[Philip Lelyveld comment: key sentences:… Unlike the materials available at present, these photopolymer films require no subsequent chemical or thermal treatment, which make them suitable for the cost-effective mass-production of volume holograms.  … Unlike traditional holograms, the background of volume holograms need not be metallic. …The color of the portrait or logo does not change depending on the angle at which it is viewed, meaning there is no rainbow effect. …]

[Financial Channel]

Volume holograms enable the generation of three-dimensional images and will soon become a common feature in different areas of our daily lives.

A current example is the manufacture of forgery-proof ID cards and other documents. For this purpose, Bayer MaterialScience has developed light-sensitive films, the first product variants of which are already market-ready under the name Bayfol HX.

Holographic information “inscribed” onto photopolymers by exposing them to laser beams can subsequently be made visible by various means. Unlike the materials available at present, these photopolymer films require no subsequent chemical or thermal treatment, which make them suitable for the cost-effective mass-production of volume holograms.

Holograms based on Bayfol HX – such as those used in portraits, logos or stereograms – can help make identity cards and authentication more secure. They can be seamlessly combined with other established security features on identity cards, documents or product packaging. Bayer MaterialScience distributes the Bayfol HX grades for security applications only to selected and certified manufacturers of holograms. Specialist knowledge would also be required to produce them.

Unlike traditional holograms, the background of volume holograms need not be metallic. Any background can be used. The color of the portrait or logo does not change depending on the angle at which it is viewed, meaning there is no rainbow effect. All in all, the volume hologram creates a high-quality optical effect, which makes it more appealing for use on ID cards, or products with authentication features. Used as a security feature, these holograms also offer effective protection against product piracy.

See the original post here: http://www.finchannel.com/news_flash/Health%26Beauty/97878_The_new_dimension_of_holography/