Abstract: The invention relates to a card-shaped data carrier consisting of at least one layer (1, 2, 3). Visually readable information in the form of a changed optical characteristic is introduced into the layer. Said characteristic is changed by irreversibly changing the material by means of a laser beam. The absorption capacity of said layer (1, 2, 3) for at least one wavelength (?±?) is at least partially reduced due to the laser radiation.

Abstract: A description is given of a method for applying colored information to an object (4), the object having at least two different chromophoric particles, at least in a layer (4A) close to the surface, which change the color of this layer (4A) under the influence of laser radiation, laser radiation (1, 2, 3) having at least two different wavelengths (?1, ?2, ?3) being used in order to change the color of this layer (4A), the object (4) being acted on by laser radiation in the vector and/or raster method by means of a two-coordinate beam deflection device (6) and a focusing device (7) for focusing the laser radiation onto the layer (4A) of the object (4).

Abstract: The invention relates especially to a method for producing a product that is secure against fraud, i.e. a security product.