Missed the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) Conference 2025? The full proceedings are now available, offering a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in physical, digital, and hybrid document security.

Authentix, a pioneer in nano-optic security technologies, has signed a Cooperation and License Agreement with LEONHARD KURZ, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of advanced high-security features. This partnership combines Authentix’s groundbreaking innovation with KURZ’s world-class production capacity.

Around the world, 166 issuing authorities circulate 1,007 banknote denominations in regular use, excluding commemoratives. According to data from the Reconnaissance DataVault, Asia leads the global charts with 314 active denominations, reflecting the region’s scale, diversity, and rapid monetary development.

The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) announced the winners of its inaugural Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards 2025 during a special ceremony held at the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) Conference in Warsaw, Poland (see HOTN September 2025).

The security and authentication sector has seen a surge in significant acquisitions in recent years, enhancing capabilities and consolidating expertise. However, recent developments suggest a shift in focus. Partnerships and collaborations are now becoming more prominent. The question arises: is collaboration the way forward?

ZEISS, a global leader in optics and photonics, has entered a strategic partnership with LG Chem to secure large-scale, sustainable production of advanced photopolymer films.

Covestro, a German materials science company that was spun out from Bayer in 2015, is celebrating ten years of innovation and growth with an emphasis on sustainable solutions for secure documents. Over the past decade, Covestro has established itself as a leading supplier of high-performance polymer films for passports, ID cards, and driving licenses.

Hueck Folien has successfully commissioned a new high-vacuum vapour deposition facility at its headquarters in Baumgartenberg, Austria. The €8.6 million investment, announced in September 2024, includes both a new metallisation system and associated infrastructure upgrades, marking a major advance in the company’s production of high-performance coatings for the security sector (see HOT News October 2024).

The European Technology Platform Photonics21 and some of Europe’s largest companies – including Bosch, Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Nokia Bell Labs, Zeiss, Trumpf, and EssilorLuxottica – have united to urge the European Commission to prioritise photonics in the upcoming EU Framework Programme (FP10).

In the September issue of Holography & Optical Technology News™, Guri Dhillon wrote about why UV resin is widely used in security holograms, diffractive optical elements (DOEs), and high-resolution embossing applications. In this article, he examines how the curing wavelength influences dimensional stability and discusses formulation and process strategies that allow optical and micro-structured surfaces to be replicated with sub-micron precision.

A project at Duke University has demonstrated how commercial AI models could accelerate microscopic examination of 2D materials and analysis of the results.

IOTA member Pura Group’s ‘Combination Hologram Technology’ (CHT) merges classical optical origination with computer-generated holography (CGH) in a single, production-ready master – raising counterfeit resistance without asking converters to retool their embossing lines.

Hong Kong Customs has started a three-month pilot scheme under the new duty stamp system to tackle illicit tobacco sales and ensure tax compliance.

At the recent LUXEPACK Monaco (29 September-1 October), Rolling Optics, a subsidiary of Oberthur, unveiled Fidaro™ – a micro-optic-based brand protection solution for packaging, labels, and product integration.

The Bank of Botswana has unveiled a 50 pula banknote commemorating its first Olympic gold medallist, sprinter Letsile Tebogo, who won the 200 metres, and the men’s 4 x 400 metre relay team that he anchored to a silver medal, at the Paris Olympic Games last year.

Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) has announced its new family banknotes series in the denominations of BND1, BND5, BND10, BND100 and BND500, scheduled to enter circulation in the first half of 2026.

Spectra Systems announced its first-half yearly performance for 2025, with revenues surging 54% to $34.97 million, up from $22.74 million in the same period last year.

Giancarlo Vimercati, the founder of Pilot Italia, passed away in July 2025. In 1968, Giancarlo Vimercati founded Pilot Italia, a label converter that gradually became well-known in the Italian label business.

KURZ Banknote Security’s production site in Sulzbach-Rosenberg in Germany celebrates its 30th anniversary this year (see HOT News August 2025), in honour of which the company has produced a series of celebration ‘Tree of Life’ notes themed around the beauty and strength of nature and the passage of time.

Diffractive optically variable image devices (DOVIDs) are widely used to protect documents against counterfeiting and misuse. They are commonly integrated into multilayer holographic foils, which are either hot-stamped onto documents such as credit cards, driving licenses, identity cards, passports, and banknotes or embedded into laminates that are heat-sealed to a document’s surface.

