Abstract:
Laser ablation to direct write dot matrix holographic patterns onto the surface of polymeric coatings deposited on an embossing cylinder is described. The desired holographic pattern is ablated by interfering at least two laser beams directly onto the polymeric coating of the embossing cylinder in the pixel-by-pixel manner. The direct write laser ablation technique eliminates the size limitations of the holographic pattern created on the surface of the embossing cylinder, the need to combine smaller images to create a larger shim and the very need to use the shims, since large seamless embossing cylinders can be directly pixel-by-pixel ablated with larger sized images of great variety. The polymeric coatings for further direct write laser ablation can be deposited onto the embossing cylinder by various methods, including, but not limited to, molding or coating.
Abstract:
A hologram illumination method for creating a colorful and fantastic atmosphere in the surroundings utilizing hologram reflection pattern light. An illuminator, e.g. a candle or a miniature bulb, is disposed substantially in the center of a frame cover having inner side face partially reflecting a hologram pattern such that hologram pattern light reflected through irradiation with the illuminator can be enjoyed on the opposite side. Alternatively, an illuminator, e.g. a candle or a miniature bulb, is located substantially in the center and a bottomless frame cover having inner side face partially reflecting a hologram pattern is disposed such that hologram pattern light reflected through irradiation with the illuminator can be enjoyed on the opposite side.
Abstract:
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Herstellung eines holographischoptischen Elementes, bei dem eine photoempfindliche Schicht zumindest einmal mit interferierenden Lichtstrahlen belichtet wird, um eine holographische Struktur zu erzeugen. Erfindungsgemäss ist vorgesehen, loss die photoempfindliche Schicht zumindest einmal in gekrümmtem Zustand belichtet wird. Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin ein Verfahren zur Herstellung eines holographisch-optischen Elementes mit einem computergenerierten Lichtmuster, bei dem erfindungsgemäss vorgesehen ist, dass zurnindest ein zur Belichtung einer holographischen Struktur zur holographischen Speicherung einer Information auf einer ebenen Fläche berechnetes Lichtmuster derart transformiert wird, dass es einem Lichtmuster entspricht, das erst bei Krümmung der damn belichteten Photoschicht während der Beleuchtung mit Rekonstruktionslicht die gespeicherte Information zeigt, und die Photoschicht in ebenem Zustand mit dem transformierten Lichtmuster belichtet wird. Die Erfindung betrifft weiterhin holographisch-optische Elemente und Prägehologrammstrukturen, die unter Einsatz der erfindungsgemässen Verfahren hergestellt sind.
Abstract:
A method for impressing holographic images (16) or holograms in the surface of metal objects such as aluminum cans. The surfaces of metal shims (12) and print rolls (10) bearing holograms are hardened as by coating them with thin amorphous diamond coatings or diamond like coatings so the holograms can be embossed into many thousands of metal cans with clarity and consistency.
Abstract:
Proposed is a method of patterning the surface of printing or embossing cylinders, the method calling for the cylinder surface to be exposed to a beam corresponding to the desired pattern and the suface then patterned in accordance with the exposure. In order to be able to produce particularly fine features on the surface, the invention proposes that the dots of light on the surface are produced by beams which are modified, before they impinge on the surface, by a beam-forming element to form fine features corresponding to the desired pattern, the pattern formed by each dot imaged or projected on the surface being moved in synchronism with the movement of the surface as the cylinder turns.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for producing durable embossing tools is disclosed. An anisotropic etching process, such as ion etching, is used to etch a relief pattern into a hard substrate. A transfer layer is formed overlaying a generally smooth, seamless surface region of a substrate. A desired relief pattern is formed in the transfer layer, by exposing a photoresist, embossing, or the like. The substrate having the photoresist thereon is subjected to an anisotropic etch. The anisotropic etch continues until the transfer layer is completely removed and the relief pattern is formed in the upper surface of the embossing tool. The relative etch rates between the transfer layer and the surface region of the embossing tool are selected to provide the desired depth modulation in the surface of the embossing tool. An embossing tool produced according to the invention has a relatively hard surface and may thus be used for the mass production of holographic images without significant degradation of the pattern. Because the embossing tool can be made from an extremely hard material such as chromium or hardened steel, materials which previously could not be economically embossed with holograms, such as aluminum or steel, may now be embossed by an embossing tool made according to this invention.
Abstract:
A holographic display means for displaying an image holographically embodied in a hologram, comprises (a) a hologram support for receiving and supporting a hologram in a viewing position; (b) a reference light source disposed adjacent the hologram support in a predetermined position such that light emanating from the source when energised cannot fall directly on to a hologram supported on the support; and (c) a light reflecting means disposed adjacent a boundary of the support and arranged to direct light from the source on to a hologram supported on the support so as to be incident on the hologram at a predetermined reference angle, which angle corresponds substantially to the angle of incidence relative to the hologram of a predetermined reference light used in producing that hologram. Preferably, light is reflected not more than twice before it becomes incident on the hologram, and advantageously, it is reflected only once. Reflecting surfaces may be planar, or curved in one or more directions. Holograms in a variety of different forms may be illuminated, for example, planar, cylindrical, convex or concave form, or in any combination of such forms.