Holography: a 60 years journey with outstanding achievements

In this paper we look back to 60 years of holograpy. Special attention is given to its application for non-destructive testing and experimental stress analysis. Across these years both techniques have shown to be versatile tools for the solution of many inspection problems. Their main advantages are the non-contact nature, the non-destructive and areal working principle, the fast response, high sensitivity, resolution and accuracy. In contrast to conventional techniques such as classical interferometry, the holographic principle of wave front storage and reconstruction made it possible to investigate objects with rough surfaces that experience any change by temporal wave front division. The paper reviews the history of holographic metrology, honors the inventors of the main principles, and shows exemplary applications. However, the main focus is on modern developments that are inspired by the rapid technological process in sensing technology and digitization, current applications and future challenges.