring two enamel primary wires and a green insulated high-voltage wire.
- Capacitor Bank (C1-C4): Capacitors wired in parallel to store and discharge energy.
- Momentary Switch (SW1): A single-pole, double-throw momentary contact switch. This specific component is critical for safety; in its resting state, it disconnects the batteries and closes the discharge path to prevent stored energy from creating an accidental shock hazard.
- Discharge Plate: A 4″ x 6″ single-sided copper-clad board mounted to a wooden base and covered with a thin (.005 inch) plastic sheet to prevent direct contact between the subject and the metal.
To ensure hardware longevity and user safety, the assembly should be coated with an insulating plastic spray, such as No-Arc, to cover exposed wiring.
Physical Variables versus Paranormal Claims
The history of Kirlian photography is split between its technical application and the metaphysical interpretations that emerged following the 1970 publication of Psychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain by Shelia Ostrander and Lynn Schroeder. While some claim the images can foretell illness or reveal an ethereal “phantom leaf,” these observations can be explained through standard physical laws.
The “phantom leaf” experiment—where a cut portion of a leaf appears as a ghostly apparition—remains a highly reported phenomenon, yet the exact experimental parameters, such as specific voltage and frequency, required to replicate these results are not universally documented. From a technical standpoint, the changes observed in a corona discharge (often called an “aura”) are directly linked to the subject’s galvanic skin resistance. Factors that alter this resistance include:
- Stress or emotional states
- Physical fatigue
- Alcohol consumption
- Illness
- Changes in air pressure and humidity
- The amount of pressure applied by the object against the film
Because these variables influence the electrical discharge, the “aura” can be effectively measured as a change in skin resistance, similar to how a lie detector operates, without the necessity of invoking bio-plasma or other metaphysical properties.
Film types and development methods for Kirlian photography
Successful Kirlian photography requires specific film types to capture the high-contrast discharge. For beginners, black and white ortho film, such as Kodalith 2556, is recommended. This high-contrast graphics arts film allows for development under a red safelight, which is less technically demanding than working in total darkness.
The development process for black and white film is relatively straightforward, requiring only developer and fixer chemicals. However, as users transition to color film, the complexity increases significantly. Color film requires exposures to be made in total darkness, often necessitating that the film be sandwiched between opaque black sheets of paper during the process. While color film produces more striking images, the technical barrier to entry is higher due to the requirement for light-tight environments and the potential risks of handling high-voltage equipment in complete darkness.
Whether the corona discharge can be used to extract meaningful biological data through standard physical measurement remains a subject of active experimentation, even as the debate between physicalist and paranormal interpretations continues.
