Laser-Ablated Security Image Layers for High-Resolution Color Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data carriers, such as identity cards and passports, lack sufficient security measures to prevent or complicate the modification or replacement of personalized data, and existing printing technologies suffer from limited resolution and uniform color generation.
Innovation Solution
A data carrier with modified and unmodified regions that reflect electromagnetic waves differently due to varying optical properties, including refractive index, absorption, and reflection behaviors, achieved through layers of metals or metal compounds and dielectrics, with recesses created by laser ablation, allowing for colorful and secure personalized data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If printing technologies (offset or inkjet) are used to generate color patterns, then personalized data can be applied to the data carrier, but the resolution is limited and a constant CMY hue is generated in the background
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and optical parameters of the metal layer by selective laser ablation. Instead of using printing technologies that deposit pigments, the invention removes material selectively to create regions with different optical properties. The metal layer's reflection spectrum is modified through controlled removal, creating high-contrast color patterns without CMY background hues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical printing process with a laser-based ablation process. Instead of depositing ink or pigment through offset or inkjet printing, the invention uses laser energy to selectively remove portions of the metal layer, creating permanent modifications that yield superior resolution and eliminate the need for CMY color mixing.
2Illumination intensity
If a metal layer is partially ablated during personalization to generate text or images, then high contrast can be achieved, but the security against forgery and modification remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure consisting of a metal layer combined with dielectric layers. This composite material approach creates multiple optical effects including interference, absorption, and reflection. The combination of materials with different optical properties enhances both the visual contrast and the security features, making the data carrier more resistant to forgery while maintaining high image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits color changes through selective laser ablation of the metal layer. By removing the metal in specific patterns, regions with different colors are revealed or created through optical interference effects. This color variation provides high contrast for personalized data while creating complex optical signatures that are difficult to replicate, thereby enhancing security against forgery.
3Reliability
If multiple layers with different optical properties are used to create distinct reflection spectra, then high security and color variability are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data carrier into distinct functional layers: a metal layer for absorption and contrast, and dielectric layers for interference effects. Each layer performs a specific optical function, and their combination creates the desired security features. This segmentation allows for controlled complexity where each layer is relatively simple but their interaction produces high-security characteristics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances security by providing a data carrier with distinct reflection spectra in modified and unmodified regions, offering high contrast and color variability, making it difficult to replicate or modify personalized data.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one modified region and the unmodified region have different properties that lead to different reflection spectra
Implementation Method 2
The properties of the electromagnetic waves are determined by their origin... the different optical properties of the first and the second information layer
Implementation Method 3
the at least one modified region and the unmodified region have different properties that lead to different reflection spectra
Implementation Method 4
the at least one recess extends completely through the first information layer and at least partially into the second information layer along an extension direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~8b
AI summary
A data carrier (1) comprises a cover layer (2), a base layer (3), and an information layer arrangement (4). The information layer arrangement (4) comprises at least a first information layer (5) and a second information layer (6) arranged after the first information layer (5) along an extension direction (E). The first information layer (5) and the second information layer (6) have different optical properties, and the information layer arrangement (4) has an unmodified region (11) and at least one modified region (12a), the at least one modified region (12a) having at least one recess (13a) extending at least partially into the first information layer (5) along the extension direction (E). The at least one modified region (12a) is configured to reflect incident electromagnetic waves (14) whereby a first reflection spectrum (25a) is generated, the unmodified region (11) is configured to reflect said incident electromagnetic waves (14) whereby a second reflection spectrum (26) is generated, the first reflection spectrum (25a) being different from the second reflection spectrum (26).