Hologram Overview

• Security holograms: Holograms are used on a wide range of documents from passports, license, I-cards to banknotes to tickets and passes.
• Access control: Special tamper evident holograms are used to control or prevent access to restricted areas and devices.
• Brand protection: Holographic elements are applied on the labeling or packing which mark the genuineness of the product.
• Advertising techniques: Holograms help to create vivid , eye catching pictures, which adds extra appeal for the customer and in turn generates more interest in advertisement.

• Holography adorns packages around the world by providing an added dimension of distinctiveness and identity to your brand.
• Holographic images differentiate your package from the competition.
• Holographic materials help to build in levels of security and authentication to protect your brand’s integrity.
• Holography prevents tampering and counterfeiting.
• Holographic film laminates can be sandwiched in between printed film layers and provide dazzling effects.
• Holography provide differentiation and shelf appeal that brings your package to the front on the shelf.

• 2D/3D Hologram: This consists of several optical layers with 2D hologram images placed one behind another resulting
• 2D Hologram: This is made up of two dimensional images which are assigned different colors and position in one layer.
• True Color Hologram: This is made up of photographic quality art-work and you can not duplicate this hologram close to original one, creating a beautiful impact of variable images.
• Dot-matrix Hologram: This hologram allows using unlimited computer controlled and laser beam engraved dots in hologram.
• Kinetic Movement Hologram: This is made up of both 2D/3D and dot-matrix type hologram.
• Flip Flop Hologram: They can display two images from different viewing angle.

Holographic paper bags are widely demanded bags used for various purposes like as shopping bags, gift bags or promotional bags. Hologram paper bags are available in assorted colors, designs and prints and sizes. These bags have three-dimensional effects which make all the difference in marketing and advertising media. Professionally laid out graphic design on these bags can help communicate your message clearly to your customers. That is why hologram bags are used as packaging material for gifts and other stuff in various organizations and commercial outlets. Best and impressive holographic effect can help in corporate branding, sales and marketing advertisements and promotional media. Professionally created 3D design in these paper bags is a key in unveiling the full potential of print media that makes an impact.


Styles of holographic paper bag
Holographic bags are available in various sizes. The holographic paper is available in various colors and prints. Finishing options are applied after completion of holographic process. The designs on the cover are many and varied. Some are custom printed like the name of the company or the company's logo. The holographic effect gives a very shiny and glossy look to the bag. There are hologram bags with embossed effect which gives a raised look. The holographic paper bag can also be foil stamped in Gold, Silver, Copper or any range of colors. The handles of these bags are usually made of plastic or cotton thread.

Uses of holographic paper bags
Holographic paper bags are not supposed to carry very heavy stuff but they are used widely for promotional purpose in big corporates and organizations. They are ideal to be used as gift bags and shopping bags.

Holographic Paper

Holographic papers or hologram papers are smooth and shiny papers having 2D/3D holographic effects that reflect and diffract interior and natural lighting. By improving shelf appeal, hologram paper has become very popular to increase sales through improved product awareness and enhanced brand image. The beautiful holographic papers glitter beautifully under the light and add a very attractive effect to all paper craft projects, be it bags, cards, posters or wrapping papers etc.

Process of making holographic papers
The holographic effects are created by metalizing the surface of the paper with a thin layer of shiny silver aluminum. The different holographic patterns are embossed into the surface, which in turn create millions of pixels in microscopic grooves and valleys. In other words, the hologram paper is actually a hologram embossed on the paper which is directly metalized to the paper with no lamination process. This embossed aluminum surface diffracts and also reflects the light. Diffracted light breaks up into various colors and the reflected light sparkles and dazzles to create a more eye-catching appearance.


