Abstract: The present invention relates to a labeling element for items, which on a surface thereof is formed with a plurality of pixels with periodic lattice structures, in particular linear lattice structures. Lattice structures with in each case one structural period ? and an alignment of the structural elements, which are aligned to one another in particular in a linear parallel manner, at an angle ? with respect to an axis of reference are formed in individual pixels such that when the pixels constituting the labeling element are irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, preferably monochromatic electromagnetic radiation, an image of the labeling element is created on an detector array or a surface, by means of images of at least one order of diffraction of the electromagnetic radiation diffracted by pixels which can be used for identification of the respective labeling element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a labeling element for items, which on a surface thereof is formed with a plurality of pixels with periodic lattice structures, in particular linear lattice structures. Lattice structures with in each case one structural period A and an alignment of the structural elements, which are aligned to one another in particular in a linear parallel manner, at an angle ? with respect to an axis of reference are formed in individual pixels such that when the pixels constituting the labeling element are irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, preferably monochromatic electromagnetic radiation, an image of the labeling element is created on an detector array or a surface, by means of images of at least one order of diffraction of the electromagnetic radiation diffracted by pixels which can be used for identification of the respective labeling element.