Abstract: In an example holographic data storage medium, which has a polymer film which serves as a storage layer and can be changed locally by heating, the polymer film is set up as a top layer of the data storage medium. Arranged underneath the polymer film is an absorber layer which has an absorber dye. The absorber dye is set up to at least partly absorb a write beam serving to put information in and to discharge the heat produced in the process at least partly locally to the polymer film. In an advantageous refinement of the example data storage medium, there is an adhesive layer underneath the absorber layer and a partly transparent reflective layer between the polymer film and the absorber layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of providing an article with identifying information, in which a hologram is provided from which at least first and second hologram patterns separated physically from each other can be reproduced. In this case, provision is made for the hologram to be produced in such a way that the first and second hologram patterns can generally be reproduced in one and the same direction but in different planes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lithograph for producing digital holograms in a storage medium (4), having a light source (6, 10) for producing a write beam (12) with a predefined beam cross section, having a writing lens (14) for focusing the write beam (12) onto the storage medium (4) to be written, the writing lens (14) being arranged in a lens holder (16), and having drive means for the two-dimensional movement of the write beam relative to the storage medium. The technical problem of writing computer-generated holograms as quickly as possible and with little effort by means of optical lithography is solved in that a first drive device (18) is provided for moving the lens holder (16) substantially at right angles to the write beam (12) and in that the aperture of the writing lens (14) is smaller than the beam cross section of the write beam (12). The inventon also relates to a method for the lithographic production of a hologram in a storage medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a commonplace object with an outer surface (4) that encircles the commonplace object (2) and with at least one cylindrical section (6) of the surface (4), in which the technical problem of specifying a commonplace object to whose surface a relatively large amount of information can be applied is solved in that the cylindrical section (4) of the surface (6) consists of a material which can be changed optically, and in that a data bit sequence is written along at least one track (8) on the cylindrical section (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a hologram carrier having a hologram surface and a reference surface to facilitate the acquisition of the hologram surface by a device. In this case, provision is made for the reference surface to comprise at least one step, which is arranged to interengage with a complementary formation on the device in order to align said device.

Abstract: An adhesive security tape comprises a polymer film whose refractive index and/or interface structure can be changed locally by heating. Disposed below the polymer film is an absorber layer comprising an absorber dye set up at least partly to absorb a write beam directed onto the absorber layer, to emit at least some of the generated heat to the polymer film locally, and in doing so to undergo local change itself. Below the absorber layer there is an adhesive layer. The adhesion between the adhesive layer and the absorber layer is greater than the adhesion to the polymer film. There is preferably a partly transparent reflection layer between the polymer film and the absorber layer.

Abstract: A data storage medium includes an information carrier wound onto a winding core in a spiral manner for optically readable information units. The winding core is configured in a spiral manner on its outer contour and has a step. The height of the step is matched to the thickness of the information carrier. The inner end of the information carrier rests on the winding core at the step or in the area of the step.