Abstract: An optically variable element, in particular a security element, has a transparent carrier layer, an at least partly transparent reflective layer formed on the carrier layer, and a transparent embedding layer formed on the reflective layer. The reflective layer is structured in a motif region such that the layer forms a multiplicity of partly transparent micromirrors which present a perceptible motif upon plan viewing of the motif region due to specular reflection of incident light. The refractive indices of the carrier and embedding layers differ in the visible spectrum by no more than 0.2 in order that the motif perceptible in plan view is not recognizable upon transmission viewing of the motif region.

Abstract: An optically variable element, in particular a security element, has a transparent carrier layer, an at least partly transparent reflective layer formed on the carrier layer, and a transparent embedding layer formed on the reflective layer. The reflective layer is structured in a motif region such that the layer forms a multiplicity of partly transparent micromirrors which present a perceptible motif upon plan viewing of the motif region due to specular reflection of incident light. The refractive indices of the carrier and embedding layers differ in the visible spectrum by no more than 0.2 in order that the motif perceptible in plan view is not recognizable upon transmission viewing of the motif region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security paper for manufacturing security or value documents, such as banknotes, identification cards and the like, having at least two through openings (12, 16). According to the present invention, a first (12) of the through openings is produced during paper manufacture and exhibits characteristic irregularities in the edge region (14), while a second (16) of the through openings is produced after paper manufacture, by cutting or punching, having a sharply delimited edge region (18).