Abstract: Embossed holograms or diffraction patterns are formed on hard, unembossible metal substrates such as steel sheet metal. The hard metal substrate has a soft embossible metal layer such as tin formed on it, and holograms are embossed thereon by means of a surface relief, metal master. The soft metal layer must be sufficiently thick to accommodate the deepest surface relief pattern. For tinplate, the embossing can be preformed at room temperature. Among other things, the process produces tinplates and tin cans with embossed holograms.

Abstract: Holograms, including diffraction gratings, and methods of making them, that reconstruct an image which changes as the hologram is tilted with respect to the viewer and in a manner that images reconstructed from copies made of the hologram in monochromatic light do not have that motion. The hologram is a valuable security device for authenticating documents or objects to which it is attached since it is extremely difficult to duplicate.

Abstract: Methods for generating holograms from a computer model of any object using a combination of numerical and optical means and the holograms produced thereby. An illumination model is provided to specify sources of light rays and dispersion particles of the object. Each light ray being specified by a path and an intensity function is traceable from a source via the object to a set of points in space by the computer. The hologram is synthesized from a plurality of smaller hologram elements. Each individual element sustains a field of view of the object. The light rays from the object lying within the field of view and along the lines of sight are sampled by the computer. Optical means are employed to physically reproduce the sampled light rays using coherent radiation. The reproduced coherent light rays are then interfered with a coherent reference beam to form the hologram element. Alternatively, the hologram elements are calculated by the computer with an analogous technique.

Abstract: A product whereby diffraction patterns and holograms directly onto surfaces of metal material, such as aluminum. Products include household aluminum foil with embossed holograms, and aluminum beverage cans with an embossed hologram on its outside.

Abstract: A process for embossing diffraction patterns and holograms directly onto surfaces of metal material, such as aluminum, and products made thereby. Temperature ranges for optimizing the embossing are disclosed, being related to the yield strength of the material being embossed. End products include household aluminum foil with embossed holograms, and aluminum beverage cans with an embossed hologram on its outside.