Abstract: A print with a hologram, such as an ID card, including a transferred image including a transferred sublimable dye image of a full color using sublimable dye inks, and a hologram and the like laminated on the transferred image for security purposes. Even when stored or used for a long period of time, the hologram causes no unfavorable phenomena, such as bleeding, in the sublimation dye thermal transferred image and has excellent durability. A process for producing such a print with a hologram is also disclosed. In the production of the print with a hologram, a transferred image 2 of a sublimable dye ink or a combination of a transferred image 2 of a sublimable dye ink with a transferred image 3 of a hot-melt ink is provided on an image-receiving sheet 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security envelope (20) for an article, the envelope being constituted by a sleeve (21) of heat-shrinkable plastics material that is fitted on its inside face with a holographic element (30) and with a tear strip (22) passing behind said holographic element (30). According to the invention, the holographic element (30) is organized to be transferable onto the facing wall (13) of the article and to adhere to said wall via zones situated on either side of the tear strip (22) so as to hold a portion of said tear strip captive, such that any fraudulent manipulation of the envelope heat-shrunk onto the article has the effect of displacing the tear strip (22) and consequently of automatically and visibly destroying the transferred holographic element (30).

Abstract: A method for marking articles or documents by placing on a substrate (1) a multi-layer optical complex consisting of an identifying portion (2, 7) such as bar codes, a photograph or characters, and an authenticating portion consisting of a diffracting optical mark, said portions being arranged one on top of the other in such a way that they cannot be separated without destroying the authenticating portion. A protected document is also disclosed which comprises an indivisible stack consisting of a printed portion (2, 7) forming an identifier read by reflection in a first wavelength band, and coated with a lacquer (5) that is opaque in the visible spectrum and has a transmission window including said first wavelength band, as well as a transparent reflective layer (4) forming a diffracting optical mark. A marking system for carrying out the method, and a device for checking said article or document, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A phase watermark hologram “W” is composed of a blaze having binary phase difference of 2&pgr;×n, where “n” is a natural number of more than 1. An watermark appears in response to phase difference, which changes by a faked blaze. A phase watermark hologram “W” and a phase hologram “D” indicating data are formed on a same surface of a substrate mixed in arbitrary locations and arbitrary ratio of both holograms.

Abstract: Laser labels comprising: a) at least one polymer layer; b) a self-adhesive composition coated on one side of said at least one polymer layer; c) a printing ink applied by printing between said self-adhesive composition and said at least one polymer layer; and d) optionally a release paper or release film covering said self-adhesive composition; are useful for anti-counterfeit marking. The printing ink can be printed on the polymer layer before the self-adhesive composition is applied to the polymer layer.

Abstract: A security document with optically excitable dyes for authenticity checking. Dyes are applied to or embedded in the security documents. The dyes are advantageously embedded in a carrier material which in conjunction with the dyes forms a laser-active element. Certain optically excitable dyes are incorporated in a security document in such a way that when the security and/or sensitive document is optically excited, the dyes embedded in the security and/or sensitive document resonate with the material of the securities and secure documents, so that a well-defined narrow spectrum of all excited materials is emitted.

Abstract: Device, method, and system for recording diffractive high resolution text, pictorial, and/or other graphical information is provided which is particularly suited to recording information that would be difficult to reproduce by typical counterfeiting methods. The information recorded may be used to authenticate the recorded item, or indirectly, an item to which the recording is attached. Such items may include legal, financial and commercial instruments, credit cards, and packaging for such items as software, art, and other items where forgery of the item may be a concern. In one embodiment of the invention light is selectively passed by a shutter, and a spatial filter then cleans the beam to remove undesirable frequency components.

Abstract: A data carrier with an optically variable element. The optically variable element includes a first structured print which is overlaid with a second print, at least in partial areas. The second print is applied to a document with an ink which contains an optically variable pigment having little or no body color of its own.

