Ewesly / Holographic Formulae / Benign Ferric EDTA
Bleach solution
Original formula
30 g Ferric Sulfate
30 g di-Sodium EDTA
30 g Potassium Bromide
10 ml Sulfuric Acid (Conc.)
One litre water
Revised formula
30 g Ferric Sodium-EDTA
30 g Potassium Bromide
30 g Sodium Bisulfate
One litre water
Processing
Bleaching time: One and a half times the time it takes to clear.
Temperature: 20C Agitation: Intermittent
Shelf life: Possibly years, as long as the plate is well-washed of developer before bleaching to avoid contamination.
Less hazardous to work with than the dreaded PBQ. Either version of the recipe gives the same result, the choice depending on the price and availability of the ingredients. Leaving the solution exposed to air (uncovered tray) will extend the lifetime of the oxidizer.
Source: Nicholas Phillips, "Benign Bleaching for Healthy Holography", holosphere, Volume 14, Number 4, p.21, (1986)