Koenig & Bauer Vision & Protection has entered a strategic cooperation with Bosch Secure Authentication GmbH – a subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH and part of the Bosch Group – to advance technologies in brand protection and traceability for protectable printed products.

Colombia’s Health Regulatory Body Instituto Nacional de Vigilancia de Medicamentos y Alimentos – INVIMA has issued a health alert after uncovering a counterfeit batch of oncological drug MABTHERA® (500 mg/50 mL) circulating in the market.

The demand for high-security document features has driven research into optical technologies capable of producing effects that are both visually striking and extremely difficult to counterfeit.

‘Optical Document Security’, the book by Rudolf (Ruud) van Renesse, is recognised as the most authoritative guide to the science, techniques and use of optical security features on security documents.

The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) announced the winners of its inaugural Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards 2025 during a special ceremony held at the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) Conference in Warsaw, Poland.

At the recently held Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) conference, the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) reaffirmed its leading role in promoting the global optical security ecosystem.

Reconnaissance, publishers of Holography & Optical Technology News™ and organisers of the High Security Printing™ (HSP) conferences, have announced the full programme for the upcoming HSP Asia 2025, taking place from 1-3 December 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) revealed the winners of its inaugural ‘Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards’ 2025 during a special ceremony held on 16 September at the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) conference, Warsaw, Poland.

Transforming the secondary image into a primary security feature, OVD Kinegram presented KINEGRAM PHOTOGRAPH at Identity Week America, which took place 10-11 September in Washington, DC.

This September in Warsaw, the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) unveiled another milestone – organising the first ‘Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards’. Now, almost 30 years on, the wheel has turned once more with a broader optical lens.

Crane Authentication – a Crane NXT business unit – has unveiled its latest innovation in overt security: PROFOUND® TruSpectrum™, which extends the colour palette of its micro-optic labels to match the spectrum of colours integral to a brand’s visual identity.

A new advance in optoelectronics from the University of St Andrews could accelerate the arrival of holographic technology in consumer devices, including smartphones, wearables, and entertainment platforms.

According to researchers at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland, polarisation is key for future technologies, ranging from quantum computers to secure communication and holographic displays.

On 29 August, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) marked its 75th anniversary with the issue of a 2,000 rupee (Rs) commemorative banknote under the theme ‘Stability for Prosperity’.

Canpac Trends, one of India’s leading packaging solution providers, has announced the successful acquisition of Shriram Veritech Solutions, a company specialising in holographic security labels and anticounterfeiting solutions. The deal value was not disclosed.

UV resin is the preferred material for hologram casting because of its high precision, fast curing, and excellent optical properties. Here’s why UV resin is widely used in security holograms, diffractive optical elements (DOEs), and high-resolution embossing applications.

Amidst the gradual introduction of a new banknote series, Banco Central de Bolivia (BCB) has also launched a new bicentennial commemorative banknote, which was unveiled at a special event attended by the country’s President at the Casa de Libertad in Sucre, a heritage museum and former church where the country signed its declaration of independence in 1825.

Photonic crystals (PCs) are optical nanostructures that affect the propagation of light by the periodic variation in their refractive index. As counterfeiting techniques become ever more sophisticated, PCs offer physically unclonable functions (PUFs) due to their defect-sensitive optical behaviour and structural colours that cannot be reproduced accurately by traditional printing or scanning techniques.

The Aldus Group, a global provider of printing, packaging, finishing and precision engineering solutions, has stepped onto the international stage with a unified identity. At Label Expo Europe 2025 (15-17 September, Barcelona), the group showcased its consolidated portfolio, from foils and inks to machines, bringing them together under one roof for the first time.

The 2025 edition of the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) Conference opened with the headline ‘Welcome to the Genius of Secure Documents’. The conference was formally opened by Francis Tuffy, the newly appointed Chairman of ODDS, setting the tone for three days of technical exchange and innovation of experts, innovators and leaders in the optical security landscape.

The ultra-fast trading platform Fastex recently announced the release of a series of collectible currency notes, each backed 1:1 by FTN token, the platform’s native cryptocurrency. Unveiled in early July at the Harmony Meetup 7 in Yerevan, Armenia, the annual event that unites top minds from Web3 and iGaming, these notes feature banknote-grade anti-counterfeit features provided by Authentix.

Swiss manufacturer Gietz has created the ‘Gietz Vodka’ label concept to highlight the creative and technical possibilities of its ROFO 450 ECO hot foil stamping unit.