Abstract: A multilayer data carrier is described which bears general printed data and furthermore has a transparent layer containing additives which are absorbent for a laser beam. The transparent layer is designed so that it exists in the card compound as a thin, nonself-supporting layer.

Abstract: A paper substrate is laminated with a metalized layer forming a mirrored surface. A partially transparent black diffraction grating is applied by stochastic screening to the mirrored surface. The diffraction grating forms a random pattern from selected geometric shapes. Information, such as alphanumeric indicia or graphics, is printed on the stochastic screen to thus form a reflective diffraction device which is printable in a conventional manner while inhibiting reproduction of the printed information by conventional techniques, including black and white and color photo-reproduction and facsimile machines. The partially transparent black stochastic screen forms a diffraction grating on the metalized layer so that when illuminated from the light source of either a specular or diffuse illumination-type photocopier, random interference patterns of light occur at the interface of the metalized surface and the stochastic screen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a data carrier (1) with a data carrier structure (2) in which a module (9) with a plate-shaped component carrier (10) and a component (13) attached to the inside of the component carrier (10) is used, and with a plate-shaped hologram carrier (30) provided on the data carrier (1) and showing a hologram (33) by way of the main surface (31) visible from outside the data carrier (1). The invention provides that the plate-shaped hologram carrier (30) be provided on the data carrier to be covering the plate-shaped component carrier (10), and covers at least substantially the component carrier (10).

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical disc provided with a watermark inside, which is visible with naked eyes from a reproduction side of the optical disc, and the producing method and the production apparatus thereof. The optical disc comprises a transparent substrate having an information signal recorded surface, a reflective layer formed on the information signal recorded surface thereof, an adhesive layer formed on the reflective layer, a mask layer on the adhesive layer and a transparent dummy substrate on the mask layer stacked in this order. The adhesive layer is made of an adhesive of which curing speed is changed according to a controlled amount of radiation of ultraviolet rays. The watermark is recorded in the optical disc by irradiating the ultraviolet rays on the adhesive through the mask layer provided with light shielding members to cause the adhesive to be cured by controlling a curing speed of the adhesive corresponding to existence or nonexistence of the light shielding members.

Abstract: A document, for example a bank note, a check, a credit card, an identification document or a ticket, bears an optical safety mark in the form of a light-reflecting and light-diffracting and/or refracting layer, for example a hologram, an interference layer, a (computer-generated) refracting structure, located on at least parts of the document. The optical safety mark is arranged in a sandwich structure which is fixed to the document by means of an adhesive layer and if required has one or several transparent layers arranged in the sandwich structure. The adhesive layer and/or transparent layer in the sandwich structure is doped with at least one luminescent substance.

Abstract: A decorative construction 10 for attachment to a vertical surface wherein the decorative construction 10 includes a main image unit 11 comprising a generally elongated rectangular sheet of decorative paper 20 and a plurality of holographic image units 12 adapted to be operatively associated with the front face 23 of the sheet of decorative paper 20.

Abstract: A tamper-evident label includes two parts that are separated from each other when an article to which they are attached is opened. The two parts have matching surface relief patterns secured to each other at an interface, and the indexes of refraction of the parts are substantially equal such that the patterns have no optical effect when attached to each other. When the two parts are separated, however, the patterns generate an image drawing attention to their separation. The patterns are preferably holographic.

Abstract: This invention relates to film which is lettered with a laser beam comprising at least one protective film which is transparent to the laser beam, at least one opaque layer which is ablated by the laser beam, and at least one contrast-forming layer on its bottom. The abatable layer is preferably a metallic layer and can have a color like the contrast-forming layer. The color of the metallic layer is different from the color of the contrast-forming layer. The contrast-forming layer is either applied, imprinted or varnished onto the metallic layer. The contrast-forming layer can be at least one plastic film. On a side of the contrast-forming layer facing away from the metallic layer there is an adhesive layer which is covered with a carrier material, for example, an adhesive-repellant carrier film.

