EP2104618B1 - Safety element having an optically variable element - Google Patents

Safety element having an optically variable element Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2104618B1
EP2104618B1 EP07847008.5A EP07847008A EP2104618B1 EP 2104618 B1 EP2104618 B1 EP 2104618B1 EP 07847008 A EP07847008 A EP 07847008A EP 2104618 B1 EP2104618 B1 EP 2104618B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
substrate
layer
pigment
pigments
optically variable
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP07847008.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2104618A1 (en
Inventor
Walter DÖRFLER
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
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Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
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Publication date
Application filed by Giesecke and Devrient GmbH filed Critical Giesecke and Devrient GmbH
Priority to PL07847008T priority Critical patent/PL2104618T3/en
Publication of EP2104618A1 publication Critical patent/EP2104618A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2104618B1 publication Critical patent/EP2104618B1/en
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Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/36—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
    • B42D25/378—Special inks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/20—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof characterised by a particular use or purpose
    • B42D25/29—Securities; Bank notes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/30—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery
    • B42D25/36—Identification or security features, e.g. for preventing forgery comprising special materials
    • B42D25/373—Metallic materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42D—BOOKS; BOOK COVERS; LOOSE LEAVES; PRINTED MATTER CHARACTERISED BY IDENTIFICATION OR SECURITY FEATURES; PRINTED MATTER OF SPECIAL FORMAT OR STYLE NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; DEVICES FOR USE THEREWITH AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; MOVABLE-STRIP WRITING OR READING APPARATUS
    • B42D25/00—Information-bearing cards or sheet-like structures characterised by identification or security features; Manufacture thereof
    • B42D25/40—Manufacture
    • B42D25/405—Marking
    • B42D25/41—Marking using electromagnetic radiation
    • B42D2035/24—

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a substrate having a security element which has at least one optically variable color with pigments.
  • the individual pigments consist of at least one interference-capable, multi-layered structure.
  • data carriers such as bank notes or cards
  • optically variable security elements To protect against imitation, especially with color copiers or other reproduction methods, data carriers, such as bank notes or cards, are equipped with optically variable security elements.
  • the protection against counterfeiting is based on the fact that the visually and simply and clearly recognizable optically variable effect is not or only insufficiently reproduced by the abovementioned reproduction devices.
  • Optically variable security elements are, for example, thin-film elements which consist of a reflector layer, a dielectric and an absorber layer. If the security element is viewed from the absorber side, the viewer perceives a certain color, which changes as the viewing angle changes.
  • the cause of the color shift is an interference effect between the light rays reflected from the surface of the outer partially transmissive layer (absorber layer) and the light rays passing through the outer partially transmissive and middle dielectric layers and from the inner metal reflector layer to the partially transmissive layer be reflected.
  • the light beams are then either transmitted to the outside or reflected again, so that in this case the light beams are repeatedly reflected back and forth between the reflection layer and the partially transparent layer.
  • the light rays that have passed through the thin film layer have traveled a longer distance than those on the surface of the Thin film layer reflect light rays so that they are out of phase with each other when interfering with them.
  • the path of the light rays traversed in the thin-film layer is of different lengths. This difference results from the path difference of the beams reflected multiple times within the thin film layer due to the angle of incidence. Therefore, the phase angle of the interfering light beams is different depending on the angle of incidence, so that depending on the angle of incidence different colors or hues of the resulting, perceived by the observer light beam result.
  • Such thin-film elements can be used in the form of films, such as in WO 2005/108110 described.
  • a security element with a thin film layer is known in which the individual layers are arranged over the entire area on the security element. Markings in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced into the layer sequence by the action of laser radiation.
  • the layer sequence contains a marking layer of a color mixture which has a mixture component which absorbs the laser radiation and a mixture component transparent to the laser radiation. The markings are visually and / or mechanically recognizable due to an irreversible change in the optical properties of the paint mixture caused by the action of the laser radiation.
  • pigmented thin-film elements are known, which are mixed into an ink.
  • the EP 0 227 423 B1 describes thin-film elements with a symmetrical structure to ensure that the pigment looks the same from every side.
  • Each of the thin-film elements consists of a five-layered thin film consisting of an inner thin film Metal reflector layer, a bottom and top arranged dielectric layer having a refractive index of 1.65 or less, and each having an outer semi-opaque or semi-permeable layer is constructed.
  • the five-layer thin film causes on the side facing the observer a color shift, ie a change between two different colors or shades at a first and a second viewing angle.
  • the optically variable color appears magenta from a given viewing angle and green from a different viewing angle. If a viewer tilts a data carrier onto which such optically variable ink has been applied, it perceives a color change from magenta to green or vice versa.
  • WO 2005/038136 A1 is a security element for security papers, documents of value and the like with a thin-film element with color-shift effect, which has a reflection layer, an absorber layer and an intermediate layer arranged between reflection layer and absorber layer.
  • the intermediate layer is formed by a layer whose layer thickness after imprinting by external influences, in particular by stretching, electromagnetic radiation, electron beam treatment or pressure and / or temperature, is locally modifiable.
  • a security element for banknotes, documents of value, tickets or as a proof of authenticity which includes a coating with at least one optically variable pigment with a clearly dependent on the angle of change of the color.
  • the optically variable In this case, pigment consists of vacuum evaporated thin film interference pigments, interference layer coated particles or cholesteric liquid crystal pigments.
  • the optically variable pigment is comprised of at least one material having selectively spectrally absorbing properties such that the optically variable pigment suppresses visible spectral components incident perpendicular to the pigment. The security element thus appears black when viewed vertically and colored when grazing.
  • an optically variable device which comprises a substrate having first and second optical devices deposited at spaced-apart locations of the substrate.
  • the first optical device consists of a first optically variable pigment and the second optical device of a second optically variable pigment.
  • the first and second optical devices have the same coincident color at an angle of incidence between 0 ° and 90 ° and a color matching angle for all other angles of incidence and have no color match.
  • the invention has for its object to design a security element with interference-capable pigments forgery-proof.
  • the invention in this case comprises both a substrate with a security element and a data carrier with a substrate with a security element.
  • the data carrier is in this case, in particular, a value document, such as a banknote, a security, a credit card or identity card, for example. a passport, a certificate and the like, a label, a packaging or another element for product safety.
  • the pigments of the optically variable color of the security element are irreversibly changed in at least a subarea by means of electromagnetic radiation in such a way that the interference effect is visibly and / or mechanically clearly changed or completely eliminated in this subarea.
  • the irreversible change of a pigment occurs, on the one hand, by the change in the optical properties of at least one layer of the pigment, i. in particular the transparency, the reflectivity, the polarization direction and the color or hue of the pigment.
  • the irreversible change of a pigment takes place by an at least partial displacement of at least one layer of the pigment.
  • a layer of the pigment is not removed, evaporated or converted, but at least partially removed from its original position within the layer structure and moved to a new position within the layer structure. This is achieved, for example, by reducing the thickness of a layer at one point while increasing the thickness of one layer at another, in particular the adjacent point.
  • the invention is not limited to five-layered pigments but is applicable to all single or multi-layered pigments which produce an optically variable effect.
  • optically variable layers are known from the prior art which, starting from the reflection layer in the direction of the viewer, have more than two layers.
  • the invention can also be applied to pigments which are produced from such optically variable layers and thus have more than five layers.
  • the at least one changed layer by the electromagnetic radiation is advantageously the outermost layer of the pigment which faces the direction of irradiation.
  • Influencing an interference-capable layer structure succeeds whenever the reflection minimum of the interference-capable layer structure largely coincides with the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation.
  • either the angle of incidence or the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation can be adapted to the reflection minimum of the interference-capable layer structure.
  • the reflection minima are known to shift to shorter wavelengths, so that almost always a suitable angle can be found, in which an influence of the structure takes place.
  • the invention it is not only possible to apply a single pigment color to the substrate, but also to apply a mixture of at least two pigment colors or more interference layers one above the other onto the security element, of which only one has a suitable reflection minimum and thus only one pigment color can be selectively changed it is also possible to apply a mixture of at least one pigment color and at least one printing ink or another effect color such as a color based on choleric liquid crystals or thermal inks on the security element.
  • the further effect color can also be applied via the pigment color as long as it is transparent to the laser wavelength and at least in parts of the visible spectrum.
  • the substrate is to be protected against mechanical damage such as scratches with a security element
  • a multilayer film body is, for example, a credit or identity card, wherein the security element according to the invention is located inside the film body and is covered by a transparent film.
  • an inventive security element on a security such as a banknote through a transparent film.
  • the substrate is printed on the front and / or the back and the printing recognizable in transmitted light. This has the advantage that different information can be seen in transmitted light and reflected light.
  • viewing in incident light is illumination of an object from one side and observation of the object from the same side.
  • a reflection in incident light is thus present, for example, when the front of the object is illuminated and also viewed.
  • a reflection in transmitted light in the sense of this invention is an illumination of an object from one side and a viewing of the object from another side, in particular the opposite side.
  • a reflection in transmitted light is thus present, for example, when the back of the object is illuminated and the front of the object is viewed. The light thus shines through the object.
  • the security element consists at least partially of a transparent film which is printed with the pigment colors.
  • the irradiation with electromagnetic radiation advantageously takes place on the upper side of the printing or on the lower side through the transparent film.
  • the irradiation with electromagnetic energy also done on both sides of the film. In reflected light, only the change caused by the irradiation on the respective side is visible; in transmitted light, however, no information is visible anymore.
  • the pigments are ablated or carbonized by the electromagnetic radiation.
  • this provides further design options for a security element.
  • energy densities are required than for the destruction of a pigment layer.
  • the source of the electromagnetic radiation laser sources are preferably used.
  • pulsed Nd: YAG lasers, Nd: YVO 4 lasers, CO 2 lasers or other laser types in the wavelength range from UV to far-infrared are possible, the lasers often also having advantageous frequency multiplication with an average light power between 0.5 W and 2 W work, thus preferably with a pulse energy between 10 .mu.J and 100 .mu.J.
  • Laser sources in the near infrared are used with particular advantage, since this wavelength range fits well with the absorption properties of the substrates and printing inks used for value documents. For example, it is easy to specify for this range printing inks which are transparent to the laser radiation but opaque and colored in the visible spectral range for the human observer.
  • infrared lasers in the wavelength range of 0.8 .mu.m to 3 .mu.m, in particular Nd: YAG laser or Nd: YVO 4 laser used. If lasers with higher power are used, the pulse energy can be reduced to the necessary level by fading, beam splitting, absorption filters, defocusing or similar known methods. Alternatively, the laser frequency can be increased accordingly.
  • vectors can be inscribed in the layer sequence, which is advantageous, above all, for fast inscriptions.
  • a Nd: YAG laser with a pulse frequency of, for example, 20 kHz, a power between 0.5 W and 2 W, and a diameter of the focus of the laser between 70 .mu.m to 300 .mu.m, particularly advantageously 100 .mu.m to 200 .mu.m can be operated ,
  • the working distance between the lens and the substrate is chosen to be slightly less than that required for optimum focusing in order to achieve a slight defocusing of the laser spot. If the focus diameter is chosen to be larger than the advantageous setting, with uniform energy distribution in the beam (top hat) and correspondingly higher pulse energy with one pulse even larger areas can be changed and thus the labeling speed can be increased at the expense of the resolution.
  • the laser is chosen to be energetically modulatable from pulse to pulse, a color gradient of the interference effect can be achieved.
  • different color gradients are present at different points or at different depths of the substrate.
  • the pigment or absorbing color components can be completely or partially ablated / carbonized
  • the substrate with the security element according to the invention serves, in particular, to increase the security against forgery of documents of value such as, for example, banknotes, checks, shares, identity cards, entrance tickets, tickets, certificates, credit cards, check cards and the like.
  • the substrate with the security element according to the invention can be combined in particular within a value document with any other security feature.
  • the substrate with the security element according to the invention can be attached via a security thread, combined with a hologram or diffractive structures be arranged adjacent or overlapping with other optically variable structures.
  • a security element 2 is arranged on a surface of a substrate 1.
  • the security element 2 in this case consists of an optically variable color 3 in which pigments 4 are embedded.
  • a partial region 6 of the optically variable color 3 is irradiated by electromagnetic energy, for example in the form of a laser beam 5.
  • the optically variable ink 3 used is, for example, the paint OVI® 9Z 3050A from Sicpa with pigments from Flex with a color change from Megenta to green or the corresponding paint OVI® 9Z 1050 with a color change from gold to green.
  • a lateral cross-section through a pigment 4 is shown.
  • the still unaffected by the laser beam 5 pigment 4 is according to Fig. 2a a semitranslucent layer 7, a dielectric layer 81 on its underside, a dielectric layer 82 on its upper side, and a partially transparent layer 91 on the dielectric layer 81 and a partially transparent layer 92 on the dielectric layer 82.
  • the partially transparent layer 92 lies on top of the Laser beam 5 facing side of the pigment 4, whereas the partially transparent layer 91 is covered by the reflection layer 7. If a laser beam 5 now strikes the pigment 4, the process according to FIG Fig. 2b with appropriate irradiance and wavelength of the light of the laser beam 5 only the partially transparent layer 92 influenced.
  • the optical properties of the partially transparent layer 92 are changed so that, for example, the transmissivity of the partially transparent layer 92 is increased, ie the color change is changed.
  • the partially transparent layer 92 is almost completely transparent, so that the viewer only perceives the color of the reflection layer 7. If this is metallic or silvery matt or shiny, the pigment 4 only appears silvery for the observer.
  • the laser beam 5 thus changes the partially transparent layer 92 of the optically variable color 3.
  • a change in the color change is achieved, for example in the silvery, depending on the irradiance of the laser beam 5, a part of the optically variable effect is maintained.
  • the position influenced by the laser beam 5 is according to FIG Fig. 3a clearly visible when viewed in reflected light, eg as a silvery spot with a changed color change or as an exclusively silvery spot without any further color change.
  • the optically variable ink 3 When the optically variable ink 3 is printed on a partially or completely transparent substrate, it appears Fig. 3b the optically variable color when viewed in transmitted light both in the affected by the laser beam 5 and in the uninfluenced areas in a nearly uniform hue, for example, uniformly gray.
  • the position influenced by the laser beam 5 thus does not stand out in transmitted light with respect to the uninfluenced regions, since pigments were only influenced in individual layers by the laser beam 5, whereas the almost opaque reflection layer 7 remained unaffected.
  • the total transmissivity became or the optical density of the pigments is not changed.