The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), India’s leading industry body for authentication and traceability solutions, has announced its newly elected board members for the 2025–2027 term. The appointments were confirmed at ASPA’s annual general meeting (AGM), held on 10 September in New Delhi.

German startup Gixel has raised €5 million in seed funding to develop next-generation optical see-through displays for AI and augmented reality (AR) eyewear.

Argentina’s cigarette tax stamps have undergone a redesign following the transformation of the country’s tax authority from the Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos (AFIP) to the Agencia de Recaudación y Control Aduanero (ARCA). While the change reflects new institutional branding and regulatory updates under General Resolution 5603/2024, the stamps’ core optical security features remain firmly in place.

The deadline has passed, the entries are in – and the buzz is building. The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) has officially closed submissions (as of 8 August) for its first-ever Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards, amid a strong response, and is now preparing for the award ceremony.

For years, Hazen Paper’s holographic calendars have become an annual highlight for designers, collectors, printers, and brand owners. Every calendar showcases Hazen’s brilliant work in pushing the boundaries of optical effects.

Crane Currency has added yet another iteration of its micro- optics technology to its portfolio of security features – cBREEZE™. Engineered for high volume, lower value notes, it is designed with durability and cost-efficiency in mind, bringing the same visual dynamism and security as its sibling technology RAPID® HD, but in a simplified, more accessible and lower cost form.

Holograms have a long and successful history as a decorative enhancement on coins (see HN November 2022). Recent releases show that mints are continuing to explore holographic innovation to convey stories, celebrate heritage, enhance value, and improve security.

Between 22-23 July 2025, KURZ Banknote Security celebrated 30 years of security production at its Sulzbach-Rosenberg site with two days of reflection, innovation, and networking.

The programme for the 2025 Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) conference, which takes place 15-17 September in Warsaw and is supported by the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA), has now been finalised, reaffirming its position as the technical forum for physical, digital, and virtual document security.

July 2025 marked a year since Authentix finalised the acquisition of the authentication operations of the Canadian group Meta Materials, which centred around Nanotech Security Corp (NSC), for approximately $10 million. NSC is a specialist in nanostructured functional films, including the Lumachrome® security feature, which is used in more than 30 banknote denominations worldwide, LiveOptik™ PROTECT, a security foil developed for the brand protection market and QUANTUM® Stripe – the world’s first fully animated nano optic and plasmonic banknote security feature.

The French state-owned security solutions group IN Groupe has successfully completed the acquisition of IDEMIA Smart Identity, positioning itself as the global leader in end-to-end, advanced physical and digital identity solutions and trust services.

US-based Lumenco, together with its subsidiary in brand protection (Nanopixel®), has announced a strategic alliance with UK-based XRD Nano to co-develop new- generation solutions in manufacturing microlens arrays and high-performance UV chemistry for brand security.

In the July edition of Holography & Optical Technology News®, we spotlighted Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer’s POLYSECURE SHIELD – the polymer banknote substrate with an embedded OVD. In this issue, we continue our coverage of banknote anticounterfeiting innovations with a look at the CBRI’s new approach to window security features, blending fluorescent effects with fine-pattern transparency directly in paper substrates.

New technology from US-based startup SMS, called ‘Nanocoining’, is helping to bring nano- and microscale patterns to the industrial scale. The technology creates seamless cylindrical drum moulds for roll-to-roll nanoimprint processes with a patterning rate of up to 2 square inches (2,500mm2) per second – more than 500 times faster than typical electron-beam tools.

IOTA’s inaugural webinar, titled ‘Seeing is Believing: Optical Features for High-Stakes Security’, held on 25 June 2025, lived up to its name. This was the International Optical Technologies Association’s (IOTA) first public event under its new identity, and focused on the essential role of optical technologies in verifying and safeguarding high-stakes documents, such as banknotes, identity cards, tax stamps, and branded products.

Following recent management changes, Hueck Folien (HF) CEO Dr Martin Bergsmann has assumed additional responsibility for Production and Technology. This comes after Manfred Durstberger stepped down from the Management Board on 31 March 2025, concluding 14 successful years as Managing Director in that domain. Durstberger will continue to oversee the rollout of the company’s new vapour deposition system until mid-year.

Researchers at ETH Zurich, University (Switzerland) have developed an ultra-thin metalens that can convert infrared light into visible light. This innovation relies on a special material, lithium niobate (synthetic salt consisting of niobium, lithium, and oxygen), and a novel fabrication process that stamps nanoscale patterns onto its surface.

