This method has been invented in 1939 by Semyon Kirlian by placing a film on metal plate that has been applied with high voltage current. Any object placed on the film would show auras or halo around the object. It was believed that this is something supernatural, but in reality it is just moisture and temperature that is released from the object into photographic film.  it takes photography well into the world of art and the likes of Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso.