A secure future for DOVIDs

For almost 15 years the use of holograms in security printing, and latterly the use of many types of hologram and related DOVID (Diffractive optically variable image device) in security printing and brand authentication, has been the most significant single application of this technology. In the first part of this paper we examine the mutual importance of security DOVIDs to the security print sector and to DOVID producers. We then show how this sector has driven the research and development of new types of DOVID -it is the application that has funded many companies and stimulated the introduction of many new techniques and processes. We then demonstrate what this level of commitment to DOVIDs by the security print sector means for the future and ask whether there is another 15 years in this field.