Abstract: A multilayered volume hologram structure of the invention comprises a substrate 2 for a certificate or the like, and an adhesive layer 5, a volume hologram layer 5 and a surface protective film 7 laminated on the substrate in the described order. When a multilayer structure consisting of the volume hologram layer 5 and surface protective layer 5 is forcibly released from the substrate for the purpose of making a photograph replacement or falsifying a personal information area, the volume hologram image can break down certainly, thereby ensuring prevention of falsification. A multilayered volume hologram structure-making label is useful for making a multilayered volume hologram structure.

Abstract: A playing cards security system for detecting when additional playing cards are added to a deck of playing cards. The system includes a deck of playing cards where each playing card of the deck of playing cards has predetermined indicia provided thereon. The predetermined indicia of the each of the playing cards is the same as the predetermined indicia of the other playing cards of the deck of playing cards. The predetermined indicia is viewable under ultra-violet light and hidden from view under ambient light.

Abstract: A programmable hologram generator comprises a layered structure of a pixelated VLSI chip, a reflective ferroelectric liquid crystal that is physically disposed on the VLSI chip, and a photorefractive crystal that is physically disposed on the liquid crystal. The VLSI chip is controlled by a computer wherein holograms are digitally stored. The reflective state of the individual pixel areas of the liquid crystal are controlled or selected by this computer control of the VLSI chip. A desired hologram is written into the photorefractive crystal by a reference beam that illuminates the photorefractive crystal, and by an illumination beam that is reflected from the selected pixels of the liquid crystal and thereafter interferes with the reference beam. The hologram that is written into the photorefractive crystal is a function of the control of the reflective state of the pixels of the liquid crystal, as this reflective state is in turn controlled by the pixels of the VLSI chip.

Abstract: For applying a security code to an article, such as a cheque guarantee card, credit card, identity card or component of a motor or machine, use is made of a hologram or kinegram wherein personification or identification symbols, letters, numerals or figures are or will be cut out by burning-in using a laser beam, said hologram or kinegram being affixed to an underlying hologram or kinegram which is affixed to the article directly or via one or more holograms or kinegrams, the various features being such that the optical effect of an underlying hologram or kinegram is visible through the cut-out symbols.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security marking system for producing a safe marking label having a substrate sheet such as a sheet coated with silicone (1) with two flaps (4,5) separated by a folding line (6), the first flap (4) supporting on the recto face a first holographic component (2), the face of which coming into contact with the substrate sheet is coated with an adhesive layer, the second flap (5) supporting on the verso face a second component (3) formed by a film coming into contact with the substrate sheet is coated with an adhesive layer and the opposite face of which at least bears official inscriptions.

Abstract: A decorative optical display (20) utilizing a reflective diffraction grating (94) or a transmissive diffraction grating (304) and a plurality of polychromatic light sources (60) disposed around perimeter (106) of the reflective diffraction grating or perimeter (314) of the transmissive diffraction grating. The light sources are disposed so as to the illuminate the reflective or transmissive diffraction grating at an oblique angle (204) or (328), respectively. The oblique illumination of the reflective or transmissive diffraction grating prevents a viewer (200) from seeing undiffracted light rays (212) or (336) emanating from the light sources, which can detract from the appeal of the optical display pattern (250). The reflective or transmissive diffraction grating may be flat or curved and may be supported by a support member (90). Further, the reflective or transmissive diffraction grating may have either a single or multiple axes.

