Optically Variable Security Element Laser Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security elements for data carriers, such as value documents, lack an effective combination of high protection against forgery and attractive visual appearance, especially when viewed from different angles, which is difficult to reproduce even with modern copiers.
Innovation Solution
A security element featuring a microlens arrangement with a laser-sensitive cover layer and recording layer, where laser radiation creates recesses and micro-characteristics visible through the microlenses, providing unique visual effects and high protection against forgery by altering the substrate's appearance when viewed from different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional security elements are used, then protection against forgery is provided, but visual appearance and attractiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cover layer is segmented into multiple recesses, each containing a microlens array that focuses laser radiation to create micro-characteristics. This segmentation allows different visual effects to be created in different areas while maintaining overall security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different areas of the cover layer have different properties: some areas have recesses with microlenses for optically variable effects, while other areas have micro-characteristics for direct laser marking. This local differentiation provides both security and attractive visual appearance.
2Reliability
If laser radiation is applied to create security features, then protection against forgery is enhanced, but the complexity of the production process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The production process merges multiple steps into one: laser radiation simultaneously creates recesses in the cover layer and micro-characteristics in the recording layer through the microlens arrays. This combination reduces production complexity while maintaining high security.
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens arrays automatically focus the laser radiation to create precisely positioned micro-characteristics without requiring additional alignment steps or complex positioning systems, simplifying the production process.
3Ease of manufacture
If microlens arrays are used to create optically variable effects, then visual appearance is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens arrays self-align during the laser processing step, automatically positioning the focal points to create micro-characteristics in correct register with the carrier markings, reducing the need for high external manufacturing precision.
4Reliability
If multiple layers are used to achieve optically variable effects, then protection against forgery is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover layer and recording layer are processed simultaneously in one laser step, merging multiple functions (recess creation, micro-characteristic formation, and registration) into a single integrated process, reducing operational complexity despite the multi-layer structure.
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
The security element offers a high level of protection against forgery and an attractive visual appearance due to its optically variable effects, making it difficult to reproduce, and is closely integrated with the data carrier, enhancing authenticity verification.
Implementation Method 1
at least one recess is produced in the laser-sensitive cover layer (28) by the action of laser radiation (40)
Implementation Method 2
which has at least one recess produced by the action of laser radiation
Implementation Method 3
an arrangement of microlenses (26) arranged on the first main surface (22) of the carrier (20)
Implementation Method 4
each micro-characteristic being assigned to a microlens and is visible when the security element is viewed through the associated microlens
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an optically variable security element (12) for security papers, value documents and other data carriers, with a substantially transparent carrier (20) having opposing first and second main surfaces (22, 24), an arrangement of micro-lenses (26) on the first main surface (22) of the carrier (20), and a laser-sensitive recording layer (32) arranged on the second main surface of the carrier (20). According to the invention, the micro-lens arrangement (26) is furnished with a laser-sensitive cover layer (28) having at least one cut-out (30) produced by the effect of laser radiation and extending over several micro-lenses (26), the laser-sensitive recording layer (32) comprises a plurality (34) of micro-markings (36) produced by the effect of laser radiation, wherein each micro-marking (36) is associated with one micro-lens (26) and is visible through the associated micro-lens (26) during inspection of the security element (12), and the plurality (34) of micro-markings (36) on the carrier (20) is arranged precisely aligned directly opposite the at least one cut-out (30).