Advantages of holographic papers
Hologram papers are widely used as a promotional media because of the following reasons:

• The hologram paper increases consumer awareness.
• The hologram paper increases sales because it attracts attention.
• The holographic paper is a multi-dimensional marketing medium.
• These papers create dimension and movement with a variety of colors and patterns.
• Hologram papers are ideal to create exciting projects for both home and office like craft projects, keepsakes, posters, special occasion cards etc.

Features of hologram papers
The various features of holographic papers are as follows:

• Hologram papers are available in sheets and rolls.
• The hologram papers can be given any shape and can be designed in any weight and size.
• Film lamination is used in heavier stocks like board weights.
• Direct embossing is designed for lighter paperweights.
• Transfer lamination process is used to produce hologram paper with the direct embossed qualities.
• Compared to regular paper, hologram paper is more expensive.
• Custom hologram papers are available in super gloss, gloss and dull finishes and appearances.
• They are also available in self adhesive paper.

Information from www.hlhologram.com and www.IHMA.org

Holography Masters

There are generally three types of holograms in the commercial world-embossed holograms, film holograms, photopolymer. Embossed holograms that can be easily mass produced by embossing are the most popular and commonly used hologram products. These holograms are widely used for security, packaging, labels, and display purposes. Holography nickel masters are used to produce embossed holograms.

What is holography master origination?
This is a type of one piece of nickel shim which are manufactured in a laboratory by master shooting system using advanced optics, laser light and photosensitive glass. A holography image created by master shooting system is recorded by a holographer onto photosensitive glass. This glass is then coated with silver layer for electronic forming. This is the manufacturing process of master origination. After electronic forming, we get a piece of holography nickel shim which records holography images and other information in 2D/3D or Dot-master effect. This holography nickel shim is called master origination. We can copy or duplicate lots of nickel shims from this origination by electronic forming.

Steps involved in making holography master origination

Step 1:
Photosensitive Glass Master

Step 2:
Glass master silvered

Step 3:
Holography Master Origination

Step 4:
Operation Holography Nickel Shim

Types of holography masters
The different types of Holography Masters are as follows:

• 2D Holography master
• 2D/3D Holography master
• 3D Holography master
• Flip-Flop Holography master
• Dot-Matrix Holography master
• Stereo Holography master
• Photopolymer Holography master

2D Holography master: This type of master origination just has one layer hologram image,. Other than on surface, it doesn't have any other layers. These kind of holograms has several very shining, color hologram image or text on surface, without "virtual depth". The images are more shining especially, in its big rainbow area. The flip-flop effect and most true color image is 2D holography master on surface because it has best shininess.

2D/3D Holography master: 2D/3D Holography masters have been widely used on the commercial securities. In any 2D/3D design, there are typically 2 or 3 layers. There is one layer on the surface as in 2D holography master while the other layers are in the mid-ground and background. There can also be floating layers. The effect gives the appearance of a flat scenery in a theatrical play which is arranged at different lengths from the front of the stage to create the illusion of depth. The depth between the different levels is the most important characteristic of 2D/3D hologram. 2D/3D hologram stickers usually have great visual depths between different layers and shininess on first layer.

3D Holography master: The 3D holography master display a three-dimensional image. This image actually duplicates a solid object derived from a model or a computer generated image. The observed 3D image changes with respect to the direction of view.

Flip-Flop Holography master: Flip-flop holography master produced by 2D/3D master shooting system. This kind of hologram displays two images from different viewing angle. An interesting feature in this hologram is that when the viewing angle changes vertically (upside and down) or horizontally (left to right) different images appear through the hologram. This is also known as two channel effect of 2D/3D.

Dot-Matrix Holography master: Dot matrix hologram creates an array of smaller units or dots. Each dot represents a separate hologram that produces a predetermined result, This result is usually a simple diffraction grating. When viewed at the correct angle and illuminated with a white light source, the diffraction grating produces a tiny spot of color. The microscope gratings are arranged in a proper way to produce a single composite picture. This picture is actually a sequence of related images, for a variety of "special effects". Dot matrix holography master is extremely attractive as they are bright and colorful. This master has lots of kinetic movements.