Abstract: The hologram card generates a hologram image in response to an illumination light beam. The hologram card comprises a substrate of a first plastic material having a first refractive index. The substrate has a contoured surface. The contoured surface is formed to include localized topological features constituting a diffractive optical element. The diffractive optical element is structured to generate a hologram image when illuminated by the illumination light beam. The hologram card also comprises a protective layer of a second plastic material having a second refractive index that differs from the first refractive index by less than 0.2. The protective layer covers the contoured surface of the substrate. The protective layer is chemically bonded to, and directly contacts, at least the topological features constituting the diffractive optical element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing double-card anti-counterfeit marks with interlock protection based on the technique which combines nuclear technology with computer-generated hologram (CGH) technology and inspecting apparatus for the mark. The invention relates to the technical field of optical information processing in physics. The technical feature of the invention is to insert potential images R,T and matched potential images R',T' in the anti-counterfeit identification marks and in the inspecting identification marks respectively by means of charged particle track image in sampling coincidence with CGH. When R coincides with R', a certain message of genuineness for an identification mark will be shown, and when T coincides with T', different specific information in thousands of ways appears to prove the genuineness of the protected objects.

Abstract: A copyproof document includes a paper document substrate, a disc having a primarily holographic first face facing away from the substrate and a second face with permanent pressure sensitive adhesive engaging the substrate, and mechanical intertwining between the substrate and disc so that they are substantially inseparable. The mechanical intertwining enables the materials thereof become substantially inseparably intertwined, the permanent adhesive also acting to insure inseparability. Typically the parameter of the disc will be a mechanically intertwined with the substrate while at the center there is little or no mechanical intertwining so that the holographic activity of the first face is not significantly occluded. Unique identifying indicia (e.g. consecutive numbers or bar coding) may also be provided on the disc, and application of the discs to a document may not be practiced without security authorization and access (by key, computer, or the like).

Abstract: A holographic anti-imitation method and device is provided, which can prevent a creative graphic design from unauthorized reproduction. The holographic anti-imitation method and device provides the creative graphic design as a hidden pattern in a synthesized image formed in a hologram that can be viewed only through a special viewing device. This allows the creative graphic design to be highly difficult to be reproduced by infringing parties. The synthesized image includes a background pattern visible to naked eyes and a hidden pattern merged into the background pattern which is invisible to the naked eyes. The hologram can be a dot-matrix hologram which is formed through laser means that generates two interfering laser beams to form a dot-matrix pattern of the synthesized image in the hologram. The hidden pattern can be viewed only through a special viewing device, such as a lenticular or a grate-like piece.

Abstract: The present invention uses a hologram superimposed on a traditional picture such as a photograph or printed picture. The hologram is more viewable at certain angle ranges than at others. This allows the hologram image, the picture or a combination of both to be seen at different angles, thus allowing different visual effects. In a preferred embodiment a pre-made multi-channel hologram is superimposed over a user's portrait photograph taken in a photo booth. The multi-channel hologram is aligned with the photograph so that by varying the viewing angle of the combined picture and hologram an interesting, entertaining or educational effect, such as transforming, or "morphing," the user's face into another face or image, is seen. For example, a portrait photograph of the user can morph into an animal's face, a skeleton, a scary beast, etc. The morphing, or transformation, effect is easily achieved by insuring that the hologram image is substantially aligned with the portrait photograph.

Abstract: An anti-counterfeit card includes a substrate on which an anti-counterfeit membrane is attached. The substrate includes a sheet of plastic with two transparent surface layers formed on two opposite sides thereof. Printing may be selectively carried out on the two sides of the plastic sheet and the outer surfaces of the surface layers. The anti-counterfeit membrane includes a hologram film on which serration defining a hologram is formed so as to make it difficult to counterfeit the card. A method for manufacturing the anti-counterfeit card is also disclosed. A method for manufacturing the anti-counterfeit card is also disclosed, comprising the steps of providing a substrate; providing an anti-counterfeit membrane which comprises a hologram film; and attaching the anti-counterfeit membrane to the substrate to form the anti-counterfeit card.

