Abstract: An optical device includes an encoding surface having a micro-relief pattern (22) over at least part thereof designed to produce a predetermined diffracted first image when illuminated in use, and an optically anisotropic layer (26) such as a polymerized liquid crystal provided whereby at least part of the micro-relief pattern (22) induces local orientation of the optically anisotropic layer (26) thereby to impose a predetermined polarization modulation, thereby to produce a predetermined polarization dependent second image when illuminated in use.