Duplication of holograms by using fingernail polish

Abstract In this manuscript, we report the results of a research effort in finding an innovative recorder material which utilized fingernail polish (Super Oro One Coat®) information by means of the control of temperature as a parameter induced by hand rubbing. Analogical and computer holograms were replicated, resulting in a high quality behavior of fingernail polish through coating the polish with an average thickness of 10–15 μm, which contains some components of polyester resin with nitrocellulose. Through this material we obtained a high absolute diffraction efficiency, which was approximately equal to 90%, with gratings of 100 lines/mm. For a copy of conventional holograms at high frequencies (holographic ranges) the diffraction efficiency parameter is in the neighborhood of 22% at first order or more, depending on diffraction efficiency of the pattern of the hologram. The hologram is elaborated in the absence of any development of any process and does not need to have carefully controlled environmental conditions. Following this process, the hologram is obtained at standard atmospheric conditions of pressure and temperature. Another advantage is that it is possible to obtain a hologram at a lower cost; furthermore, the property of applicability to any substrate that it has is remarkable.