Abstract: Graphic material includes at least one area bearing a hologram and at least one area bearing a diffraction grating. Preferably, the diffraction grating and the hologram are simultaneously viewable from at least one perspective. The graphic material is made using an embossing die grown from a precursor blank which has been embossed in discrete areas with a holographic microtexture and then partially overstamped with a diffraction grating microtexture. The stamping of the blank may be effected by pressing a suitably shaped die against a shim bearing a diffraction grating microtexture for forming the microtexture in the die shape on the blank.

Abstract: A multilayer data carrier is described which bears general printed data and furthermore has a transparent layer containing additives which are absorbent for a laser beam. The transparent layer is designed so that it exists in the card compound as a thin, nonself-supporting layer.

Abstract: A holographic image that has been transferred from a conventional polymeric support to a wrapping paper element is described in this invention. A host of images may be envisioned and since this image, on a wrapping paper element, may then be wound up in a roll, it can be used as a wrapping element for a host of applications such as in wrapping of gifts and in papers used for advertising and the like. This element and process permits the wide spread use of such holographic images, such use not being available until now.

Abstract: A record carrier (e.g., an identification card) of the type containing machine-readable representations of data, wherein the record carrier comprises a substrate, a first pattern of machine-readable indicia applied to one surface of the substrate, and a hologram containing machine-readable data disposed on one surface of the substrate. The information represented by the machine-readable indicia and the machine-readable data are related to one another so as to enable a user to verify the authenticity of the record carrier by comparison of the indicia and the data.

Abstract: An information carrier has at least one diffraction pattern which is formed from microscopically fine relief structures and which, upon being illuminated with coherent light, produces in two spatially separate directions, a first and a second image of an object. The images can be rendered visible on a screen or analysed by means of photodetectors. The two images have strong-light and/or weak-light picture elements and includes a symmetry insofar as a weak-light picture element of the second image can be associated with a strong-light picture element of the first image and vice-versa. Such information carriers are suitable as security elements for documents of all kinds such as, for example, banknotes, passes, identity cards, credit cards, etc., wherein at least a part of the security information is not visible under incoherent illumination conditions.

Abstract: A security element in the form of a thread or strip to be embedded in security documents such as bank notes, checks, bonds, identity cards, credit cards or the like, having characters, patterns, etc., that are readable by transmitted light to the naked eye and/or by machine. The security element consists of a transparent plastic film having an opaque coating extending over the element with recesses in the form of the characters and patterns to be introduced. The security element also contains, in areas congruent with the recesses, coloring and/or luminescent substances which cause the characters and/or patterns to differ from the security document and from the opaque coating by color contrast under suitable light conditions.

Abstract: A security document form such as a bank draft, or other document of value may incorporate a see-through and write-able hologram or diffractive grating as an anticounterfeit measure. The hologram may extend over all or a portion of the form such as the signature entry area and other data entry areas of the form, e.g. the date, name and numerical value areas. A Previous patent utilizing metallized holograms for such applications does not permit good photocopying or microfilming of the document on account of their high reflectance. This photocopying problem is solved by using a see-through, writable hologram which allows clearly legible photocopies to be made for legitimate use but appearing clearly fraudulent when passed off as the original. An ink-compatible top surface is made by coating with ink-receptive material or by corona discharge treatment as is well known in the industry.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an information-recorded medium with easily selectable and identifiable items of information, which is virtually protected against forgery and has enhanced security against some improper use, and a method for reading such a medium. This information-recorded medium 1 includes a substrate 2 and a layer 3 with information recorded thereon by the printing of infrared absorbing ink, said layer 3 being provided on the surface of the layer 2. The printed layer 3 is provided thereon with a relief hologram-recorded layer 7 through an adhesive layer 4, said hologram-recorded layer 7 being built up of a reflecting layer 5 transparent to the infrared region and a relief hologram-formed layer 6 provided on the surface of the reflecting layer 5. For reading, the hologram-recorded layer 7 is reconstructed by visible light, while the printed layer is reconstructed by infrared light, and the medium 1 is identified on the basis of the thus reconstructed information.