Last month, the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) announced its newest member – SATORIS of Lithuania. It has now announced the addition of a further four prominent new members: SICPA, TOPTICAL, Q&T Hi-Tech, and XRD Nano.

The presentation at the recent HSP Latin America in Rio de Janeiro by Ian Brigham of Spectra Systems covered the new house note that has been produced by Casa da Moeda do Brasil on its Fusion™ polymer substrate. The ‘Boa Sorte’ note incorporates a level 3 taggant unique to Fusion as well as, for the first time, a new level 1 optical security feature from Oberthur – Kryptonome™.

In the ever-evolving world of high-security printing, Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer, located in Hanoi, Vietnam, has emerged as an innovative new player in banknote polymer substrate technology. The company’s latest innovation, POLYSECURE® SHIELD, was unveiled at the recent Currency Conference, held from 26-29 May in Bangkok, Thailand.

On 5 June 2025, Congo officially launched its new biometric passport. Developed in partnership with DERMALOG and led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this passport introduces a modern and secure travel document complying with the latest ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards.

SATORIS, a leading security printing house from Lithuania, has become the latest member to join the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA).

ZEISS and tesa have formalised a significant technical partnership aimed at scaling up the production of large-format holographic optical components. The collaboration, focused on transparent display technologies, marks an important step toward integrating holography into automotive and consumer applications at industrial volumes.

Hueck Folien and IQ Structures (IQS), two leading innovators in the field of banknote security features, have announced a strengthened partnership under the Nanovista brand following a highly positive market response to their joint efforts.

Dai Nippon Printing (DNP), a leading Japanese technology and printing company, has signed a share transfer agreement to acquire 75% of Rubicon SEZC, a Cayman Islands-based holding company of the Laxton Group, specialists in biometric identity solutions.

Optical security innovations continued to win global recognition. Recent award ceremonies across the currency, identity, and packaging sectors have highlighted how these innovations continue to protect these. In this article, Holography & Optical Technology News™ (HOT News) reviews several of the award-winning developments.

The Uttarakhand State Excise Department, located in northern India, has enhanced its tax stamps by incorporating optical security features.

The brand protection landscape is entering a new era, marked not only by technological advancements but also by a shift in identity.

Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) achieved record revenue in 2024, continuing its growth trajectory.

With its refreshed identity and broader mission, the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) – formerly known as the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) – is deepening its engagement with the global optical security technologies (OST) community.

Set against the backdrop of Warsaw’s rich heritage, the Optical & Digital Document Security™ (ODDS) 2025 conference will take place from 15-17 September, bringing together global experts to explore the latest advancements in physical and digital document protection.

Crane NXT recently announced the launch of a new brand identity: Crane Authentication. This unified brand consolidates the strengths of De La Rue Authentication (the recently finalised acquisition made in May 2025), the Smart Packaging assets of TruTag Technologies, and OpSec Security (purchased last year).

De La Rue, the 211-year-old British icon known for printing some of the world’s most secure banknotes, is turning the page. In a move that marks the end of its public market journey, US- based Atlas Holdings (through its vehicle ACR Bidco Limited) will acquire the company for £263 million in an all-cash deal.

K Laser Technology has inaugurated its newest and most advanced facility in China, marking another milestone in its global growth strategy. Located in Nanchang’s High- Tech Industrial Development Zone, the new campus spans 52,000m² and will serve as the company’s regional headquarters for China.

LEONHARD KURZ, a market leader in security and surface finishing technologies, has announced the integration of its subsidiary SCRIBOS, a digital platform provider which it acquired in 2021 (see HOT News August 2021), under a new unified brand identity – KURZ SCRIBOS.

If you’re a Pokémon fan, you’ve probably heard that ‘Pokémon TCG: Journey Together’ has been released recently and is now available at the Pokémon Centre (the official website), local card shops, and select retailers in themed boxes, bundles, and booster packs.

Japan-based Toppan Holdings, a global player in printing, packaging, and security features, is advancing its growth strategy through acquisitions, innovation, and support for startups. According to the company, it is reshaping its international presence, with a strong emphasis on sustainable packaging and security technologies, while investing in next- generation materials and systems.

Researchers at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in Korea, operating under the National Research Council of Science and Technology (NST), have developed a field- programmable gate array (FPGA)-based processor capable of converting conventional 2D video into real-time 3D holograms.

As the authentication and print finishing industries evolve, innovation requires recognition to succeed. Awards celebrate achievements and highlight the collaborations, materials, and technologies that shape the future of visual and physical security. Time to remind you of a few upcoming ones.