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  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Printing Methods (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Substrat mit einem Sicherheitselement, das wenigstens eine optisch variable Farbe mit Pigmenten aufweist. Die einzelnen Pigmente bestehen hierbei aus mindestens einem interferenzfähigen, mehrschichtigen Aufbau.The invention relates to a substrate having a security element which has at least one optically variable color with pigments. The individual pigments consist of at least one interference-capable, multi-layered structure.

Zum Schutz gegen Nachahmung, insbesondere mit Farbkopierern oder anderen Reproduktionsverfahren, werden Datenträger, wie beispielsweise Banknoten oder Karten, mit optisch variablen Sicherheitselementen ausgestattet. Der Fälschungsschutz beruht dabei darauf, dass der visuell und einfach und deutlich erkennbare optisch variable Effekt von den oben genannten Reproduktionsgeräten nicht oder nur ungenügend wiedergegeben wird.To protect against imitation, especially with color copiers or other reproduction methods, data carriers, such as bank notes or cards, are equipped with optically variable security elements. The protection against counterfeiting is based on the fact that the visually and simply and clearly recognizable optically variable effect is not or only insufficiently reproduced by the abovementioned reproduction devices.

Optisch variable Sicherheitselemente sind beispielsweise Dünnschichtelemente, die aus einer Reflektorschicht, einem Dielektrikum und einer Absorberschicht bestehen. Wird das Sicherheitselement von der Absorberseite aus betrachtet, nimmt der Betrachter eine bestimmte Farbe wahr, die sich mit Änderung des Betrachtungswinkels ändert.Optically variable security elements are, for example, thin-film elements which consist of a reflector layer, a dielectric and an absorber layer. If the security element is viewed from the absorber side, the viewer perceives a certain color, which changes as the viewing angle changes.

