History Main / HardLight

->'''TheFlash:''' ''(faced with half a dozen clones of Luminus)'' "This is supposed to scare me? [[TemptingFate They're just illusions]]."

->'''TheFlash:''' ''(faced with half a dozen clones of Luminus)'' "This is supposed to scare me? [[TemptingFate They're just illusions]]."\\

'''Luminus:''' ''(starts beating the crap out of Flash)'' "I can make light solid, chump."

* ''Anime/NeonGenesisEvangelion'' example [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O801pLj4gig&playnext_from=TL&videos=UeS0KbKEipY here]] at 3:40... poor, poor Shinji.
** Also, in Evangelion 2.22 [[spoiler: after having it's arm cut off, EVA 01 makes a new one made out of light.]]
** Also, in the original series, it is implied that the Angels' bodies are composed of a "form of matter similar to light" in the sense that it exists as a particle and a wave simultaneously.

** It's possible they're actually solid, and not just light, but merely glowy. MetroidPrime has clearly solid elevators.

9* The light arrows in ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'' series seem to be composed of solid light energy.

* The light arrows in ''Franchise/TheLegendOfZelda'' series seem to be composed of solid light energy.

** Not all of the Light Arrows are like this. The ones in ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime'', ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaMajorasMask'' and ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaTheMinishCap'' are just arrows infused with light energy.

** At least one episode mentioned similarities with replicator technology, indicating that holodecks could produce real objects as well. This could come in handy for holographic restaurants etc.

* Treated weirdly in ''Franchise/MassEffect''. Almost every computer interface in the galaxy is a HolographicTerminal that ''looks'' like this, but is actually [[SubvertedTrope an in-universe visual aid]]. The all-purpose Omnitool everyone wears? They're not typing on anything physical - the sense of touch is caused by subdermal implants. Tech Armor plates are holograms so comrades can see where your kinetic barrier has been boosted. The third game's LaserBlade is just a warning light so you don't burn yourself with the real weapon, which is transparent.

** The geeks at MIT [[http://www.tor.com/blogs/2013/09/real-lightsaber-photonic-molecules just made it real]].

->'''GLaDOS:''' ''If you rubbed your cheek on it, it would feel like the sun, shining on your face. It would also set your hair on fire, so don't actually do it.''

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* In ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'', however, the DLC ''Dead Money'' introduces the Hologram Rifle, which does have a kill impulse. It works by shooting a scattering of holographic cubes that does a [[GameBreaker crap-ton]] of damage even when the gun is loaded with low-grade bulk cells.

* In ''VideoGame/FalloutNewVegas'', however, the DLC ''Dead Money'' introduces the Hologram Rifle, which does have a kill impulse. It works by shooting a scattering of holographic cubes that does a [[{{BFG}} crap-ton]] of damage even when the gun is loaded with low-grade bulk cells.

* [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3seTlvQtIgc Japanese Scientists Create Touchable Holograms]].
** Is there anything those guys can't do?
** They're basically projecting a beam of really high pitch sound onto your hand wherever you "touch" the hologram.
* Though it isn't an actual floating panel of light, [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0qARDGJj1w this keyboard]] can project an infrared touchscreen that allows mouse and keyboard activity on almost any opaque surface [[http://celluon.com/technology_how_it_works.php merely through interrupted infrared signals and UV reflections]]. Not exactly TechnologyPorn levels of awesome, but still pretty neat.

-->-- ''WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague''

->'''TheFlash:''' ''(faced with half a dozen clones of Luminus)'' "This is supposed to scare me? They're just illusions."\\

*** Apparently, this was an extremely common aspect of any Forerunner structure (some ships are almost exclusively hard light, even). The Halos were unusual in that they didn't incorporate the technology as much as in other structures.

** Producing various kinds of light, including the Hard variety, is the superpower of the ComicBook/{{X-Men}}'s {{Dazzler}}.