Abstract: A method of providing secure identification for an article, including: providing on the article a diffraction grating strip including a pattern of a series of diffraction grating elements, each the diffraction grating element to diffract light, from a light source, in one of at least three selected different planes; serially illuminating the diffraction grating elements, detecting changes in plane of diffracted light as the diffraction grating elements are serially illuminated, and generating first information representative of the changes in plane; storing the first information representative of the changes in plane; subsequently, serially illuminating the diffraction grating elements, detecting changes in plane of diffracted light as the diffraction grating elements are serially illuminated, and generating second information representative of the changes in plane; and then, comparing the first and second information to determine the authenticity or not of the article.

Abstract: A method and system for providing specialized contacts for electronic information on a smart card in the pattern of a source identifier and such that a machine may contact and read the information upon placement of the card in a reading device. The contact points for reading information on the card are formed by etching a substrate attached to the logic element of the smart card. The etching allows both the foreground and the background of an image, in two selected colors, to be included within the contact area of the smart card, with the foreground constituting the conductor and the background the resist.

Abstract: Replicas of a surface relief hologram, or other light diffraction pattern, are coated with a transparent material having substantially the same refractive index as the holograms to conform to the surface relief patterns and thus hide the hologram. The coating is pealed by hand off of the surface relief pattern in order to reveal an image visible in light reflected from the hologram. Such hidden holograms can be attached to a greeting card to reveal a greeting when the coating is removed, attached to pages of magazines or books to carry an advertising message, and the like. Other uses include making lottery tickets or other indications of a prize from such holograms, since the indication of any prize won by the holder remains hidden until the coating is pulled off, even though the coating is optically transparent.

Abstract: Security and identity cards including at least one hologram of the card, or part of the card, are disclosed. Holographic methods and materials to detect and prevent forgery in identity cards such as credit cards and access cards to security areas are disclosed. This invention employs microholograms that are recorded in very small areas on the card and that are not readily visible to the bearer. Special recording materials for high efficiency holograms are used to allow the confinement of the recording in an about 10 to about 100 micron size area. Apparatus for the recording and reading of the holograms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for determining which of a plurality of visually indistinguishable objects have been marked with a covert indicator in which a portion of a surface of each of a first type of objects are provided with a covert holographic indicator which is exposed to be viewed but which is detectable only when illuminated with a coherent reference light of predetermined wavelength. The surfaces of objects are scanned with a coherent reference light with the predetermined wavelength, and evaluated to determine whether the scanned surfaces include the covert holographic indicator. The presence of the covert holographic indicator indicates that the object on which the covert holographic indicator is detected is one of the first type of objects. The first type of object may be a winning game ticket, or a genuine, as opposed to counterfeit, article.

Abstract: Each document (W1) is provided with a security feature in the form of a foil component (2) which is permanently attached to the document and cannot be changed without destroying it. Before the foil components are applied to the documents, they are provided with machine-readable image information which is variable from one foil component to another (3a, 4a). Once the foil component has been applied, the documents are passed through a reading device which reads the variable image information (3a, 4a) and controls a printer which applies a copy of this variable image information to the document outside the foil component. This can be in particular a combination of characters (7a) which is printed as part of a serial number (6a).

Abstract: A security device includes two plastic layers and a metal layer. The plastic layers may be embossed or surface cast with contrasting surface relief diffraction patterns. A second metal layer may be provided including a pattern of voids through which the first metal layer may be seen by a human observer.

Abstract: Holograms and diffraction gratings are described wherein the presence of a "key-colour" (Magenta) permits an observer to identify the position where all the other colours of the hologram in question can be univocally determined. Two set of spectra are provided such that at a predetermined angle a reference beam of incident white-light illuminating the hologram or diffraction grating composition will cause the observer to see the color "Magenta" which is to be used as a reference "key-colour".

