What is a Diffractive Optically Variable Image Device (DOVID)?
A Diffractive Optically Variable Image Device (DOVID) is a high‑security, diffractive OVD that generates multiple, clearly separated optically variable effects – often including hidden images, kinetic movement, and colour shift – within a single device. Unlike a simple hologram that may show a single 3D image or a rainbow pattern, a DOVID typically contains two or more discrete images that appear or switch as the viewing angle changes. DOVIDs are the gold standard for document security (passports, visas, ID cards) and are also used on high‑value banknotes, tax stamps, and brand protection labels.
At Holoseal – a trusted hologram supplier with 15+ years of experience – we supply DOVID-based hologram labels, patches, and threads. Our DOVID solutions meet international ICAO standards and are used by governments and global brands across India and worldwide.
🔍 DOVID vs. Standard Hologram – Key Differences
- Standard Hologram – Usually a single 3D image or simple rainbow pattern. May show depth but rarely multiple distinct images.
- DOVID – Contains multiple distinct images (e.g., portrait, national emblem, denomination) that switch with tilt. Often includes kinetic effects (movement) and microtext.
- Security Level – DOVIDs are significantly more secure because they require advanced electron‑beam or dot‑matrix origination techniques. Simple holograms can be made with less expensive methods.
- Verifiability – A DOVID offers easier public authentication: tilt left/right, see Image A; tilt up/down, see Image B.
⚙️ How Does a DOVID Work?
DOVIDs are created using advanced diffraction gratings and master origination techniques:
- Multiple diffraction gratings – The surface of a DOVID contains several zones, each with a different grating orientation and spacing. Each zone reflects light differently, creating separate images at specific angles.
- Electron‑beam lithography (e‑beam) – High‑resolution writing of gratings at nanometre scale. Used for the most secure DOVIDs (e.g., passport data pages).
- Dot matrix origination – Computer‑controlled laser writing of tiny pixels. Each pixel has a tailored grating, enabling complex image switching and animation.
- Embossing & metalization – The master pattern is embossed into a polymer film and metalized (aluminium or zinc sulphide for transparent DOVIDs).
When light hits the DOVID, the different grating zones diffract light in different directions, so depending on your viewing angle, you see Image A, Image B, or a kinetic effect.
📦 Types of DOVIDs We Supply
Drawing on 15+ years of sourcing expertise, Holoseal offers DOVIDs in various form factors:
- DOVID Hologram Labels – Self‑adhesive stickers with multiple switching images. Used for brand protection, tax stamps, and high‑value product authentication.
- DOVID Patches (Foils) – Hot‑stamped DOVID patches on paper or plastic. Common on passport data pages and ID cards.
- DOVID Security Threads (Windowed) – Narrow diffractive strips partially embedded into paper or polymer substrates. Used in banknotes and high‑security documents.
- Transparent DOVID Laminates – Zinc sulphide (non‑metalized) DOVIDs that are transparent but show colour shift. Used on clear windows of passports or polymer banknotes.
- Custom DOVID Designs – Your logo, portrait, or text as the switching image. We arrange master origination with your chosen primary and secondary devices.
🏭 Real‑World Applications of DOVIDs
🛂 Passports & e‑Passports
The data page of most modern passports contains a DOVID that switches between the passport holder’s photo, the country’s emblem, and the passport number. ICAO 9303 mandates DOVIDs for machine‑readable travel documents.
💵 Banknotes & Currency
Many high‑denomination banknotes (e.g., Swiss franc, Canadian dollar, Indian ₹500) incorporate a DOVID thread or patch with moving numerals and emblems.
🆔 National ID Cards & Driver’s Licences
Government‑issued IDs use DOVID patches to prevent forgery. The feature is also machine‑verifiable at border checkpoints.
💊 Anti‑Counterfeit Pharma
Premium drug packaging may include a DOVID label that switches between the brand logo and “GENUINE” text, helping patients verify authenticity.
🍾 Luxury Goods & Liquor
High‑end spirits, watches, and electronics often feature DOVID stickers that reveal a unique code or hidden pattern when tilted, proving the product is original.
🔐 Security Features Within a DOVID
DOVIDs can incorporate multiple layers of overt, covert, and forensic security:
- Image switching – Two or more distinct images appear at different tilt angles.
- Kinematic movement – Animated strips, rotating stars, or “rolling bar” effects.
- Microtext & nanotext – Text smaller than 0.2mm, visible only under magnification.
- Hidden images (latent images) – An image that appears only under a specific angle or with a decoding filter.
- UV/IR fluorescent layers – Colourless inks that glow under ultraviolet or infrared light.
- Machine‑readable codes – Embedded digital information that can be read by automated passport readers.
🛠️ Manufacturing Complexity of DOVIDs vs. Standard Holograms
- Standard hologram master – Can be made with a simple laser and photoresist (2D/3D or rainbow).
- DOVID master – Requires electron‑beam lithography or advanced dot‑matrix systems costing millions of dollars. This high barrier to entry makes DOVIDs nearly impossible for counterfeiters to replicate.
🔎 How to Verify a DOVID (For End Users)
DOVIDs are designed for easy, intuitive authentication:
- Switch test – Tilt the label/document left‑right. Look for Image A. Then tilt up‑down. Look for Image B. A genuine DOVID will clearly show two different images.
- Kinetic test – Some DOVIDs contain a moving element (e.g., a star that rotates or a bar that rolls). Slowly tilt to see the motion.
- Magnification test – Use a 10x loupe to look for microtext. Covert microtext is often hidden within the DOVID design.
- UV light test – Many DOVIDs have fluorescent components that appear under UV‑A (365nm) light.
🌍 Holoseal’s DOVID Supply
We source DOVIDs from specialised manufacturers with e‑beam and dot‑matrix origination capabilities. We supply to clients across Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Surat, Kochi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Nagpur, Indore, Vadodara, Ludhiana, Patna, Guwahati, Chandigarh – as well as export to governments and brand owners worldwide. With 15+ years of experience, we help you design a DOVID that meets ICAO or your custom security requirements.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About DOVIDs
Is a DOVID the same as a hologram?
No. A DOVID is a specific type of diffractive OVD that contains multiple switchable images. A basic rainbow hologram may have no switching. All DOVIDs are holograms, but not all holograms are DOVIDs.
Can a DOVID be seen from any angle?
Each image within a DOVID is designed to be visible at specific tilt angles. That is intentional. The switching effect proves authenticity.
Are DOVIDs used on Indian passports?
Yes, Indian e‑passports issued after 2018 include a DOVID on the data page that switches between the passport holder’s photo and the Ashoka Chakra emblem.
How much does a custom DOVID cost?
DOVID master origination is expensive – typically ₹2–10 lakh (or more) depending on complexity. Volume production costs per label are slightly higher than standard holograms. We provide quotes based on your specific design and quantity.
Can I get a DOVID with my company logo?
Absolutely. We arrange custom DOVID origination with your logo as the primary image, and a secondary image (e.g., “GENUINE”, secure code, or another pattern).
How to order DOVIDs from Holoseal?
Contact us with your desired images (two or more), size, shape, quantity, and security requirements (microtext, UV, serialisation). With 15+ years of experience, we will manage the origination and manufacturing process and deliver pan‑India or worldwide.