Holographic features have long played a vital role in optical document security—grabbing attention, signaling authenticity, and giving visual verification. But as design trends shift and digital solutions take a larger role, it’s time to reassess their impact.

The evolution of identity documents is accelerating. As countries modernise their national ID systems, a noticeable shift is emerging – not just in digital functionality but also in the physical layout of the cards themselves.

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst have developed a new method for aligning 3D semiconductor chips by shining a laser through concentric meta lenses patterned on the chips to produce a hologram.

TOPPAN Digital Inc, a subsidiary of TOPPAN Holdings Inc, has developed a new colour version of its innovative Illumigram™ hologram. Originally available only in white, the enhanced version now presents multi-colour 3D text and images that respond to strong light sources, such as a smartphone torch.

The introduction of portrait-format identity cards signifies a shift in how governments approach ID design. With Iceland’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) compliant vertical ID launched in 2024 and Cameroon’s in 2025 (see page 4), the transition from landscape to portrait layouts offers a new canvas for optical security.

De La Rue, the 211-year-old British icon known for printing some of the world’s most secure banknotes, is turning the page. In a move that marks the end of its public market journey, US-based Atlas Holdings (through its vehicle ACR Bidco Limited) will acquire the company for £263 million in an all-cash deal.

In the October 2024 edition of Holography News, we reported key developments from Hueck Folien, Hazen, and others that are shaping the path toward a greener future. As more companies from Europe to Asia integrate renewable energy systems, electrify heat processes, and forge strategic alliances to align innovation with climate responsibility, this article provides updates on additional initiatives from the packaging and security printing industry.

Reconnaissance International has unveiled DataVault™, the industry’s first dedicated, searchable online database for banknotes and coins – designed specifically for currency professionals who need fast, reliable, and up-to-date information.

The 12th edition of the Reconnaissance Tax Stamp & Traceability Forum™ (TSTF) took place from 7-9 April in Cape Town, South Africa. More than 165 delegates from 84 organisations representing 44 countries (including tax authorities from Africa and worldwide) participated in the event. They explored strategic and practical solutions to safeguard and enhance government tax revenues while combating the illicit trade in tobacco, alcohol, and other products.

US-based Holographix® LLC (a Headwall Group Company), provider of nano and micro-optics solutions, has announced the launch of specialised design services for microlens array (MLA) devices.

The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) has announced the first Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards, a new global initiative recognising innovation and technical achievement across the wider optical security technologies (OSTs) landscape.

The De La Rue’s new express label series calls for thought.

Crane NXT has secured its first micro- optics contract through the OpSec Security channel with a luxury perfume brand.

In the January and February 2025 issues of Holography & Optical Technology News™, we covered banknotes featuring optical innovations from Argentina, Mauritius, Romania, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Kenya, China, the Falklands, and Belize.

Researchers from EPFL’s Laboratory of Applied Photonic Devices, led by Christophe Moser, in collaboration with Jesper Glückstad’s team at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), have revealed a breakthrough in 3D printing.

The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA), previously known as the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA), has announced its inaugural leadership team for the new global trade body focused on optical security technologies.

At the recent High Security Printing™ (HSP) EMEA conference in Basel (3-5 February), Georgios Tziovaras, Global Business Development Manager at Covestro Specialty Films, highlighted the crucial role of holography and advanced optical technologies in modern identity documents.

Giriraj Foils (IOTA member), a well-respected name in India’s high- security films, stamping foils and laminates, has partnered with François-Charles Oberthur group, a global leader in banknote printing, security solutions and technologies, to deliver micro-optics and other advanced authentication solutions tailored for the Indian market.

De La Rue has introduced the Optical Express Label Series (OELS) to provide brand owners with quick yet secure authentication solutions.

Radiant Opto-Electronics (ROE) Corporation, based in Taiwan and a leader in backlight module technologies, has completed the acquisition of Denmark-based NIL Technology (NILT), recognised for its innovative meta-optics and nanostructured flat optics solutions.

Honeywell has unveiled the development of a new technology, Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM), which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to count and classify microscopic particles or cells efficiently. This innovation holds significant potential across various industries where rapid analysis and streamlined operations are essential.

The Intergraf Currency+Identity 2025 conference was held with style and innovation from 5-7 March in Milan, Italy. From the start, it promised more than just discussions, offering a creative and insightful take on the world of security printing to the 1,000+ delegates that took part.

