Diffractive optical element for creating visual 3D images.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Information Security

Background:

• Current security features face challenges in counterfeit prevention.
• There is a need for advanced visual security elements with unique switching properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and demonstrate a new visual security feature: the vertical 3D/3D switch effect.
• To synthesize and validate optical security elements exhibiting this effect.
• To assess the counterfeit-protection capabilities and replication feasibility.

Main Methods:

• Computation and synthesis of diffractive optical element microrelief.
• Utilizing electron-beam technology for element fabrication.
• Testing with white light illumination and visual observation of the switching effect.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of diffractive optical elements producing the vertical 3D/3D switch effect.
• Demonstration of two distinct 3D color images alternating upon tilting.
• Validation of the effect with real optical elements under white light.

Conclusions:

• The developed diffractive optical elements provide a novel, visually controllable security feature.
• The technology is robust against counterfeiting and can be replicated using existing hologram manufacturing equipment.
• This feature is suitable for securing banknotes, documents, and ID cards.