Advances in Holographic Embossing: The Polaform Process

Abstract

The Polaform process is a relatively new technique for the mass replication of holographic recordings by means of embossing. The process consists of the following major steps: Recording of a holographic interference pattern in photoresist; formation of a master metal replica of the photoresist pattern by electroplating; and use of the metal master or a metal replica to repeatedly emboss this pattern into long sheets of plastic. In certain cases, there is a fourth step involving metallizing and die cutting of the plastic sheet.