Ursache der Farbverschiebung ist ein Interferenzeffekt zwischen den Lichtstrahlen, die von der Oberfläche der äußeren teildurchlässigen Schicht (Absorberschicht) reflektiert werden, und den Lichtstrahlen, die durch die äußere teildurchlässige und die mittlere dielektrische Schicht hindurch treten und von der inneren Metallreflektorschicht zu der teildurchlässigen Schicht zurück reflektiert werden. An der teildurchlässigen Schicht werden die Lichtstrahlen daraufhin entweder nach Außen transmittiert oder wieder reflektiert, so dass in diesem Fall die Lichtstrahlen mehrfach zwischen der Reflexionsschicht und der teildurchlässigen Schicht hin- und herreflektiert werden. Somit haben die Lichtstrahlen, die durch die Dünnfilmschicht hindurch getreten sind, einen längeren Weg zurückgelegt als die auf der Oberfläche der Dünnfilmschicht reflektierten Lichtstrahlen, so dass sie gegenüber diesen phasenverschoben sind, wenn sie mit ihnen interferieren.The cause of the color shift is an interference effect between the light rays reflected from the surface of the outer partially transmissive layer (absorber layer) and the light rays passing through the outer partially transmissive and middle dielectric layers and from the inner metal reflector layer to the partially transmissive layer be reflected. At the partially transmissive layer, the light beams are then either transmitted to the outside or reflected again, so that in this case the light beams are repeatedly reflected back and forth between the reflection layer and the partially transparent layer. Thus, the light rays that have passed through the thin film layer have traveled a longer distance than those on the surface of the Thin film layer reflect light rays so that they are out of phase with each other when interfering with them.

Treffen die auf die Dünnfilmschicht einfallenden Lichtstrahlen mit unterschiedlichen Einfallswinkeln auf die Dünnfilmschicht auf, ist der im der Dünnfilmschicht zurückgelegte Weg der Lichtstrahlen unterschiedlich lang. Dieser Unterschied resultiert aus der durch den Einfallswinkel geänderten Wegdifferenz der mehrfach innerhalb der Dünnfilmschicht reflektierten Strahlen. Deshalb ist die Phasenlage der interferierenden Lichtstrahlen je nach Einfallswinkel unterschiedlich, so dass sich je nach Einfallswinkel unterschiedliche Farben oder Farbtöne des resultierenden, vom Beobachter wahrgenommenen Lichtstrahls ergeben.If the light rays incident on the thin-film layer strike the thin-film layer at different angles of incidence, the path of the light rays traversed in the thin-film layer is of different lengths. This difference results from the path difference of the beams reflected multiple times within the thin film layer due to the angle of incidence. Therefore, the phase angle of the interfering light beams is different depending on the angle of incidence, so that depending on the angle of incidence different colors or hues of the resulting, perceived by the observer light beam result.

Derartige Dünnschichtelemente können in Form von Folien verwendet werden, wie z.B. in WO 2005/108110 beschrieben. Aus WO 2005/108110 ist ein Sicherheitselement mit einer Dünnfilmschicht bekannt, bei dem die einzelnen Schichten vollflächig auf dem Sicherheitselement angeordnet sind. In die Schichtenfolge werden durch Einwirkung von Laserstrahlung Kennzeichnungen in Form von Mustern, Buchstaben, Zahlen oder Bildern eingebracht Hierfür enthält die Schichtenfolge eine Markierungsschicht aus einem Farbgemisch, das eine die Laserstrahlung absorbierende sowie eine für die Laserstrahlung transparente Gemischkomponente aufweist. Die Kennzeichnungen sind aufgrund einer durch die Einwirkung der Laserstrahlung bewirkten irreversiblen Änderung der optischen Eigenschaften des Farbgemisches visuell und/ oder maschinell erkennbar.Such thin-film elements can be used in the form of films, such as in WO 2005/108110 described. Out WO 2005/108110 a security element with a thin film layer is known in which the individual layers are arranged over the entire area on the security element. Markings in the form of patterns, letters, numbers or images are introduced into the layer sequence by the action of laser radiation. For this purpose, the layer sequence contains a marking layer of a color mixture which has a mixture component which absorbs the laser radiation and a mixture component transparent to the laser radiation. The markings are visually and / or mechanically recognizable due to an irreversible change in the optical properties of the paint mixture caused by the action of the laser radiation.

Ebenso sind pigmentförmige Dünnschichtelemente bekannt, die einer Druckfarbe beigemischt werden. Die EP 0 227 423 B1 beschreibt Dünnschichtelemente mit einem symmetrischen Aufbau, um zu gewährleisten, dass das Pigment von jeder Seite gleich aussieht. Jedes der Dünnschichtelemente besteht aus einem fünfschichtigen Dünnfilm, der aus einer inneren Metallreflektorschicht, einer unten und oben angeordneten dielektrischen Schicht mit einem Brechungsindex von 1,65 oder weniger und jeweils einer äußeren semiopaken bzw. teildurchlässigen Schicht aufgebaut ist. Der fünfschichtige Dünnfilm bewirkt jeweils auf der dem Betrachter zugewandten Seite eine Farbverschiebung, d.h. ein Wechsel zwischen zwei unterschiedlichen Farben oder Farbtönen bei einem ersten und einem zweiten Betrachtungswinkel. So erscheint die optisch variable Farbe beispielsweise aus einem bestimmten Betrachtungswinkel magentafarben und aus einem anderen Betrachtungswinkel grün. Kippt ein Betrachter einen Datenträger, auf den eine derartige optisch variable Farbe aufgebracht ist, nimmt er einen Farbwechsel von magenta nach grün oder umgekehrt wahr.Similarly, pigmented thin-film elements are known, which are mixed into an ink. The EP 0 227 423 B1 describes thin-film elements with a symmetrical structure to ensure that the pigment looks the same from every side. Each of the thin-film elements consists of a five-layered thin film consisting of an inner thin film Metal reflector layer, a bottom and top arranged dielectric layer having a refractive index of 1.65 or less, and each having an outer semi-opaque or semi-permeable layer is constructed. The five-layer thin film causes on the side facing the observer a color shift, ie a change between two different colors or shades at a first and a second viewing angle. For example, the optically variable color appears magenta from a given viewing angle and green from a different viewing angle. If a viewer tilts a data carrier onto which such optically variable ink has been applied, it perceives a color change from magenta to green or vice versa.

Aus WO 2005/038136 A1 ist ein Sicherheitselement für Sicherheitspapiere, Wertdokumente und dergleichen mit einem Dünnschichtelement mit Farbkippeffekt, das eine Reflexionsschicht, eine Absorberschicht und eine zwischen Reflexionsschicht und Absorberschicht angeordnete Zwischenschicht aufweist. Hierbei ist die Zwischenschicht durch eine Schicht gebildet, deren Schichtdicke nach dem Aufdrucken durch äußere Einflüsse, insbesondere durch Dehnung, elektromagnetische Strahlung, Elektronenstrahlbehandlung oder Druck- und/oder Temperatureinwirkung, lokal modifizierbar ist. Durch die nachträgliche Beeinflussung der Schichtdicke der Zwischenschicht kann eine sehr konstante Schichtstärke erhalten werden, ohne dass eine höhere Genauigkeit beim Aufbringen, insbesondere beim Druckprozess selbst erforderlich ist. Auftretende Schwankungen der Schichtdicke können vielmehr nach dem Aufbringen durch eine gezielte, lokale Einwirkung äußere Einflüsse ausgeglichen werden.Out WO 2005/038136 A1 is a security element for security papers, documents of value and the like with a thin-film element with color-shift effect, which has a reflection layer, an absorber layer and an intermediate layer arranged between reflection layer and absorber layer. Here, the intermediate layer is formed by a layer whose layer thickness after imprinting by external influences, in particular by stretching, electromagnetic radiation, electron beam treatment or pressure and / or temperature, is locally modifiable. By subsequently influencing the layer thickness of the intermediate layer, a very constant layer thickness can be obtained without requiring a higher accuracy during application, in particular during the printing process itself. Occurring fluctuations in the layer thickness can rather be compensated for after application by a targeted, local action external influences.