Stereo Holography master: Stereo Holography master creates a 3D effect of an object. It can show a small "movie clip" action sequence. Stereo Holography master or stereograms helps you to see a 3D object hidden inside a picture.

Photopolymer Holography master: Photopolymer holography master forms an image by illuminating the surface of object with radiant light emitted from a laser and then fixing said image. This method for producing holograms by photopolymer technology comprising the steps of: applying onto a surface a composition comprising a photopolymerizable monomer, a binder, and an initiator.

Holography Technology

The holography technology can best be understood under the following two categories:
Recording process of holography
The process of holography uses a reference beam to produce a recording of the phase of the light at every point in an image. The reference beam is combined with the light from the scene or the object which is referred as the object beam. Due to the superposition of the light waves, optical interference between the object beam and the reference beam produces a series of intensity fringes. These fringes can be recorded on standard photographic film and they form a type of diffraction grating on the film. This is called the hologram or the interference pattern.

It is also important to note that during holographic recording, rather than from just one point, each point on the hologram's surface is affected by light waves and these waves are reflected from all points in the scene. It means that during recording, each point on the hologram's surface acts like an eye which records everything it sees in any direction. After the hologram has been recorded, looking at a point in that hologram is similar to looking "through" one of those eyes. For example, you look at a small or cut out section of a recorded hologram. It is evident that from the same distance you see less than what you see in the full image. But still you can see the entire object by shifting your viewpoint laterally or by going very close to the hologram.

Reconstruction process of hologram
Once the film is processed, if there is illumination again with the reference beam, the original object beam in both intensity and phase is reconstructed with the diffraction from the fringe pattern on the film. The image appears three-dimensional because both the phase and intensity are reproduced. The image would rotate exactly as the original object would when the viewer move his or her viewpoint. Since there is an interference between the reference and object beams. There is the use of laser in holography. The light from the laser is divided into two beams-the reference beam and the object beam.

Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hologram
Difference between recording a hologram and taking a photograph
Recording a hologram is different from taking a photograph in various ways which are given below:

• In hologram, it is necessary that a coherent light source like a laser is used to illuminate the object.
• There is a second beam of coherent light which strike the film on which the hologram is to be recorded. This is called the reference beam. The reference beam and the object beam overlap at the surface of the film and they form an interference pattern.
• The recording material is capable of recording these fine patterns and a high-resolution photographic film is used.
• Because the lines that make up the hologram is usually less than a micron, holographic recording is more sensitive to movement and vibrations compared to photographic recording. This is actually a very serious restriction as it usually confines holography to the laboratory where vibration isolation is created.
• 

Information from www.hlhologram.com and www.IHMA.org and www.security.com

Transparent Holograms

Transparent holograms are the ideal security products where an over laminate is required so that information is viewable through the laminate. In other words, transparent holograms are see through holograms which are affixed over a number, text or a photograph to see through the hologram label the printed information. Any attempt to tamper with the hologram will result in the destruction of the hologram. These holograms are considered to be an ideal solution for document protection where there is the need to secure critical information on the document against any tampering. They can provide your documents/cards with a visually appealing look, coupled with a moderate degree of security.

Basic feature of transparent holograms

Transparent hologram uses a transparent hologram film overlay on a digitally printed ID card or document or license. This protects the inks on the card from excessive abrasion and wear and also extends the card life. The transparent holographic overlay prevents alterations to the card/document information and prevents copying or duplicating the card. Usually, the transparent holograms are the "peel and label" transparent labels which are manually affixed after the card is printed. They are pressure sensitive, self adhesive holograms. Just remove paper liner to activate adhesive and apply transparent holograms over any important card or document.


Types of transparent holograms

Customized transparent hologram: There are transparent hologram labels or stickers which are custom imprinted with your company logo, name, consecutive serial number and other features. Transparent labels can be customized with a unique imprint.

