ISO/IEC 11695-1:2015

Overview

ISO/IEC 11695-1:2015 specifies the physical characteristics of identification cards implemented as optical memory cards using the holographic recording method. This Part 1 document defines the card geometry, layer construction and key physical requirements for a holographic memory card’s accessible optical area, ensuring interoperability and reliable operation when holograms are written and read by optical systems.

Key topics and technical requirements

This standard covers practical, testable physical attributes, including:

• Dimensions and form factor
  • Card height, width, thickness, corner radii and edges (references ISO/IEC 7810 for general card geometry).
• Construction and cross‑section
  • Layered structure of the accessible optical area: substrate layer, reflective layer (optional), storage layer, and one or more protective layers; can be laminated, bonded or inserted into the card body.
• Storage and optical layer definitions
  • Terms such as hologram, holographic recording method, amplitude/phase holograms, thin/thick holograms, polarization and birefringence are defined to support consistent interpretation.
• Physical performance requirements
  • Mechanical properties (bending stiffness, bending behaviour), warpage and dimensional stability under temperature/humidity changes, durability, and default test environment/conditioning.
• Environmental and safety considerations
  • Resistance to ultraviolet light, X‑rays, chemicals, atmospheric conditions and toxicity constraints.
• Optical characteristics cross-reference
  • For optical performance and data structures the standard links to Parts 2–4 (dimensions of accessible area, optical properties, logical data structures).

Applications and who uses it

ISO/IEC 11695-1 is intended for organizations involved in the design, manufacture, testing and procurement of holographic optical memory identification cards, such as:

• Card manufacturers and materials suppliers (layer selection, lamination)
• System integrators and device makers (optical readers/writers)
• Test and certification laboratories (physical compliance tests)
• Governments and credential issuers (secure ID, e‑government, national ID)
• Standards writers and procurement teams specifying card requirements

Typical applications include high‑density secure ID cards, long‑term archival credentials and specialized industry cards where holographic data storage provides higher capacity or enhanced anti‑tamper properties.

Related standards

• ISO/IEC 11695-2: Dimensions and location of the accessible optical area
• ISO/IEC 11695-3: Optical properties and characteristics
• ISO/IEC 11695-4: Logical data structures
• ISO/IEC 11693-1: Base document for optical memory card characteristics
• ISO/IEC 7810, ISO/IEC 7816-1, ISO/IEC 10373-1 (normative references)

Keywords: ISO/IEC 11695-1, holographic memory card, optical memory cards, physical characteristics, identification cards, accessible optical area, storage layer, protective layer.