PLASMOGRAM™ REVERSO

Type: Diffractive Optically Variable Image Device (DOVID) — foil stripe applied to polymer banknote windows

Overview

Plasmogram™ Reverso is Surys' next-generation security foil, developed specifically for polymer banknotes with transparent window areas. Based on plasmonic sciences and nano-technologies, it offers striking metallic multi-colour and multi-aspect rendering in perfect correlation and registration with optically variable elements. It is described by IN Groupe as an innovative and exclusive optical technology representing the new generation of security foil. The technology received the IHMA Excellence in Holography Award for Best Origination in 2021.

Technology & Effects

The defining characteristic of Plasmogram™ Reverso is its three-state colour authentication — a capability unique among conventional foils and holograms. The feature operates as a three-part process: it reveals a set of distinct colours on the front of the note that transform into rich gold tones on the reverse; each colour also shifts when the note is tilted, in a manner impossible to simulate with regular inks or traditional holograms; and when held up to the light, a third set of colours becomes visible in transmission on both sides.

These coloured metallic effects draw public attention through their unusual and unique aspect, associated with dynamic and relief holographic effects. Wave and volume effects that cannot be missed make the security feature attractive under multiple viewing angles. Critically, this advanced security element features a unique triptych of visual effects offering distinct optical appearances from the front, reverse, and in transmitted light — unlike conventional foils or holograms.

Design Integration

A key strength of the technology is its design registration capability. All elements of the design — forms, colours, animated metallic outlines, wave and virtual effects — are strategically registered to improve design coherence and ease authentication. This allows the feature to be deeply integrated with the note's overall visual identity rather than appearing as a standalone security patch.

Form Factors & Application

Plasmogram™ Reverso is applied as a foil stripe within the transparent window area of polymer banknotes. Authentication is achieved through an extremely accessible control procedure: controlling a set of distinctive, vivid colours on the front side turning into rich shades of gold on the back side catches public attention, with each colour shifting by tilting the note. The feature is substrate-specific to polymer, making it particularly suited to high-denomination notes on Guardian or similar polymer substrates.

Security Levels

It functions as a strong Level 1 security feature, with different colours visible on the front, back, and in transmission — enabling immediate recognition by the public at arm's length under any lighting conditions, without any additional device. The underlying plasmonic nano-technology provides robust forensic-level (Level 3) resistance, given the complexity and precision of fabrication required.

Notable Deployments

The first application of Plasmogram™ Reverso on a polymer banknote was the limited-edition Gold Fish note produced in collaboration with the National Bank of Kazakhstan, De La Rue (polymer substrate), and the Kazakh note printing factory. More recently, Plasmogram™ Reverso was applied as a stripe on the Philippine 500 Piso polymer banknote — a project involving the central bank, substrate supplier, printer, and the IN Groupe/Surys technical and production teams — which was recognised with a joint award at the IOTA Excellence in Optical Technologies Awards 2025.

Name

PLASMOGRAM™ REVERSO

Category

Security Feature

Effect Types

Diffractive Foil

Company

IN Groupe
Company Website

Product Page

View on Supplier Site

Linked Features

1 security feature