The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA) hosted the sixth edition of the Traceability and Authentication Forum in New Delhi on 17-18 March. The event highlighted the need for stronger anticounterfeiting laws and a greater use of authentication and traceability tools.

In a collaborative development, Banknote Corporation of India (BCA) joined 4Plate, Covestro, Luminescence, and IQ Structures to introduce the Milano card (collectible), a bold celebration of creativity and innovation.

On 3 July 2024, the Bank of Japan (BoJ) began a new journey with holograms on banknotes, as it issued a new series of banknotes carrying holographic portraits.

A European research team from Germany, the Czech Republic, and Belgium is developing an innovative imaging technology to visualise neuronal processes in living organisms with high precision.

The Chinese Lunar New Year 2025 began on 29 January, marking the start of the Year of the Snake. While people and organisations celebrate this in various ways, Holography & Optical Technology News® focuses on a few innovative industry developments welcoming the year of the snake.

Luminit, a California-based provider of innovative light management solutions for the lighting display, automotive, biomedical, entertainment, and machine vision industries, has made a number of key senior appointments.

On 23 January 2025, the Central Bank of Belize (CBoB) announced a new series of banknotes (in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100) featuring holographic threads and stripes. This announcement signifies a significant milestone in Belize’s financial landscape, showcasing innovative designs that celebrate the country’s rich heritage while embracing modernity.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has a long relationship with holography, dating back to 1968 and Professor Stephen Benton, a leading figure in the field and the inventor of rainbow holography. Benton joined MIT in the late 1980s and established the Spatial Imaging Group within the Media Lab. This article briefly covers the activities between MIT and holography.

Researchers from the Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas and the University of Crete, both in Greece, have developed a groundbreaking optical encryption method that they claim achieves an outstanding level of security.

Recent advancements in nanofabrication have demonstrated new possibilities for enhancing the design of optical security devices (OSDs) that display different images under various lighting conditions, including those combining colour printing with holography. However, the complexity of designing such devices and the challenge of scaling them up for real-world use remain significant hurdles.

Sanyo Chemical, a global manufacturer and supplier of performance chemicals based in Kyoto, Japan, has launched HILUCIS, a UV-curable nanoimprint resin designed to enhance the development of next-generation optical devices for Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).

With its charming riverside setting, vibrant cultural scene, and excellent public transport, Basel hosted the 21st edition of High Security Printing™ EMEA (HSP EMEA).

Appotronics, a leader in laser display technology, has announced a strategic partnership with Ceres Holographics to combine their technologies for in-car display solutions, including transparent heads-up displays (HUDs) for drivers and passengers.

A team of researchers at Sun Yat-sen University in China, has developed a novel luminescent material with dynamic properties.

In the November 2024 issues of Holography News™, we covered banknotes featuring optical innovations from Samoa, Lesotho, Bermuda, and Cambodia.

In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Juliet asks, ‘What’s in a name?’. Her words suggest that names are merely labels, holding little significance in defining the essence of a thing. Yet, names can profoundly shape perceptions, signal identity, and set expectations. With this in mind, I want to update you about a pivotal moment for Holography News® (HN), which is adopting a new name: Holography & Optical Technology News® (HOT News).

WiMi Hologram Cloud Inc (NASDAQ: WiMi), a global hologram augmented reality (AR) technology provider, has announced the development of a hybrid CPU- FPGA quantum AI simulator.

The Supreme Court of India is considering making hologram-based, colour-coded stickers (HCCS) for vehicles mandatory nationwide. This comes amid growing concerns about pollution, with an increasing trend in the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi, the country’s capital. The court noted that of the approximately 2.7 million vehicles in Delhi, only 1.7-1.8 million had these HCCS, which are crucial for identifying vehicles using sub-par fuel on high-pollution days.

The Authentication Solution Providers’ Association (ASPA), in collaboration with The Rise (event management firm), has announced the next edition of its flagship event, the Traceability & Authentication Forum™ (TAF).

Advances in optical security technologies are crucial in combating counterfeiting, particularly for government issued documents and banknotes. A recent development in this field is the creation of a high-numerical-aperture (NA) multilevel diffractive microlens array (MLA) that operates across multiple wavelengths.

CES® (short for the Consumer Electronics Show) is justifiably referred to as the most influential technology event in the world. It is the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. CES 2025 was held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 7-10 January 2025.

With the new branding, the International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) – formerly the International Hologram Manufacturers Association (IHMA) – is expanding its advocacy of the optical security technologies ecosystem.