An assessment of the information transfer process for embossed holographic elements

Embossed holographic elements, such as diffraction gratings, display holograms and optical discs are now firmly established as mass-replicated items. The embossed hologram has evolved from its original form recorded in emulsion on glass plate to present-day images stamped into plastic. The process of obtaining a holographic image in plastic requires several stages of information transfer: first a surface relief image must be recorded into emulsion; next a metal replica must be made; finally the embossed plastic image is produced. A detailed analysis of the information transfer process has been undertaken and is described. [Continues.]