Holographic Security Features

Two or more distinct images can occupy the same area of a hologram, shifting from one to the other when viewed at different angles. This highly-valued feature enables the viewer to authenticate the image by observing the switching images in a defined area.

2D/3D multi-plane images, lines, and text are composed of elements that exist on different planes (surface plane, above the surface plane, and below the surface plane), exhibiting a sense of depth and parallax. Used in combination with dot matrix elements, this feature provides a powerful barrier to counterfeiting because the ability to combine these two types of images requires a very high level of skill.

The 3D stereogram is an optical illusion of depth and movement created from one or more flat, two-dimensional images or three- dimensional models. Stereograms require intricate design to perform well in a hologram, though, if successful, provide a significant barrier to counterfeiting and a visually powerful authentication device.

A highly diffractive, surface-oriented grating can be applied to images, text or lines in a hologram, generating the optical illusion of relief or embossing. This highly sophisticated feature is easy to verify, difficult to replicate, and highly effective when applied to national symbols and other well-known images.

Fine line guilloche patterns, common in banknotes, comprise a series of high resolution lines, curves, rosettes, or a combination of these elements generated by highly sophisticated software. Each element can be assigned a predetermined color shift, creating the illusion of synchronous animation. Such designs are impossible to replicate without the original software.

High resolution lines with kinetic effect are fine lines that light up sequentially when viewed at different angles, generating the appearance of movement.

Latent images, lines and characters are designed to refract light at a very acute angle.

90° switch effect text and imagery is invisible when viewed at a normal position and clearly visible when viewed at a 90° angle.

This text and/or imagery is faintly viewable at a normal position and clearly visible when viewed at a 90° angle.

Achrograms are colorless images with positive and negative components that swap when viewed at a 90o angle. Colorless images are not easy to replicate or simulate on standard commercially available origination equipment.

Composed of neutral grays, white, or black, achromatic images, lines, and text have no color refraction. When placed within a highly diffractive image, this non-diffractive element is easily located and verified by the trained eye. Very few originators are capable of creating achromatic elements, making them extremely difficult to counterfeit.

Created to resemble characters viewed under a magnifying lens, these letters appear and move when viewed under a point light source.

An excellent contrast to the surrounding, colorful holography, the semi-opaque, non-diffractive matte finish is easy to identify and authenticate. Its appearance remains unchanged, regardless of the viewing angle.

Images refract their true colors only when viewed at a very specific angle. Holograms, which refract the seven colors of the spectrum (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet), can be used to display the true colors of an image, such as a national flag (it is not possible to specify Pantone colors). As the viewing angle is tilted, the colors sequence through the color spectrum, making this an easily authenticated device.

Created with highly complex security print software, wireframed (outlined) words and objects can be combined with other effects to create more complex images.