Abstract: A semi-finished product method with a liquid crystal security feature includes unrolling and transporting a continuous film in a transporting direction and providing on the film a liquid crystal layer containing a substance whose absorption of polarized light depends on its orientation. The method includes at least one of (A) arranging a lacquer layer on the film and embossing it for a first alignment structure, and at least partly covering it with the liquid crystal layer, the first alignment structure able to cause liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer to align only in a first direction in first regions and only in a second direction, in second regions, and (B) embossing the liquid crystal layer while the liquid crystal layer is uncured providing a second alignment structure to cause liquid crystal molecules to align only in a third direction in third regions and only in a fourth direction, in fourth regions.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying security elements, comprises at least one value document substrate transport device for transporting a value document substrate web, at least one security elements transport device for transporting a security elements carrier band having a plurality of security elements, wherein the security elements carrier band has a first and a second main surface which oppose each other, each security element has a first and a second main surface which oppose each other, each security element is arranged with its first main surface on the first main surface of the security elements carrier band, and each security element has adhesive properties at its second main surface, wherein the apparatus has an application region in order to apply the security elements with their second main surface onto the value document substrate web. A security elements carrier band and a value document involve the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying security elements, comprises at least one value document substrate transport device for transporting a value document substrate web, at least one security elements transport device for transporting a security elements carrier band having a plurality of security elements, wherein the security elements carrier band has a first and a second main surface which oppose each other, each security element has a first and a second main surface which oppose each other, each security element is arranged with its first main surface on the first main surface of the security elements carrier band, and each security element has adhesive properties at its second main surface, wherein the apparatus has an application region in order to apply the security elements with their second main surface onto the value document substrate web. A security elements carrier band and a value document involve the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a security element (20) for security papers, value documents and the like having a diffraction pattern that exhibits an embossed relief pattern (24, 26) and a coating layer (28, 32) that increases the visibility of the diffraction effect of the embossed relief pattern (24, 26). According to the present invention, the relief pattern (24, 26) is formed on the basis of a cholesteric liquid crystalline material (24) and the coating layer (28, 32) includes a reflective (28) and/or a high-index layer (32).

Abstract: A highly refractive embossing lacquer for producing micro-optic arrangements which contains at least one binding agent which has at least one radiation-curing compound system having one or more organic compounds. The highly refractive embossing lacquer has at least a portion of the organic compounds of the radiation-curing compound system having molecules with at least one polarizable element, so that a polymeric material with a refractive index of greater than 1.5 is formed upon radiation curing. A security element which is produced with at least one micro-optic authenticity feature is also provided. The micro-optic authenticity features permit the production of security elements that are so thin that they can be easily incorporated into value documents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly refractive embossing lacquer for producing micro-optic arrangements which contains at least one binding agent which has at least one radiation-curing compound system consisting of one or more organic compounds. The highly refractive embossing lacquer is characterized in that at least a portion of the organic compounds of the radiation-curing compound system consists of molecules with at least one polarizable element, so that a polymeric material with a refractive index of greater than 1.5 is formed upon radiation curing. The invention also relates to a security element which is produced with at least one micro-optic authenticity feature. Micro-optic authenticity features according to the present invention permit the production of security elements that are so thin that they can be easily incorporated into value documents.