Overview
ISO/IEC 10373-9:2011 specifies test methods for optical memory identification cards using the holographic recording method. It supports conformance and interchangeability for cards defined by ISO/IEC 7810 and the holographic storage family (ISO/IEC 11695). The part defines test environments, apparatus, step‑by‑step procedures and required test reporting for verifying physical and optical characteristics of holographic optical memory cards.
Key topics and requirements
- Test environment & pre‑conditioning
- Default laboratory conditions: 23 °C ± 3 °C and 40–60% RH; pre‑conditioning of samples for 24 h where required.
- Default tolerance for equipment/procedures: ±5%.
- Location of accessible optical area
- Procedure for locating the optical area and reference track using defined reference points and measured dimensions; measurement accuracy typically 0.05 mm.
- Skew measurement
- Apparatus: xy stage with position indicator and optical microscope.
- Procedure: coordinate measurements at several points on the reference track and card edge to compute skew angle; test report must record the measured angle.
- Hologram size and arrangement
- Measurement of individual hologram size and layout (reference hologram and additional holograms on parallel tracks) using a microscope.
- Specifies minimum spacing to avoid crosstalk between adjacent holograms (referenced to ISO/IEC 11695‑2).
- Optical properties of the media
- Read‑out and measurement of diffraction gratings recorded in the storage layer (intensity of diffracted beams via camera or photodiode).
- Relates grating period to recording beam geometry and wavelength (see ISO/IEC 11695‑3).
- Reporting & uncertainty
- Each test method defines required test report items; total measurement uncertainty must be stated.
Note: the standard advises that some elements may be subject to patent rights.
Applications and users
ISO/IEC 10373-9:2011 is intended for:
- Card manufacturers and holographic media producers validating physical layout and optical performance
- Conformance and quality assurance laboratories performing standardized tests
- System integrators and issuers of secure ID, payment or archival cards that use holographic optical memory
- Component and test equipment vendors supplying microscopes, xy stages, photodetectors and read‑out systems
Practical benefits include reproducible test procedures, improved interoperability, reduced read errors (via crosstalk control) and documented measurement uncertainty for procurement and certification.
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 7810 (Identification cards - Physical characteristics)
- ISO/IEC 11695‑2 (Optical memory cards - Holographic recording method - Dimensions & optical area)
- ISO/IEC 11695‑3 (Optical properties and characteristics)
Keywords: ISO/IEC 10373-9:2011, optical memory cards, holographic recording, test methods, identification cards, skew measurement, hologram size, diffraction gratings, ISO/IEC 7810.