Tamper evident transparent hologram: The holograms are available with a tamper evident feature. The image is destroyed if any attempt is made to remove the label or sticker from the product or document, or to reposition it. This is an additional security feature in transparent holograms.

Advantages of transparent holograms
The popularity of transparent holograms is due to the following advantages:

• Transparent holograms are compatible with lamination pouches to make ID cards, license, passports etc. They can be affixed to the card insert before laminating. They can also be affixed to the finished laminated ID card.
• These holograms allow easy viewing of the information underneath.
• Transparent hologram is also an affordable method of re-validating an existing card. Since the information can be seen through the transparent hologram, instead of printing new cards every year, it is easy to simply peel and stick the transparent hologram overlay onto an existing card.
• Transparent holograms cannot be scanned or photocopied and hence ideal to combat document counterfeiting.
• Transparent holograms can also create an attractive complement to your existing packaging and product.
• Transparent holograms can also be shining and sharp.

Applications of transparent holograms
Transparent holograms in the form of pressure sensitive labels, pouches and stickers are used in various products.

Types of Hologram

A hologram is a type of three-dimensional image that gives the appearance as a real object as the image has depth. The best way to think of a hologram is to visualize them as impressions on light waves. The patterns of light wave impressions are photographed or captured in the layer of emulsion. In other words, a hologram is an image or photograph of light wave interference. It is to be noted that not all 3D images are holograms and neither a hologram is required to be 3D. In technical terms, a hologram is the captured intensity and phase information which is produced by the interference or interconnection of two or more beams of light. People often consider a hologram as some type of a three-dimensional photograph. However, the only thing common between photography and holography is the use of a photographic film. The important difference is the way the image is produced in both the cases. A photographic image is produced by a camera lens and it is described almost accurately using a simple geometric or ray model for the behavior of light. On the other hand, the holographic image is formed depending on diffraction and interference, which are wave phenomena.

Types of Hologram
Let us now discuss in details the various types of holograms produced under different processes and methods. These holograms are:

• Reflection Hologram: It forms an image by reflected light.
• Transmission Hologram: It forms an image from the light that passes through the holographic emulsion.
• Embossed Holograms: The most commonly used hologram.
• Integral Hologram: A type of hologram formed from series of photographs of an object.
• Rainbow Holograms: A popular type of hologram, viewed in white light.
• Computer Generated Holograms: Computers are used to create images and patterns for developing holograms.
• Multiplex Hologram: It is a type of hologram produced by combining a large number of photographs.
• Stereogram: An optical illusion of depth created from flat, two-dimensional image.
• Volume Holograms: A hologram in which the angle difference between the object beam and reference beam is greater than 90 degrees.
• Plane Holograms: A hologram in which the angle difference between the object beam and reference beam is less than 90 degrees.

Properties of holograms
Holograms have some very interesting properties such as follows:

• Distributed information: The information in a hologram is always distributed. If it is cut into pieces, each piece contains enough information to reconstruct the entire scene.
• Image projection: Under certain cases, merely shining or lighting a laser through the hologram projects an image on to a screen.
• Viewing directly with a point source: A hologram reconstruction shows exactly the same light wavefronts to our eyes that we receive with the real object, using a point source of illumination. The hologram is not distinguished from the physical object.

Hologram: Application
Holography and hologram products are now widely used in various applications. One of the most common application of holography is in security maintenance. Spreading from the research laboratory to industry, holography today finds wider employment in communication and various engineering problems. It is used in computer technology to store numerous quantities of information. Another important application area is bar-code readers in shops, warehouses, libraries etc. Holograms are today considered as the best promotional media. Every type of industry can use the Holographic products to enhance their brands in the market and make them genuine and authenticated brands. Holograms are used for attractive product packaging, security applications, fancy gifts, 3-D art etc. New technology aircraft, automobiles, etc. also make use of holograms.