Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier into which, by means of a laser beam, identifiers are introduced that are visible in the form of irreversible changes, caused by the laser beam, in the optical properties of the data carrier. According to the present invention, the data carrier comprises a laser-sensitive layer (20) that is opaque in the visible spectral range, and that is combined with a securing layer (22) that is metallized at least in a sub-area, the identifiers (30, 32) being introduced by the laser beam simultaneously and in perfect register into the laser-sensitive layer (20) and the metallized sub-area (24) of the securing layer (22).

Abstract: A card, in particular credit card, identity card, bank card or the like is proposed that includes a plurality of laminated layers between which a security element with a relief structure, in particular holographic diffraction structures, is embedded. The materials are selected so that the softening temperature of the security element layer having the relief structure has a higher softening temperature than the card layers between which the security element is laminated. This permits the multilayer laminated card to be produced by conventional laminating methods without appreciably impairing the relief structure by the pressures and temperatures thereby occurring. Special combinations of materials and in particular suitable materials for the layer having the relief structure are proposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier into which, by means of a laser beam, identifiers are introduced that are visible in the form of irreversible changes, caused by the laser beam, in the optical properties of the data carrier. According to the present invention, the data carrier comprises a laser-sensitive layer (20) that is opaque in the visible spectral range, and that is combined with a securing layer (22) that is metallized at least in a sub-area, the identifiers (30, 32) being introduced by the laser beam simultaneously and in perfect register into the laser-sensitive layer (20) and the metallized sub-area (24) of the securing layer (22).