Aus EP 11719 636 A1 ist ein Sicherheitselement für Banknoten, Wertdokumente, Tickets oder als Echtheitsnachweis bekannt, das eine Beschichtung mit mindestens einem optisch variablen Pigment mit einer deutlich vom Blickwinkel abhängigen Änderung der Farbe beinhaltet. Das optisch variable Pigment besteht hierbei aus Vakuum-aufgedampften Dünnschicht Interferenz-Pigmenten, mit Interferenzschichten beschichteten Partikeln oder cholesterischen Flüssigkristall-Pigmenten. Zusätzlich besteht das optisch variable Pigment aus mindestens einem Material mit selektiv spektral absorbierenden Eigenschaften, so dass das optisch variable Pigment sichtbare spektrale Komponenten, die senkrecht auf das Pigment einfallen, unterdrückt. Das Sicherheitselement erscheint somit bei senkrechter Betrachtung schwarz und bei streifender Betrachtung farbig.Out EP 11719 636 A1 a security element for banknotes, documents of value, tickets or as a proof of authenticity is known, which includes a coating with at least one optically variable pigment with a clearly dependent on the angle of change of the color. The optically variable In this case, pigment consists of vacuum evaporated thin film interference pigments, interference layer coated particles or cholesteric liquid crystal pigments. In addition, the optically variable pigment is comprised of at least one material having selectively spectrally absorbing properties such that the optically variable pigment suppresses visible spectral components incident perpendicular to the pigment. The security element thus appears black when viewed vertically and colored when grazing.

Aus US 6,114,018 ist eine optisch variable Vorrichtung bekannt, die ein Substrat mit einer ersten und zweiten optischen Vorrichtung aufweist, die an voneinander beabstandeten Stellen des Substrates aufgebracht sind. Die erste optische Vorrichtung besteht aus einem ersten optisch variablen Pigment und die zweite optische Vorrichtung aus einem zweiten optisch variablen Pigment. Die erste und zweite optische Vorrichtung weisen hierbei bei einem Einfallswinkel zwischen 0° und 90° die gleiche übereinstimmende Farbe und für einen Farbübereinstimmungswinkel und bei allen anderen Einfallswinkeln keine Farbübereinstimmung haben.Out US 6,114,018 For example, an optically variable device is known which comprises a substrate having first and second optical devices deposited at spaced-apart locations of the substrate. The first optical device consists of a first optically variable pigment and the second optical device of a second optically variable pigment. In this case, the first and second optical devices have the same coincident color at an angle of incidence between 0 ° and 90 ° and a color matching angle for all other angles of incidence and have no color match.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Sicherheitselement mit interferenzfähigen Pigmenten fälschungssicher auszugestalten.The invention has for its object to design a security element with interference-capable pigments forgery-proof.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale der unabhängigen Ansprüche gelöst. Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche.This object is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Die Erfindung umfasst hierbei sowohl ein Substrat mit einem Sicherheitselement als auch einen Datenträger mit einem Substrat mit einem Sicherheitselement. Der Datenträger ist hierbei insbesondere ein Wertdokument, wie beispielsweise eine Banknote, ein Wertpapier, eine Kredit-oder Ausweiskarte, ein Pass, eine Urkunde und Ähnliches, ein Label, eine Verpackung oder ein anderes Element für die Produktsicherung.The invention in this case comprises both a substrate with a security element and a data carrier with a substrate with a security element. The data carrier is in this case, in particular, a value document, such as a banknote, a security, a credit card or identity card, for example. a passport, a certificate and the like, a label, a packaging or another element for product safety.

Erfindungsgemäß sind die Pigmente der optisch variablen Farbe des Sicherheitselements mittels einer elektromagnetischen Strahlung in mindestens einem Teilbereich irreversibel so verändert, dass in diesem Teilbereich der Interferenzeffekt visuell und/ oder maschinell deutlich erkennbar verändert oder gänzlich aufgehoben ist.According to the invention, the pigments of the optically variable color of the security element are irreversibly changed in at least a subarea by means of electromagnetic radiation in such a way that the interference effect is visibly and / or mechanically clearly changed or completely eliminated in this subarea.

Die irreversible Veränderung eines Pigmentes erfolgt zum einen durch die Veränderung der optischen Eigenschaften mindestens einer Schicht des Pigmentes, d.h. insbesondere der Transparenz, der Reflektivität, der Polarisationsrichtung und der Farbe oder des Farbtons des Pigmentes. Zum anderen erfolgt die irreversible Veränderung eines Pigmentes durch eine mindestens teilweise Verschiebung mindestens einer Schicht des Pigmentes. Hierbei wird eine Schicht des Pigmentes nicht entfernt, verdampft oder umgewandelt, sondern zumindest teilweise von seiner ursprünglichen Position innerhalb des Schichtaufbaus entfernt und an eine neue Position innerhalb des Schichtaufbaus verschoben. Dies wird beispielsweise durch Verminderung der Dicke einer Schicht an einer Stelle bei gleichzeitiger Erhöhung der Dicke einer Schicht an einer anderen, insbesondere der benachbarten Stelle erreicht.The irreversible change of a pigment occurs, on the one hand, by the change in the optical properties of at least one layer of the pigment, i. in particular the transparency, the reflectivity, the polarization direction and the color or hue of the pigment. On the other hand, the irreversible change of a pigment takes place by an at least partial displacement of at least one layer of the pigment. Here, a layer of the pigment is not removed, evaporated or converted, but at least partially removed from its original position within the layer structure and moved to a new position within the layer structure. This is achieved, for example, by reducing the thickness of a layer at one point while increasing the thickness of one layer at another, in particular the adjacent point.

Die Pigmente bzw. die pigmentförmigen Dünnschichtelemente sind vorzugsweise fünfschichtig ausgeführt. Sie bestehen aus einer mittleren Reflexionsschicht, zwei die mittlere Reflexionsschicht auf jeder Seite umgebende dielektrische Schichten und zwei äußere teildurchlässige Schichten. Als Materialien für diese Schichten werden insbesondere verwendet:

  • für die mittlere Reflexionsschicht alle reflektierenden Substanzen, insbesondere Metalle wie Aluminium oder Kupfer,
  • für die dielektrischen Schichten SiO2 (Silizium-Dioxid), ZrO2 (Zirkon-Dioxid) oder TiO2 (Titan-Dioxid) oder andere transparente Stoffe,
  • für die teildurchlässigen Schichten Chrom und/oder Nickel.
Ein Pigment besteht somit aus einer unteren teildurchlässigen Schicht aus Chrom und/oder Nickel gefolgt von einer dielektrischen Schicht aus Silizium-Dioxid, einer mittleren Reflexionsschicht aus Aluminium, an die sich auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite wieder eine dielektrische Schicht aus SiliziumDioxid anschließt, sowie abschließend aus einer oberen teildurchlässigen Schicht aus Chrom und/oder Nickel. Licht, das auf die Ober- oder Unterseite des Pigments auftrifft, wird von der teildurchlässigen Schicht teilweise reflektiert und teilweise transmittiert. Der letztere Anteil tritt durch die dielektrische Schicht, die einen anderen Brechungsindex als die teildurchlässige Schicht aufweist, hindurch und wird von der Reflexionsschicht zurückreflektiert und nach Durchlaufen der dielektrischen Schicht wieder in einen transmittierten und einen reflektierten Anteil aufgespaltet.The pigments or the pigmented thin-film elements are preferably five-layered. They consist of a central reflective layer, two dielectric layers surrounding the central reflective layer on each side, and two outer partially transparent layers. As materials for these layers are used in particular:
  • for the middle reflection layer all reflective substances, in particular metals such as aluminum or copper,
  • for the dielectric layers SiO 2 (silicon dioxide), ZrO 2 (zirconium dioxide) or TiO 2 (titanium dioxide) or other transparent substances,
  • for the semitransparent layers chromium and / or nickel.
A pigment thus consists of a lower semitransparent layer of chromium and / or nickel followed by a dielectric layer of silicon dioxide, a central reflective layer of aluminum, which is again followed by a dielectric layer of silicon dioxide on the opposite side, and finally a upper semitransparent layer of chromium and / or nickel. Light impinging on the top or bottom of the pigment is partially reflected and partially transmitted by the partially transmissive layer. The latter portion passes through the dielectric layer, which has a different refractive index than the partially transmissive layer, and is reflected back from the reflective layer and, after passing through the dielectric layer, is split again into a transmitted and a reflected portion.