* ''Literature/TheLightbringerSeries'' is a [[MagicAIsMagicA fairly in-depth fantasy treatment]] of this. Mages are [[InsistentTerminology exclusively called]] 'drafters,' who can create and shape 'luxin' of [[ColorCodedWizardry various colors]] into physical objects and effects (walls, bridges, weapons, bursts of flame, etc) with a lot of room for [[AwesomeByAnalysis cunning tricks of engineering]]. Most drafters [[CripplingOverspecialization work in one color]], some can work in two, a rare few can use three or more, and the Prism (de facto ruler of the continent and possibly beyond) [[TheRedMage uses all of them]] with phenomenal endurance. Drafters who [[PhlebotinumOverload channel too much luxin in their lifetimes]] [[WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity willingly]] [[BodyHorror remake their own bodies]] with implanted luxin structures in an especially literal application of this trope; other uses of luxin still qualify because luxin deteriorates into light and evaporates unless it is 'sealed.'

* ''Literature/TheLightbringerSeries'' is a [[MagicAIsMagicA fairly in-depth fantasy treatment]] of this. Mages are [[InsistentTerminology exclusively called]] 'drafters,' who can create and shape 'luxin' of [[ColorCodedForYourConvenience various colors]] into physical objects and effects (walls, bridges, weapons, bursts of flame, etc) with a lot of room for [[AwesomeByAnalysis cunning tricks of engineering]]. Most drafters [[CripplingOverspecialization work in one color]], some can work in two, a rare few can use three or more, and the Prism (de facto ruler of the continent and possibly beyond) [[TheRedMage uses all of them]] with phenomenal endurance. Drafters who [[PhlebotinumOverload channel too much luxin in their lifetimes]] [[WithGreatPowerComesGreatInsanity willingly]] [[BodyHorror remake their own bodies]] with implanted luxin structures in an especially literal application of this trope; other uses of luxin still qualify because luxin deteriorates into light and evaporates unless it is 'sealed.'

* ''Literature/TheLightbringerSeries'' is a [[MagicAIsMagicA fairly in-depth fantasy treatment]] of this. Mages are [[InsistentTerminology exclusively called]] 'drafters,' who can create and shape 'luxin' of [[ColorCodedForYourConvenience various colors]] into physical objects and effects (walls, bridges, weapons, bursts of flame, etc) with a lot of room for [[AwesomeByAnalysis various tricks of engineering]]. Most drafters [[CripplingOverspecialization work in one color]], some can work in two, a rare few can use three or more, and the Prism (de facto ruler of the continent and possibly beyond) [[TheRedMage uses all of them]] with phenomenal endurance.

** ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyVII'' has a prequel, Crisis Core, in which Shinra has training programs that are essentially holograms. What makes that this Trope is that the holograms can completely imitate the physical qualities of the object. For example, Sephiroth's sword will actually cut you, even though it's not the real Sephiroth. Also, somehow, it creates its own arid desert.

* Sixshot in ''TransformersHeadmasters'' is adept at creating holograms that can fool any human or robot. They are perfectly capable of fighting, and even shooting real lasers.
* Folken in the ''VisionOfEscaflowne'' movie attempts to persuade the heroine to his side twice projecting his image to distant places with his (or possibly Sora's) psychic powers. The second time he does this he grasps her hand quite physically.

* Averted by the [[NighInvulnerable Logia User]] [[LightIsNotGood Kizaru]] in OnePiece: when he attack he briefly turns his legs solid in order to deliver a super-powerful kick.

* The Lightwave Barrier in GundamSeed

* MarvelComics was doing it years before ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' with the ''ComicBook/{{X-Men}}'''s Danger Room, using the term "hard light" to describe the Shi'ar technology it used.

** ''ComicBook/{{Spider-Man}}'' villain Lightmaster uses solid light to make hammers, sharp axes, and concussive bursts. He can also use it to fly.

** PreCrisis, this was called "psychoplasmic energy" eg. energy that responded to the will of sentient beings. PostCrisis, it's actually a form of psionic energy that's visible as colors that represent particular emotions or drives for... some reason. See GreenLanternCorps.
* In the ''JusticeLeagueOfAmerica'' comic, one story arc features two light-themed villains developing tangible constructs of light to torment the heroes.
* Additionally, Dr. Light II of DCComics (Kimiyo Hoshi) is a light controller, able to create hard light constructs.

