Abstract: A multilayer card-shaped data carrier has a layer appearing black in the visible wave range, but transparent or permeable to electromagnetic radiation in the invisible wavelength spectrum outside the wavelengths substantially between about 400 and 700 nanometers. The data carrier also has data markings camouflaged by the black layer produced within or below the black layer by a lasing device, which are likewise detectable by commercial optical readers operating in the invisible wavelength spectrum outside the wavelengths substantially between about 400 and 700 nanometers.

Abstract: A multilayer identity card exhibits an outer color layer of a first color and an inner color layer of a second color to allow for identity cards and the like to be written on in several colors. While the outer color layer absorbs virtually no laser beam light used for writing, the second, inner color layers absorbs the laser light. This causes the material of the second color layer to be thermally broken down during the writing operation, i.e. vaporized, sublimated, exposed to a chemical or physical reaction, so that the formation of pressure and resulting eruption blasts the first layer into particles. This makes the second color layer visible. Instead of the second color layer one can also provide a transparent layer of varnish having suitable properties in order to expose a multicolor security print, for example, below this transparent layer of varnish.

Abstract: An identity card is provided with a character set usable as a printing block, whereby the "natural foamability" that laser action brings about in the plastic materials commonly used for identity cards, such as PVC and polycarbonate, is exploited to obtain a relief height sufficient for a clear impression of the characters. The standard total height of the embossed characters relative to the rest of the card surface is reached by an additional deformation of the card body in the embossed character area so as to form flat plateaus underlying the characters.

Abstract: An identity card is provided with a character set usable as a printing block, whereby the "natural foamability" that laser action brings about in the plastic materials commonly used for identity cards, such as PVC and polycarbonate, is exploited to obtain a relief height sufficient for a clear impression of the characters. The standard total height of the embossed characters relative to the rest of the card surface is reached by an additional deformation of the card body in the embossed character area so as to form flat underlying the characters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data carrier (identification card, bank card, credit card, etc.) in which information is provided in an inner volume area by means of a laser beam, the information being visible in the form of changes in the optical properties of the carrier material due to an irreversible change in the material caused by the laser beam and to a method for producing the data carrier and for testing it.