Abstract: The apparatus has a processing chamber in which a workpiece is processed with a processing tool. Additionally an introducing device is provided as part of the processing chamber wall, being disposed such that a closed space is formed at least during processing of the workpiece in the processing chamber. Additionally one disposes on the introducing device at least one workpiece holder that is rotatable by a drive about a rotation axis in the workpiece plane and is moved in or out of the processing chamber by the introducing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier, such as an identity card, credit card or the like, with at least one plastic layer having first diffusely light-scattering properties at least in a partial area due to its surface quality. In this area information is provided by means of a laser in the form of local changes of surface quality which have second diffusely light-scattering properties so that the information is readable at least at a certain viewing angle but has no color contrast with its surroundings.

Abstract: A recording medium is provided with picture information in a tamper-resistant and high-resolution form. The picture information is broken down into a light/dark portion and a color portion. The light/dark portion needed for the visual impression is incorporated in the recording medium in a high-resolution form. The colored picture information is congruently superimposed on this portion so as to produce an integral ensemble. Protection from falsification is ensured by incorporating one of the portions of the picture information in the card structure in largely tamper-resistant fashion.

Abstract: A recording medium is provided with picture information in a tamper-resistant and high-resolution form. The picture information is broken down into a light/dark portion and a color portion. The light/dark portion needed for the visual impression is incorporated in the recording medium in a high-resolution form. The colored picture information is congruently superimposed on this portion so as to produce an integral ensemble. Protection from falsification is ensured by incorporating one of the portions of the picture information in the card structure in largely tamper-resistant fashion.

Abstract: A pickup system for playing back signals stored on the surface of a carrier in a form providing an optically detectable property which varies as a function of the time pattern of the stored signals, the storage being constituted by undulations or variations in the reflectivity of the carrier surface and the pickup system employing a laser beam which is reflected in a manner controlled by the stored information. The system includes a laser radiation generating element forming part of an optical resonator which also includes the carrier surface so that the intensity of radiation oscillations in the resonator is influenced by the surface and varies as the carrier moves relative to the laser element. The system also includes an output member for converting such intensity variations into an electrical signal representative of the stored signals.