Die Erfindung ist jedoch nicht nur auf fünfschichtige Pigmente beschränkt, sondern auf alle ein oder mehrschichtigen Pigmente anwendbar, die einen optisch variablen Effekt erzeugen. Insbesondere sind aus dem Stand der Technik optisch variable Schichten bekannt, die ausgehend von der Reflexionsschicht in Richtung des Betrachters mehr als zwei Schichten aufweisen. Auch an Pigmenten, die aus derartigen optisch variablen Schichten hergestellt sind und somit mehr als fünf Schichten aufweisen, ist die Erfindung anwendbar.However, the invention is not limited to five-layered pigments but is applicable to all single or multi-layered pigments which produce an optically variable effect. In particular, optically variable layers are known from the prior art which, starting from the reflection layer in the direction of the viewer, have more than two layers. The invention can also be applied to pigments which are produced from such optically variable layers and thus have more than five layers.

Die durch die elektromagnetische Strahlung mindestens eine veränderte Schicht ist vorteilhaft die äußerste Schicht des Pigmentes, die der Bestrahlungsrichtung zugewandt ist. Bei Pigmenten mit fünfschichtigem Aufbau somit die teildurchlässige Schicht, die nach der Bestrahlung nicht mehr teildurchlässig, sondern bevorzugt transparent ist.The at least one changed layer by the electromagnetic radiation is advantageously the outermost layer of the pigment which faces the direction of irradiation. In the case of pigments with a five-layered structure, this means the partially permeable layer, which after irradiation is no longer semipermeable, but preferably transparent.

Eine Beeinflussung eines interferenzfähigen Schichtaufbaus gelingt immer dann, wenn das Reflexionsminimum des interferenzfähigen Schichtaufbaus mit der Wellenlänge der elektromagnetischen Strahlung weitgehend übereinstimmt. Hierbei kann entweder der Einfallswinkel oder die Wellenlänge der elektromagnetischen Strahlung an das Reflexionsminimum des interferenzfähigen Schichtaufbaus angepasst sein. Durch die Veränderung des Einfallswinkels verschieben sich die Reflexionsminima bekanntlich zu kürzeren Wellenlängen, so dass fast immer ein geeigneter Winkel gefunden werden kann, bei dem eine Beeinflussung des Aufbaus erfolgt.Influencing an interference-capable layer structure succeeds whenever the reflection minimum of the interference-capable layer structure largely coincides with the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation. In this case, either the angle of incidence or the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation can be adapted to the reflection minimum of the interference-capable layer structure. By changing the angle of incidence, the reflection minima are known to shift to shorter wavelengths, so that almost always a suitable angle can be found, in which an influence of the structure takes place.

Wird während der Bestrahlung mit elektromagnetischer Energie gleichzeitig die Energie der elektromagnetischen Strahlung moduliert, ergibt sich besonders vorteilhaft ein Farbverlauf des Interferenzeffektes, d.h. liegen an unterschiedlichen Stellen oder in unterschiedlichen Tiefen des Substrates unterschiedliche Farbverläufe vor.If the energy of the electromagnetic radiation is simultaneously modulated during the irradiation with electromagnetic energy, a color gradient of the interference effect is obtained in a particularly advantageous manner. There are different color gradients at different points or at different depths of the substrate.

Erfindungsgemäß ist es nicht nur möglich, eine einzige Pigmentfarbe auf das Substrat aufzubringen, sondern auch eine Mischung aus mindestens zwei Pigmentfarben oder mehrere Interferenzschichten übereinander auf das Sicherheitselement aufzutragen, von denen nur eine ein geeignetes Reflexionsminimum aufweist und somit nur eine Pigmentfarbe gezielt veränderbar ist Alternativ ist es weiterhin möglich, eine Mischung aus mindestens einer Pigmentfarbe und mindestens einer Druckfarbe oder einer weiteren Effektfarbe wie beispielsweise eine Farbe auf Basis von cholerischen Flüssigkristallen oder Thermofarben auf das Sicherheitselement aufzutragen. Dabei kann die weitere Effektfarbe auch über die Pigmentfarbe aufgebracht sein, solange sie für die Laserwellenlänge und zumindest in Teilen des sichtbaren Spektrums transparent ist.According to the invention, it is not only possible to apply a single pigment color to the substrate, but also to apply a mixture of at least two pigment colors or more interference layers one above the other onto the security element, of which only one has a suitable reflection minimum and thus only one pigment color can be selectively changed it is also possible to apply a mixture of at least one pigment color and at least one printing ink or another effect color such as a color based on choleric liquid crystals or thermal inks on the security element. In this case, the further effect color can also be applied via the pigment color as long as it is transparent to the laser wavelength and at least in parts of the visible spectrum.

Soll das Substrat mit einem Sicherheitselement gegen mechanische Beschädigungen wie z.B. Kratzer geschützt werden, ist es vorteilhaft, die Pigmentfarben innerhalb zweier Folien eines mehrschichtigen Folienkörpers anzuordnen. Ein derartiger mehrschichtiger Folienkörper ist beispielsweise eine Kredit- oder Ausweiskarte, wobei sich das erfindungsgemäße Sicherheitselement im Inneren des Folienkörpers befindet und von einer transparenten Folie abgedeckt ist. Selbstverständlich ist es auch möglich, ein erfindungsgemäßes Sicherheitselement auf einem Wertpapier wie z.B. einer Banknote durch eine transparente Folie abzudecken.If the substrate is to be protected against mechanical damage such as scratches with a security element, it is advantageous to use the pigment colors to arrange within two films of a multilayer film body. Such a multilayer film body is, for example, a credit or identity card, wherein the security element according to the invention is located inside the film body and is covered by a transparent film. Of course, it is also possible to cover an inventive security element on a security such as a banknote through a transparent film.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist das Substrat auf der Vorder- und/oder der Rückseite bedruckt und die Bedruckung in Durchlicht erkennbar. Dies hat den Vorteil, dass unterschiedliche Informationen in Durchlicht und in Auflicht erkennbar sind.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the substrate is printed on the front and / or the back and the printing recognizable in transmitted light. This has the advantage that different information can be seen in transmitted light and reflected light.

Eine Betrachtung in Auflicht ist im Sinne dieser Erfindung eine Beleuchtung eines Objektes von einer Seite und eine Betrachtung des Objektes von der selben Seite. Eine Betrachtung in Auflicht liegt somit beispielsweise dann vor, wenn die Vorderseite des Objektes beleuchtet und auch betrachtet wird.For the purposes of this invention, viewing in incident light is illumination of an object from one side and observation of the object from the same side. A reflection in incident light is thus present, for example, when the front of the object is illuminated and also viewed.

Eine Betrachtung in Durchlicht ist im Sinne dieser Erfindung eine Beleuchtung eines Objektes von einer Seite und eine Betrachtung des Objektes von einer anderen Seite, insbesondere der gegenüberliegenden Seite. Eine Betrachtung in Durchlicht liegt somit beispielsweise dann vor, wenn die Rückseite des Objektes beleuchtet und die Vorderseite des Objektes betrachtet wird. Das Licht scheint somit durch das Objekt hindurch.A reflection in transmitted light in the sense of this invention is an illumination of an object from one side and a viewing of the object from another side, in particular the opposite side. A reflection in transmitted light is thus present, for example, when the back of the object is illuminated and the front of the object is viewed. The light thus shines through the object.

Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung besteht das Sicherheitselement zumindest teilweise aus einer transparenten Folie, die mit den Pigmentfarben bedruckt ist. Hierbei erfolgt vorteilhaft die Bestrahlung mit elektromagnetischer Strahlung auf die Oberseite der Bedruckung oder auf die Unterseite durch die transparente Folie hindurch. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann die Bestrahlung mit elektromagnetischer Energie auch auf beiden Seiten der Folie erfolgen. In Auflicht ist nur die durch die Bestrahlung auf der jeweiligen Seite verursachte Veränderung sichtbar, in Durchlicht hingegen ist keine Information mehr sichtbar.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the security element consists at least partially of a transparent film which is printed with the pigment colors. In this case, the irradiation with electromagnetic radiation advantageously takes place on the upper side of the printing or on the lower side through the transparent film. Alternatively or additionally, the irradiation with electromagnetic energy also done on both sides of the film. In reflected light, only the change caused by the irradiation on the respective side is visible; in transmitted light, however, no information is visible anymore.

In einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung der Erfindung werden die Pigmente durch die elektromagnetische Strahlung ablatiert oder karbonisiert. In Kombination mit der oben beschriebenen Veränderung des Pigments ergeben sich hiermit weitere Gestaltungsmöglichkeiten für ein Sicherheitselement. Für die Ablation oder Karbonisierung sind dabei deutlich höhere Energiedichten notwendig als für die Zerstörung einer Pigmentlage.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pigments are ablated or carbonized by the electromagnetic radiation. In combination with the above-described change of the pigment, this provides further design options for a security element. For ablation or carbonization, significantly higher energy densities are required than for the destruction of a pigment layer.

Als Quelle für die elektromagnetische Strahlung werden bevorzugt Laserquellen verwendet. Hierbei kommen insbesondere gepulste Nd:YAG-Laser, Nd:YVO4-Laser, CO2-Laser oder andere Lasertypen im Wellenlängenbereich von UV bis zum fernen Infrarot infrage, wobei die Laser oft auch vorteilhaft mit Frequenzvervielfachung mit einer durchschnittlichen Lichtleistung zwischen 0,5 W und 2 W arbeiten, somit vorzugsweise mit einer Pulsenergie zwischen 10 µJ und 100 µJ. Mit besonderem Vorteil werden Laserquellen im nahen Infrarot eingesetzt, da dieser Wellenlängenbereich gut zu den Absorptionseigenschaften der für Wertdokumente verwendeten Substrate und Druckfarben passt. Beispielsweise lassen sich für diesen Bereich leicht Druckfarben angeben, die für die Laserstrahlung transparent, im sichtbaren Spektralbereich für den menschlichen Betrachter jedoch opak und gefärbt sind. Mit besonderem Vorteil werden Infrarotlaser im Wellenlängenbereich von 0,8 µm bis 3 µm, insbesondere Nd:YAG-Laser oder Nd:YVO4-Laser verwendet. Werde Laser mit höherer Leistung eingesetzt, so kann die Pulsenergie durch Ausblenden, Strahlteilung, Absorptionsfilter, Defokussieren oder ähnliche bekannte Verfahren auf das notwendige Maß reduziert werden. Alternativ kann die Laserfrequenz entsprechend erhöht werden.The source of the electromagnetic radiation laser sources are preferably used. In particular, pulsed Nd: YAG lasers, Nd: YVO 4 lasers, CO 2 lasers or other laser types in the wavelength range from UV to far-infrared are possible, the lasers often also having advantageous frequency multiplication with an average light power between 0.5 W and 2 W work, thus preferably with a pulse energy between 10 .mu.J and 100 .mu.J. Laser sources in the near infrared are used with particular advantage, since this wavelength range fits well with the absorption properties of the substrates and printing inks used for value documents. For example, it is easy to specify for this range printing inks which are transparent to the laser radiation but opaque and colored in the visible spectral range for the human observer. With particular advantage, infrared lasers in the wavelength range of 0.8 .mu.m to 3 .mu.m, in particular Nd: YAG laser or Nd: YVO 4 laser used. If lasers with higher power are used, the pulse energy can be reduced to the necessary level by fading, beam splitting, absorption filters, defocusing or similar known methods. Alternatively, the laser frequency can be increased accordingly.

Mit einem Nd:YAG- Markierungslaser (λ = 1,064 µm) können beispielsweise Vektoren in der Schichtenfolge eingeschrieben werden, was vor allem für schnelle Beschriftungen von Vorteil ist. Dazu kann ein Nd :YAG-Laser mit einer Pulsfrequenz von beispielsweise 20 kHz, einer Leistung zwischen 0,5 W und 2 W, und einem Durchmesser des Fokus des Lasers zwischen 70 µm bis 300 µm, besonders vorteilhaft 100 µm bis 200 µm betrieben werden. Der Arbeitsabstand zwischen Linse und Substrat wird etwas geringer als für optimale Fokussierung erforderlich gewählt, um eine leichte Defokussierung des Laserflecks zu erreichen. Wird der Fokusdurchmesser größer als die vorteilhafte Einstellung gewählt, können bei gleichmäßiger Energieverteilung im Strahl (Top hat) und entsprechend höherer Pulsenergie mit einem Puls auch größere Flächen verändert und damit die Beschriftungsgeschwindigkeit zu Lasten der Auflösung erhöht werden.With an Nd: YAG marking laser (λ = 1.064 μm), for example, vectors can be inscribed in the layer sequence, which is advantageous, above all, for fast inscriptions. For this purpose, a Nd: YAG laser with a pulse frequency of, for example, 20 kHz, a power between 0.5 W and 2 W, and a diameter of the focus of the laser between 70 .mu.m to 300 .mu.m, particularly advantageously 100 .mu.m to 200 .mu.m can be operated , The working distance between the lens and the substrate is chosen to be slightly less than that required for optimum focusing in order to achieve a slight defocusing of the laser spot. If the focus diameter is chosen to be larger than the advantageous setting, with uniform energy distribution in the beam (top hat) and correspondingly higher pulse energy with one pulse even larger areas can be changed and thus the labeling speed can be increased at the expense of the resolution.

Wird der Laser energetisch von Puls zu Puls modulierbar gewählt, so kann ein Farbverlauf des Interferenzeffektes erzielt werden. Hierbei liegen an unterschiedlichen Stellen oder in unterschiedlichen Tiefen des Substrates unterschiedliche Farbverläufe vor. Zusätzlich kann bei entsprechender Energiesteuerung ohne Aufwand das Pigment oder absorbierende Farbbestandteile vollständig oder teilweise ablatiert / karbonisiert werdenIf the laser is chosen to be energetically modulatable from pulse to pulse, a color gradient of the interference effect can be achieved. In this case, different color gradients are present at different points or at different depths of the substrate. In addition, with appropriate energy control without any effort, the pigment or absorbing color components can be completely or partially ablated / carbonized

Das Substrat mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselement dient insbesondere zur Erhöhung der Fälschungssicherheit von Wertdokumenten wie zum Beispiel Banknoten, Schecks, Aktien, Ausweisen, Eintrittskarten, Fahrkarten, Urkunden, Kreditkarten, Scheckkarten und dergleichen.The substrate with the security element according to the invention serves, in particular, to increase the security against forgery of documents of value such as, for example, banknotes, checks, shares, identity cards, entrance tickets, tickets, certificates, credit cards, check cards and the like.

Das Substrat mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselement ist insbesondere innerhalb eines Wertdokumentes mit jedem beliebigen anderen Sicherheitsmerkmal kombinierbar. So kann das Substrat mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselement beispielsweise über einem Sicherheitsfaden angebracht sein, mit einem Hologramm oder diffraktiven Strukturen kombiniert werden oder neben oder überlappend mit anderen optisch variablen Strukturen angeordnet sein.The substrate with the security element according to the invention can be combined in particular within a value document with any other security feature. For example, the substrate with the security element according to the invention can be attached via a security thread, combined with a hologram or diffractive structures be arranged adjacent or overlapping with other optically variable structures.

Anhand der nachfolgenden Beispiele und ergänzenden Figuren werden die Vorteile der Erfindung und verschiedene bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung erläutert. Im Einzelnen zeigen schematisch:

Fig. 1
Substrat mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselement aus einer optisch variable Farbe mit Pigmenten, in Seitenansicht;
Fig. 2
Schichtaufbau eines einzelnen Pigments in Seitenansicht und hierbei Fig. 2a vor einer Bestrahlung mit elektromagnetischer Energie und Fig. 2b nach einer Bestrahlung mit elektromagnetischer Energie;
Fig. 3
Substrat mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Sicherheitselement in Aufsicht und hierbei
Fig. 3a in Auflicht und
Fig. 3b in Durchlicht.
The advantages of the invention and various preferred embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the following examples and additional figures. In detail, show schematically:
Fig. 1
Substrate with a security element according to the invention of an optically variable color with pigments, in side view;
Fig. 2
Layer structure of a single pigment in side view and here Fig. 2a before irradiation with electromagnetic energy and Fig. 2b after irradiation with electromagnetic energy;
Fig. 3
Substrate with a security element according to the invention in supervision and in this case
Fig. 3a in incident light and
Fig. 3b in transmitted light.

