Researchers at the University of Adelaide have developed a laser-based optical fingerprinting technology that identifies counterfeit alcohol and hazardous chemicals through sealed bottles, providing a rapid, non-destructive method for product authentication and safety. This advancement builds on collaborative research between the University of St Andrews and the University of Adelaide.

Researchers at the University of Utah have demonstrated a new method of 3D printing that avoids the leaky seams that come with the layer-by-layer process. Using a nanoscale ‘mask’ that diffracts laser light into a holographic pattern of the desired shape, it fuses its print material solid in one shot. The process takes about 20 seconds, compared to the hours required by other laser-based printing methods.

Structural colour has been extensively covered in Holography & Optical Technology News™, and in other technical publications concerned with nano-optics and optical security. The principle is well established. Namely, colour is generated not by dyes or pigments, but by structures whose dimensions are comparable with, or smaller than, visible wavelengths of light. The latest work described in this article is of interest not only because it demonstrates a new approach to generating structural colour but also because it addresses the difficult transition from finely controlled laboratory structures to continuous, economical production.

Scientists at Stanford University have developed a shape-shifting material that can dynamically change both colour and surface texture, mimicking the camouflage abilities of cephalopods such as octopuses and cuttlefish. Published in Nature, this breakthrough could enable advanced optical security, adaptive displays, soft robotics, and next-generation anti-counterfeiting technologies.

Researchers at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering have developed a novel light-programmed system capable of projecting high-resolution three-dimensional images across 28 depth layers simultaneously, marking a significant advance in holographic display technology. Published in Light: Science & Applications, the research introduces a hybrid digital-optical architecture that combines deep learning with diffractive optics to generate volumetric images in a single exposure.

Researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have created a new hologram technology that uses light’s own properties as an encryption key, posing a far greater challenge for those looking to counterfeit security features.

For many years, KURZ has led in demonstrating how advanced optical security technologies integrate into banknotes. Through a series of creative sample banknotes and showcases, the company has illustrated the potential of security threads, registered stripes, stripe-over-window features, applied patch labels, and security patches.

Security printing has always borrowed optical phenomena from physics and chemistry, and few are as useful as luminescence.

Idvac is a private company based at Manchester Science Park in the UK, founded in 2004 to develop new processes and products for holographic, packaging, and solar window films. It has now developed an innovative process that introduces enhanced design features for security holograms and optical films.

Since their use on credit cards in the 1980s, holograms have been associated with optical security. Their distinctive rainbow colour shifting on banknotes, passports, payment cards and branded packaging, offer a quick visual confirmation that an item is genuine.