Abstract: A method for forming an optically variable device upon a substrate comprises the steps of: patterning a reflective layer on the substrate using an oil-ablation technique; removing oil residue from the first side of the substrate using a first glow discharge; and depositing thin-film layers so as to be supported by the substrate to form the optically variable device. Optionally, oil residue is removed from the second side of the substrate using a second glow discharge.

Abstract: A method for forming an optically variable device upon a substrate comprises the steps of: patterning a reflective layer on the substrate using an oil-ablation technique; removing oil residue from the first side of the substrate using a first glow discharge; and depositing thin-film layers so as to be supported by the substrate to form the optically variable device. Optionally, oil residue is removed from the second side of the substrate using a second glow discharge.

Abstract: A security device for providing an image having a color shifting region and a visual reference, comprises a substrate having a first side and a second side, a patterned thin film layer on the first side of the substrate for providing the visual reference, and a coating of color shifting ink supported by the first or second side of the substrate for providing the color shifting region of the image, wherein the patterned thin film layer has windows therein, and the color shifting ink is visible through the windows.

Abstract: A security article provides a covert feature as well as an optically variable effect on one side thereof and a mirror-like reflective effect on another side. The article includes an interference filter consisting of a first reflective layer, a dielectric layer on the first reflective layer, and an absorber layer on the dielectric layer. Furthermore, the article includes a magnetic layer under the first reflective layer for providing the covert feature, and a second reflective layer under the magnetic layer for providing the mirror-like reflective effect. The magnetic layer may be patterned, and a third reflective layer, also patterned, may be formed on the absorber layer for providing a visual reference for the color shifting image.

Abstract: A security thread for embedding in or on a sheet such as a document, currency or packaging is disclosed, wherein the thread has a thin film interference structure deposited thereon. The structure may be a Fabry-Perot structure in the form of a single filter, or may be plural filters, spaced side-by-side. The thread appears to have separated interference filters deposited thereon. Preferably the thread is first roll coated with oil using an oil-ablation technique to remove deposited material in situ in the coating process. A magnetic layer may be deposited within, behind or in front of the thin film interference structure.