Der besseren Verständlichkeit wegen sind die in den folgenden Beispielen beschriebenen Ausführungsformen auf die wesentlichen Kerninformationen reduziert sowie die Darstellungen in den Figuren stark schematisiert und spiegeln nicht die realen Gegebenheiten wider. Vor allem entsprechen die in den Figuren gezeigten Proportionen nicht den in der Realität vorliegenden Verhältnissen und dienen ausschließlich zur Verbesserung der Anschaulichkeit. Bei der praktischen Umsetzung können wesentlich komplexere Muster oder Bilder im Ein- oder Mehrfarbendruck als Beschichtung zur Anwendung kommen. Die in den folgenden Beispielen dargestellten Informationen können ebenfalls durch beliebig aufwändige Bild- oder Textinformationen ersetzt werden.For the sake of clarity, the embodiments described in the following examples are reduced to the essential core information and the representations in the figures are highly schematic and do not reflect the realities. Above all, the proportions shown in the figures do not correspond to the conditions present in reality and serve exclusively to improve the clarity. In practice, much more complex patterns or images in single or multi-color printing can be used as a coating. The information presented in the following examples can also be replaced by arbitrarily complex image or text information.

Die Beispiele stellen bevorzugte Ausführungsformen dar, auf die jedoch die Erfindung in keinerlei Weise beschränkt sein soll. Insbesondere sind die verschiedenen Ausführungsbeispiele auch nicht auf die Verwendung in der beschriebenen Form beschränkt, sondern können zur Erhöhung der Effekte auch untereinander kombiniert werden.The examples illustrate preferred embodiments, to which, however, the invention should not be limited in any way. In particular, the various embodiments are not limited to use in the form described, but can be combined to increase the effects with each other.

In einem bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel ist gemäß Fig. 1 ein Sicherheitselement 2 auf einer Oberfläche eines Substrats 1 angeordnet. Das Sicherheitselement 2 besteht hierbei aus einer optisch variablen Farbe 3, in die Pigmente 4 eingebettet sind. Ein Teilbereich 6 der optisch variablen Farbe 3 wird durch elektromagnetische Energie z.B. in Form eines Laserstrahls 5 bestrahlt.In a preferred embodiment is according to Fig. 1 a security element 2 is arranged on a surface of a substrate 1. The security element 2 in this case consists of an optically variable color 3 in which pigments 4 are embedded. A partial region 6 of the optically variable color 3 is irradiated by electromagnetic energy, for example in the form of a laser beam 5.

Als optisch variable Farbe 3 wird beispielsweise die Farbe OVI® 9Z 3050A der Fa. Sicpa mit Pigmenten der Fa. Flex mit einem Farbumschlag von Megenta nach Grün oder die entsprechende Farbe OVI® 9Z 1050 mit einem Farbumschlag von Gold nach Grün verwendet.The optically variable ink 3 used is, for example, the paint OVI® 9Z 3050A from Sicpa with pigments from Flex with a color change from Megenta to green or the corresponding paint OVI® 9Z 1050 with a color change from gold to green.

In Fig. 2 ist ein seitlicher Querschnitt durch ein Pigment 4 dargestellt. Das von dem Laserstrahl 5 noch unbeeinflusste Pigment 4 besteht gemäß Fig. 2a aus einer mittleren Reflexionsschicht 7, einer dielektrischen Schicht 81 auf seiner Unterseite, einer dielektrischen Schicht 82 auf seiner Oberseite sowie einer teildurchlässigen Schicht 91 auf der dielektrischen Schicht 81 und einer teildurchlässigen Schicht 92 auf der dielektrischen Schicht 82. Die teildurchlässige Schicht 92 liegt auf der dem Laserstrahl 5 zugewandten Seite des Pigments 4, wohingegen die teildurchlässige Schicht 91 durch die Reflexionschicht 7 abgedeckt ist. Trifft nun ein Laserstrahl 5 auf das Pigment 4 wird gemäß Fig. 2b bei geeigneter Bestrahlungsstärke und Wellenlänge des Lichtes des Laserstrahls 5 nur die teildurchlässige Schicht 92 beeinflusst. Insbesondere werden hierbei die optischen Eigenschaften der teildurchlässigen schicht 92 verändert, so dass beispielsweise das Transmissionsvermögen der teildurchlässigen Schicht 92 erhöht wird, d.h. der Farbumschlag wird verändert. Bevorzugt wird die teildurchlässige Schicht 92 nahezu vollständig transparent, so dass der Betrachter nur noch die Farbe der Reflexionsschicht 7 wahrnimmt. Ist diese metallisch bzw. silbrig matt oder glänzend ausgeführt, erscheint das Pigment 4 für den Beobachter nur noch silbrig.In Fig. 2 a lateral cross-section through a pigment 4 is shown. The still unaffected by the laser beam 5 pigment 4 is according to Fig. 2a a semitranslucent layer 7, a dielectric layer 81 on its underside, a dielectric layer 82 on its upper side, and a partially transparent layer 91 on the dielectric layer 81 and a partially transparent layer 92 on the dielectric layer 82. The partially transparent layer 92 lies on top of the Laser beam 5 facing side of the pigment 4, whereas the partially transparent layer 91 is covered by the reflection layer 7. If a laser beam 5 now strikes the pigment 4, the process according to FIG Fig. 2b with appropriate irradiance and wavelength of the light of the laser beam 5 only the partially transparent layer 92 influenced. In particular, in this case the optical properties of the partially transparent layer 92 are changed so that, for example, the transmissivity of the partially transparent layer 92 is increased, ie the color change is changed. Preferably, the partially transparent layer 92 is almost completely transparent, so that the viewer only perceives the color of the reflection layer 7. If this is metallic or silvery matt or shiny, the pigment 4 only appears silvery for the observer.

Der Laserstrahl 5 verändert somit die teildurchlässige Schicht 92 der optisch variablen Farbe 3. Dadurch wird eine Veränderung des Farbumschlages beispielsweise ins silbrige erzielt, wobei je nach Bestrahlungsstärke des Laserstrahls 5 ein Teil des optisch variablen Effektes erhalten bleibt. Je geringer die Bestrahlungsstärke des Laserstrahls 5 ist, desto mehr bleibt der optisch variable Effekt erhalten.The laser beam 5 thus changes the partially transparent layer 92 of the optically variable color 3. As a result, a change in the color change is achieved, for example in the silvery, depending on the irradiance of the laser beam 5, a part of the optically variable effect is maintained. The lower the irradiance of the laser beam 5, the more the optically variable effect is retained.

Die von dem Laserstrahl 5 beeinflusste Stelle ist gemäß Fig. 3a bei einer Betrachtung in Auflicht deutlich erkennbar, z.B. als silbrige Stelle mit verändertem Farbumschlag oder als ausschließlich silbrige Stelle ohne weiteren Farbumschlag. Die benachbarten Bereiche der optisch variablen Farbe 3, die nicht von dem Laserstrahl 5 beeinflusst wurden, weisen hingegen in Auflicht nach wie vor einen Farbumschlag auf. Es ergibt sich somit ein Kontrast zwischen Bereichen mit verändertem und Bereichen mit unverändertem Farbumschlag.The position influenced by the laser beam 5 is according to FIG Fig. 3a clearly visible when viewed in reflected light, eg as a silvery spot with a changed color change or as an exclusively silvery spot without any further color change. The adjacent regions of the optically variable color 3, which were not influenced by the laser beam 5, however, still have a color change in incident light. This results in a contrast between areas with changed and areas with unchanged color change.