Abstract: Method for the production of an optically variable image including an animated element used as the model for the reproduction of a security element, by insolation of a light-sensitive material through two coherent light beams. The image is broken down into a plurality of elementary images, each corresponding to an optical effect defined by a color, the time when the image elements appear and their duration. A plurality of masks is provided, each including a number of windows defining an elementary image. Two light beams are used to light the entire substrate surface and the substrate is isolated by successively placing each mask on the substrate and in the path of the light beams. The first light beam is stationary while the second light beam is emitted from an illumination surface with adjustable dimensions and position, so as to produce a given optical effect for each elementary image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system comprising a series of data carriers, in particular identity cards, papers of value or the like, whereby the data carriers belonging to the system exhibit diffraction structures containing standard information and parts of the series are changed by additional measures in the area of the diffraction structures or combined with other elements and they differ from the rest of the series in optically recognizable fashion, whereby the change in the diffraction structures and/or the combination with other elements convey an esthetic overall impression and the change and/or combination with the other elements cannot be undone without destruction of the diffraction structures.

Abstract: A children's book is enhanced with hologram features to increase the level of a child's interest in the book. The hologram children's book includes a cover portion having a front cover, a back cover, and a spine formed therebetween. A plurality of leaves are bound to the cover portion. Each of the leaves includes a recto sheet and a verso sheet. A plurality of windows are formed in the recto and verso sheets of the leaves. A plurality of hologram sheets are respectively disposed adjacent to the windows, between the recto and verso sheets. Each window and corresponding hologram sheet defines a hologram feature. The windows and hologram sheets may be configured so that one side of the hologram sheet is visible through a window formed in a recto sheet of a leaf, while the other side of the hologram sheet is visible through a window formed in the verso sheet of the same leaf. The children's book may also have a hologram feature formed in the cover portion.

Abstract: Security devices which are difficult to reproduce include a grid screen metallization pattern. The grid screen metallization pattern may be laid down over a hologram or diffraction grating formed as a surface relief pattern on a substrate, to form a visually identifiable, semi-transparent security device. Additionally, the metallization pattern may include resonant structures in which information about the security device is encoded. In some embodiments of these security devices, the metallization pattern is disposed in accurate registration with the underlying hologram or diffraction grating. These security devices are made by methods which include printing an oil pattern on the substrate. Areas on which oil is deposited do not receive metal during a metallization step. Since these methods do not use caustics, metallization patterns including features which would otherwise trap and hold caustics are possible.

Abstract: A semi-transparent holographic transfer foil film for application to a substrate such as a security device. The film is comprised of a thermally stable carrier for supporting multiple layers of thermoplastic or thermoset coatings, wherein a heat sensitive release layer is applied to the carrier to enable separation of the carrier from the multiple layers of coatings under appropriate circumstances. A wear-resistant transparent top coat is applied over the release layer to act as an outer surface for the holographic film, the top coat may be treated or cured so as to increase its tenacity. An embossable coating is applied over the top coat, and is adapted to retain the impression of a holographically embossed image. A semi-transparent reflective layer of zinc sulfide is applied over the embossable coating for reflecting the holographically embossed image while at the same time enabling indicia found on a substrate or document to which the film will be applied to be viewed.

Abstract: An information carrier is in the form of a composite laminate with a first, a second and a third layer having refractive indices n3, n4, n5 respectively. The second layer forms structures by only partially covering the first layer. The third layer covers over the second layer or the first layer in direct contact therewith. The surface on the first layer has surface elements with first and second diffraction structures which produce a visually verifiable authenticity feature or which serve for reading out the information contained in the structures formed by the second layer. The refractive indices n4 and n5 are substantially real in the visible range and therefore the second and third layers are transparent. The differences .vertline.n4-n3.vertline. and .vertline.n5-n3.vertline. are greater than 0.2 over large parts of the visible range so that the first diffraction structures produce visible diffraction effects independently of the structures formed by the second layer.