* The {{Wildsiderz}} wear suits with projectors that gives them "holographic powers" of animals.

* The Marvel Comics heroine [[{{Thunderbolts}} Songbird]] does something that is equivalent to this, using a device to create constructs out of "Hard Sound".

* In the Soviet sci-fi two-part film ''MoscowCassiopeia'', the the relativistic starship ''[=ZARYa=]'' is equipped with the so-called Surprise Chamber, which allows the teenage crew to recreate different Earth locations. While they aren't as perfect as ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' holodecks (the sides are slightly reflective), the sights, sounds, and smells are pretty realistic.

* ''TheCulture'' drones' fields: They manipulate {{force field}}s with a very high degree of precision and control. Skaffen-Amtiskaw, in ''Use Of Weapons'' is seen using fields both as incredibly sharp "blades" and blunt objects, medical instruments (sucking blood away from a wound and performing surgery), and supporting pillars. Other drones carry objects and make mirrors from fields, and the gun in "A Gift From The Culture" extends one to "field-anchor" its wielder's arm for a steady shot. The fields are generally coloured to depict the mood of the drone - for example, red is "the colour of drone pleasure". This is helpful, as a drone has no facial features or body language to interpret. In ''Consider Phlebas'' they use the word "soligram" to refer to this concept.

[[folder:Fanworks]]
* In ''ThirtyHs'', Franchise/HarryPotter at one point has a book made of lasers, which he was apparantly able to slam shut.
[[/folder]]

** They even {{lampshade}}d this in one episode. Neelix's [[OrganTheft lungs were stolen]] (... yeah) and the Doctor proposed that they be temporarily replaced with holographic lungs. As seen in [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sbut8Sp7jY4 this video]], when Tom Paris pointed out that it couldn't work, as light was intangible, the Doctor ''[[CrowningMomentOfFunny slapped him]]''. Some holograms such as the doctor also had the ability to switch between solid and non-solid by deactivating the force field portion of their program separately to the hologram.

* The guardian holograms created by the Ancients in ''Series/{{Stargate SG-1}}'' are sort of a borderline example -- solid objects pass right through them, but getting hit by one hurts. And they can be "killed" with entirely holographic swords, which are wielded by real characters.

* The '95 PC game ''VideoGame/TheDig'' employed HardLight in the form of bridges activated by Boston Low, the main character. If the player contacted Maggie about them, the two exchanged "light" puns (a "light" salad, "light" beer, etc.)

* The index keys from ''{{Halo}}'' are a kind of Hard Light construct. They exist physically most of the time, and can be handled by ordinary humans and Covenant, but digital constructs like Cortana and Guilty Spark can download an index and store it as electronic data. Plus, y'know, the ''Light Bridges''.
** One mission in ''{{Halo}} 2'' features holograms that ''can wield weapons and be hit by projectiles.''
** HaloLegends showed Hard Light ''Guns'' as being The Forerunner's weapon of choice.

* From ''VideoGame/MegaMan8'' and ''VideoGame/MegaManAndBass'', the Robot Master Astro Man had his abilities based on this, primarily sending forth a storm of HardLight meteors and creating a holographic copy that [[CollisionDamage hurts just as much as crashing into the real thing.]]

* The elevators in all the 2D ''{{Metroid}}'' games. They're just a glowing platform in a tube, and if the power goes out or something, said platform just disappears.
** Making things even more confusing, in ''[[{{Metroid}} Metroid Fusion]]'', the power is indeed cut... ''while Samus is standing on one''. Oddly, she doesn't fall like you would anticipate. Apparently the future averts NoOSHACompliance. The Federation elevators may be technology that's different from but similar in superficial (read: game-graphics) appearance to the Chozo elevators on Zebes.