Wird die optisch variablen Farbe 3 auf ein teilweise oder vollständig transparentes Substrat gedruckt, erscheint gemäß Fig. 3b die optisch variable Farbe bei einer Betrachtung in Durchlicht sowohl in den von dem Laserstrahl 5 beeinflussten als auch in den unbeeinflussten Stellen in einem nahezu einheitlichen Farbton, z.B. einheitlich grau. Die von dem Laserstrahl 5 beeinflusste Stelle hebt sich somit in Durchlicht nicht gegenüber den unbeeinflussten Bereichen ab, da durch den Laserstrahl 5 Pigmente nur in einzelnen Schichten beeinflusst wurden wohingegen die nahezu undurchsichtige Reflexionsschicht 7 unbeeinflusst geblieben ist. Somit wurde das GesamtTransmissionsvermögen bzw. die optische Dichte der Pigmente nicht verändert.When the optically variable ink 3 is printed on a partially or completely transparent substrate, it appears Fig. 3b the optically variable color when viewed in transmitted light both in the affected by the laser beam 5 and in the uninfluenced areas in a nearly uniform hue, for example, uniformly gray. The position influenced by the laser beam 5 thus does not stand out in transmitted light with respect to the uninfluenced regions, since pigments were only influenced in individual layers by the laser beam 5, whereas the almost opaque reflection layer 7 remained unaffected. Thus, the total transmissivity became or the optical density of the pigments is not changed.

Der Eindruck einer nahezu einheitlich grauen und damit nicht vollständig opaken, schwarzen Fläche bei einer Betrachtung in Durchlicht ergibt sich, da

  • die Dicke des Sicherheitselementes 2 und/ oder die Anzahl der Pigmente 4 in der optisch variablen Farbe 3 bezogen auf eine Volumeneinheit derart gering ausgeführt ist, dass Licht durch den Zwischenraum zwischen den einzelnen Pigmenten 4 hindurch scheinen kann und/oder
  • die Reflexionsschicht 7 der Pigmente 4 semitransparent ausgeführt ist, so dass Licht, das auf die Seite des Substrates 1 fällt, die dem Sicherheitselement 2 abgewandt ist, durch die Pigmente 4 hindurch scheinen kann.
The impression of a nearly uniformly gray and thus not completely opaque, black surface when viewed in transmitted light arises because
  • the thickness of the security element 2 and / or the number of pigments 4 in the optically variable ink 3 with respect to a volume unit is made so small that light can shine through the gap between the individual pigments 4 and / or
  • the reflection layer 7 of the pigments 4 is made semitransparent, so that light falling on the side of the substrate 1 facing away from the security element 2 can shine through the pigments 4.

Claims (15)

  1. A substrate (1) having a security element (2) that exhibits at least one optically variable ink (3) having pigments (4), the individual pigments (4) exhibiting at least one interference-capable, multilayer structure, characterized in that the pigments (4) of the optically variable ink of the security element (2) are irreversibly changed in at least one sub-region (6) by means of electromagnetic radiation (5) in such a way that, in this sub-region (6), the interference effect is distinctly visually and/ or mechanically perceptibly changed compared with adjacent regions having no change in the pigments, the irreversible change in a pigment (4) occurring through the change in the optical properties of the outermost layer of the pigment (4), which faces the irradiation direction.
  2. The substrate (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the irreversible change in a pigment (4) occurs through an at least partial displacement of at least one layer of the pigment (4).
  3. The substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pigments (4) are formed to be five-layer and consist of a middle reflection layer (7), two dielectric layers (81, 82) surrounding the middle reflection layer (7) on each side, and two partially transmissive outer layers (91, 92).
  4. The substrate (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the inner reflection layer (7) consists of aluminum, and/ or at least one of the dielectric layers (81, 82) consists of silicon dioxide, and/ or the partially transmissive outer layers (91, 92) consist of at least chrome and/ or nickel.
  5. The substrate (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the electromagnetic radiation (5) irreversibly changes at least the partially transmissive layer (92) of a pigment (4).
  6. The substrate (1) according to at least one of the previous claims, characterized in that the pigment inks are arranged within two foils of a multilayer foil body.
  7. The substrate (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the multilayer foil body is a credit or identification card or a passport.
  8. The substrate (1) according to at least one of the previous claims, characterized in that the security element (2) at least partially consists of a transparent foil.
  9. The substrate (1) according to at least one of the previous claims, characterized in that a laser delivers the electromagnetic radiation (5).
  10. A data carrier having a substrate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9.
  11. The data carrier according to claim 10, characterized in that the data carrier is a value document, especially a banknote or a card.
  12. A method for manufacturing a substrate (1) having a security element (2) on which at least one optically variable ink (3) having pigments (4) is imprinted, the individual pigments (4) being formed from at least one interference-capable, multilayer structure, characterized in that the pigments (4) of the optically variable ink of the security element (2) are irreversibly changed in at least one sub-region (6) by means of electromagnetic radiation (5) in such a way that, in this sub-region (6), the interference effect is distinctly visually and/ or mechanically perceptibly changed, the irreversible change in a pigment (4) occurring through the change in the optical properties of the outermost layer of the pigment (4), which faces the irradiation direction.
  13. The method for manufacturing a substrate (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation (5) is adapted to the reflection minimum of the interference-capable layer structure.
  14. The method for manufacturing a substrate (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the reflection minimum of the interference-capable layer structure is adapted to the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation (5) through the angle of incidence.
  15. The method for manufacturing a substrate (1) according to at least one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that a grayscale-modulated image is produced through a modulation of the energy of the electromagnetic radiation (5).
EP07847008.5A 2006-12-22 2007-12-06 Safety element having an optically variable element Not-in-force EP2104618B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL07847008T PL2104618T3 (en) 2006-12-22 2007-12-06 Safety element having an optically variable element

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102006062281A DE102006062281A1 (en) 2006-12-22 2006-12-22 Substrate for use with safety feature, has pigments of optically variable color of safety features that are irreversibly changed in partition by electromagnetic radiation
PCT/EP2007/010578 WO2008080499A1 (en) 2006-12-22 2007-12-06 Safety element having an optically variable element

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2104618A1 EP2104618A1 (en) 2009-09-30
EP2104618B1 true EP2104618B1 (en) 2013-11-27

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07847008.5A Not-in-force EP2104618B1 (en) 2006-12-22 2007-12-06 Safety element having an optically variable element

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EP (1) EP2104618B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2007341700B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2671611C (en)
DE (1) DE102006062281A1 (en)
PL (1) PL2104618T3 (en)
RU (1) RU2429978C2 (en)
WO (1) WO2008080499A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008028187A1 (en) * 2008-06-12 2009-12-17 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Security element with optically variable element.
DE102009058603A1 (en) 2009-12-17 2011-06-22 Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, 81677 Value document system and method of manufacturing the same
DE102010006173A1 (en) 2010-01-29 2011-08-04 Giesecke & Devrient GmbH, 81677 Security element with extended color shift effect and thermochromic additional function
FR2961621B1 (en) * 2010-06-22 2014-09-05 Arjowiggins Security METHOD OF AUTHENTICATING AND / OR IDENTIFYING A SECURITY ARTICLE
DE102011116491A1 (en) 2011-10-20 2013-04-25 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Microcapsule and use of the same, microcapsules having security element and with the same equipped disk
EP2946938B1 (en) 2014-05-23 2017-04-12 Merck Patent GmbH Method for the laser treatment of coatings
DE102017003281A1 (en) 2017-04-04 2018-10-04 Giesecke+Devrient Currency Technology Gmbh Security element with relief structure and manufacturing method therefor
DE102021005870A1 (en) * 2021-11-26 2023-06-01 Giesecke+Devrient Mobile Security Gmbh Security feature for an identification document, identification document and method for producing a security feature

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5766738A (en) * 1979-12-28 1998-06-16 Flex Products, Inc. Paired optically variable article with paired optically variable structures and ink, paint and foil incorporating the same and method
PT1849621E (en) * 2000-01-21 2014-06-03 Jds Uniphase Corp Optically variable security devices
DE10349000A1 (en) * 2003-10-17 2005-05-19 Giesecke & Devrient Gmbh Security element with color shift effect
EP1719636A1 (en) * 2005-05-04 2006-11-08 Sicpa Holding S.A. Black-to-color shifting security element

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2671611C (en) 2015-08-11
EP2104618A1 (en) 2009-09-30
WO2008080499A1 (en) 2008-07-10
CA2671611A1 (en) 2008-07-10
AU2007341700A1 (en) 2008-07-10
RU2009127521A (en) 2011-01-27
PL2104618T3 (en) 2014-05-30
AU2007341700B2 (en) 2013-05-09
RU2429978C2 (en) 2011-09-27
DE102006062281A1 (en) 2008-06-26

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