3D holographic technology is yet another achievement of the sci-fi community. The technology displays a 3D image that can be viewed from 360 degrees. The image formed is an attempt to duplicate the picture of an object, and record it so that viewer can see the image from different angles. This hologram technology is mostly used on the flat surface for authentication or security purposes

Hologram Basics
Holograms can record 3D informations on flat piece of film by using interference of light, generally laser light. While a picture is capable of capturing one image, holograms can capture thousands of images from the scene. This is what creates an illusion of 3D; as you look around the object you see different picture from different angles. A hologram can also use multiple images to create motion picture beside 3D.

History of Holograms
The advent of technology date backs to 1947, when a Hungarian physicist, Dennis Gabor discovered holography while working on an advanced research for electron microscope. However, the art of holography became much popular only after laser technology was perfected. Scientists made another leap in the direction and introduced 3D holography technology in the year 1962.

Types
There are several kinds of 3D holograms. Transmission Holograms, the reconstructed image in this type of holograms can be viewed after passing laser light through the surface of the hologram. Similar is the concept of Rainbow Transmission Hologram which portrays the duplicated image in white light instead of laser. Light source can be monochromatic or white. A different kind of hologram, the Reflection or Denisyuk Hologram, is capable of reproducing the multicolor image using a white light illumination source on the same side of the hologram.

Advances
The technology of holography reached to a level, which allows printing of large size digital holograms – i-Lumograms, as well as manufacture of color reflection holograms for various security applications. Now, holograms can be used as auto-stereoscopic projection displays for 3D gaming and even for home cinema applications. The virtual world has acquired a new dimension in real life, making the applications of 3D holograms vivid than ever before.

Common Uses
There are numerous applications of the 3D Holograms in the modern world. Some of the most common uses are:

Data Storage: Holographic data storage can be used to record information at high density in the crystals. The major benefit of this type of storage is that the volume of the recording media is used instead of only the surface.

Security: It is very difficult to forge security holograms, as they require very expensive and specialized technology. This type of holograms can mostly be seen in credit and bank cards as well as passports, ID cards, books, DVDs, and sports equipment.

Art: Unveiling the potentials of the holograms, artists stared to give their imagination a new shape depicting different dimensions of the creativity. Holographic art is often the result of the collaboration of artist and scientist.

Other Applications: Holographic screens or stickers find application in post offices, big shipping firms, and automated conveyor systems. These screens allow access to the basic information of the package and help in determining the dimensional size.