* ''SonicUnleashed'' contains an example shown near the beginning of [[http://www.viddler.com/explore/pokecapn/videos/93/ this video]]
* The Combine from ''HalfLife'' have light bridges in their Citadel, as well as selectively permeable light gates to keep citizens out of Combine-controlled areas.
* The first ''MegaManStarForce'' game pokes with the concept, and by the third game things like this are all over the place.
* ''RatchetAndClank'' character Dr. Nefarious uses hard light holograms in the third game, as does [[ShoutOut Ace Hardlight]] in the fourth. Ratchet himself employs HardLight armor in ''A Crack In Time''.
* Unlike previous games, illusory creatures in ''HeroesOfMightAndMagic 4'' act just like real creatures. The flavor text in the library implies it's a case of YourMindMakesItReal.

* The Ixian Projectors from ''Emperor: Battle for {{Dune}}'' can project hard light copies of units, which can even deal damage. The downside is, being solid holograms, touching enemy units or being shot at instantly destroys them. Still, it allows one to ZergRush with an army of {{glass cannon}}s, so all in all, not bad.
* Fury Technology in ''SuperRobotWarsJ''; materializing energy into a crystalline state. Coustwell Brachium ups the ante by actually generating temporary clones of itself.

** ''FinalFantasyVII'' has a prequal, Crisis Core, in which Shinra has training programs that are essentially holograms. What makes that this Trope is that the holograms can completely imitate the physical qualities of the object. For example, Sephiroth's sword will actually cut you, even though it's not the real Sephiroth. Also, somehow, it creates its own arid desert.

--> '''GLaDOS:''' If you rubbed your cheek on it, it would feel like the sun, shining on your face. It would also set your hair on fire, so don't actually do it.

* In ''{{Okami}}'', you can literally swim in stardust, or fragments of light, at the start of the game. You even need to draw it with Rejuvenation first.

* In the Franchise/DeadSpace series many holograms are solid enough to be used as [[HolographicTerminal interfaces.]]

* The Boscis in ''{{Banished}}!'' take pride in their Hard Light technology, which is indistinguishable from an ordinary person, er, bird. Except, of course, they can't be attacked.
* In ''LifeOfRiley'', hard light generators are used in the battle against evil Dan as DDR platforms. It's... rather complicated.
* In ''TheNonAdventuresOfWonderella'', the heroine meets a hard-light replica of herself -- who is merely depressed because she can't drink. She eventually gets her kicks by mooning the city.
* In ''{{Heist}}'', Geist the protagonist steals a hard light generator from its current owner (on whose behalf he had recently stolen it from someone else) in order to infiltrate the satellite headquarters of a DarkerAndEdgier JusticeLeague {{Expy}}.
* {{Webcomic/Lightbringer}} can create hard light [[LightEmUp as a superpower]] and uses it to thwart criminals. Most amusing was the creation and use of a hard light ''trampoline''.

* In the ''WhateleyUniverse'', there's a character codenamed Fubar (his real body is horribly mutated and he can't survive outside of a tank of purified water). He appears to people using astral projection, and uses psychokinesis to provide the appearance of a physical presence. He's very adept at it, but he's had ''decades'' to practice.

* TheMercuryMen are apparently composed of this, as well as Jack Yaeger's bullets.
* Used a lot in TheAcademyOfSuperheroesUniverse.

* WesternAnimation/JimmyNeutron's holographic butler.

* Doctor Light in '' WesternAnimation/TeenTitans''.
** He met his match in this trope's polar opposite: Raven's hard ''shadows''. And the soul-crushing abyss within her cloak they dragged him into because she was so pissed she tapped into her demon heritage, but that's another story.
* The holographic training simulator in the Hall of Justice in ''DCSuperFriends'' runs on this. Things go bad when Joker decides to take over the home base while Superman and Batman are visiting it.

* In ''{{Rollbots}}'', Botch has a Hard Light GrapplingHookPistol.

* The book ''Secret Weapons of WorldWarII'' reports one non-scientist military type suggesting that research be done on "solidifying" searchlight beams to grab planes and smash them into the ground.

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