INFO CENTER
25 Years Manufacturing And Export Experience On Money Handling Equipments
Language
25 Years Manufacturing And Export Experience On Money Handling Equipments
Discover the groundbreaking integration of 3D holographic technology in Japan's latest currency redesign. This article delves into the application of holograms, their significance in anti-counterfeiting measures, and the dynamic portraits showcased on the new banknotes.
With the announcement by the Bank of Japan to issue a new version of banknotes in July 2024, not only is it the first design update in 20 years, but it also marks the global debut of three-dimensional holographic technology on banknotes. The holographic image on the banknotes will appear when rotated, displaying portraits of Eiji Tsuburaya and Umeko Tsuda. This innovation not only represents a revolution in the aesthetics of Japanese currency but also signifies a leap forward in anti-counterfeiting technology. In this article, we will delve into holographic technology and its application in currency anti-counterfeiting, aiming to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of how this cutting-edge technology safeguards currency security.
Holographic technology, also known as holographic anti-counterfeiting technology, is a method of recording the amplitude and phase information of light waves using lasers, which can produce a three-dimensional visual effect. Compared to traditional two-dimensional images, holograms can display richer three-dimensional information, providing a new solution for currency anti-counterfeiting.
As an anti-counterfeiting technology, holographic technology has several advantages:
Comprehensive Information Recording: Holograms record the three-dimensional shape and surface information of objects, including depth and perspective, providing rich information that is difficult to replicate easily.
Dynamic Visual Effects: When observed, holograms present different patterns and colors depending on the viewing angle, increasing the difficulty of counterfeiting.
Technical Complexity: Producing holograms requires precise control of the phase and amplitude of light waves, typically requiring specialized laser equipment and complex optical systems, making it difficult for counterfeiters to master.
Single-Use: Holograms are usually used in conjunction with specific objects or identifiers. Once removed from banknotes or other media, holograms are damaged, increasing the cost and risk of counterfeiting.
The production process of holograms can be divided into two stages: recording and reproduction.
Recording Stage: In this stage, the laser beam is divided into two parts: one part is directly projected onto the object being photographed, while the other part serves as a reference light and is directly projected onto the holographic film. When the object being photographed interacts with the reference light, interference patterns are generated, recording the phase and amplitude information of the object.
Reproduction Stage: In this stage, the holographic film is illuminated to reproduce the optical information of the photographed object. When the laser beam passes through the holographic film, it interacts with the interference patterns recorded on the film. This results in interference and diffraction of light waves, creating a complex optical waveform that forms a lifelike three-dimensional image in the observer's eyes.
3D holograms, like traditional holograms, go further and can present dynamic three-dimensional effects in space, rather than just static images. Here's how 3D holograms work:
Multi-Angle Recording: Unlike traditional holograms, 3D holograms require more information to reproduce a three-dimensional effect. Therefore, multiple laser beams are used to record the optical information of the photographed object from different angles.
Complex Reproduction: In the reproduction stage, complex optical systems are used to reproduce the optical information from multiple angles and merge them together in the appropriate way to generate a realistic three-dimensional effect in space. This typically involves the use of multiple laser beams and optical components such as mirrors.
Dynamic Effects: Unlike traditional holograms, 3D holograms can present dynamic three-dimensional effects in space, similar to real objects. This is achieved by capturing the dynamic information of the object during the recording stage and playing or displaying this information in the corresponding way during the reproduction stage.
In simple terms:
Holograms: Imagine you take a photograph and then print it out. The photo is static and can only be seen on a flat surface. But if you use holographic technology to record this photo, you'll get a special transparent film with recorded phase and amplitude information of light. When you observe this film, you'll see a three-dimensional image that looks like the object is really there, but the image is still static, similar to viewing a stereoscopic image.
3D Holograms: Imagine you're standing in a room and suddenly a virtual object appears that you can see from different angles, and it can move, rotate, or even interact with you. That's a 3D hologram. It not only presents a realistic three-dimensional effect in space but can also be dynamic, just like a physical object, but it's actually a virtual image composed of light.
Let's briefly look at how 3D holographic technology is applied in the new version of Japanese banknotes:
10,000 Yen Banknote: The new 10,000 yen banknote will feature 3D holographic technology, displaying the portrait of Eiji Tsuburaya when the banknote is tilted or rotated.
5,000 Yen Banknote: The 5,000 yen banknote will feature a 3D holographic image of Umeko Tsuda.
The application of 3D holographic technology in the new Japanese banknotes not only showcases the integration of technology and art but also sets a new benchmark for the development of global currency anti-counterfeiting technology. With the continuous advancement of technology, 3D holograms are expected to be applied in the banknotes of more countries, providing a more solid guarantee for currency security.
References
Kazuki Sakuma, https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230415/p2a/00m/0na/005000c
The Bank of Japan, https://www.boj.or.jp/en/note_tfjgs/note/security/bnnew3.htm
Nippon, https://www.nippon.com/en/news/p01958/
