Provided is a data carrier that extends along an extension axis and comprises a carrier body having a top surface, at least one personalization element being arranged on the top surface of the carrier body, and at least one security element. The security element is at least partially arranged at least on and/or in a top surface of the personalization element and at least partially at least on and/or in the top surface of the carrier body and/or at least partially within the carrier body. Other embodiments disclosed.

Provided is a data carrier that extends along an extension axis and comprises a carrier body having a top surface, at least one personalization element being arranged on the top surface of the carrier body, and at least one security element. The security element is at least partially arranged at least on and/or in a top surface of the personalization element and at least partially at least on and/or in the top surface of the carrier body and/or at least partially within the carrier body. Other embodiments disclosed.

A laminar assembly including a first optically opaque layer defining a plurality of through-holes, a second optically opaque layer, an optically transparent inner layer between the inner surface of the first optically opaque layer and the inner surface of the second optically opaque layer, and a preprinted layer proximate the outer surface of at least one of the first and second optically opaque layers. The plurality of through-holes is at least partially filled with material from the optically transparent inner layer, and light is visibly transmitted in a single direction through the plurality of through-holes. Unidirectional opacity watermarks defined by the plurality of through-holes in the laminar assembly provide advantageous anti-counterfeiting measures, and are easy to view and authenticate, yet difficult to simulate.

A laminar assembly including a first optically opaque layer defining a plurality of through-holes, a second optically opaque layer, an optically transparent inner layer between the inner surface of the first optically opaque layer and the inner surface of the second optically opaque layer, and a preprinted layer proximate the outer surface of at least one of the first and second optically opaque layers. The plurality of through-holes is at least partially filled with material from the optically transparent inner layer, and light is visibly transmitted in a single direction through the plurality of through-holes. Unidirectional opacity watermarks defined by the plurality of through-holes in the laminar assembly provide advantageous anti-counterfeiting measures, and are easy to view and authenticate, yet difficult to simulate.

The invention relates to a security element (1). The security element (1) has a viewing side and a back side that is opposite the latter. The security element comprises at least one luminous layer (2) that can emit light (20), and at least one mask layer (4) that, when the security element (1) is viewed from the viewing side, is arranged in front of the at least one luminous layer (2). The at least one mask layer (4) has at least one opaque region (5) and at least two transparent openings (41, 42). The at least two transparent openings (41, 42) has a substantially higher transmittance than the at least one opaque region (5) in respect of light (20) emitted by the at least one luminous layer (2), preferably a transmittance that is at least 20% higher, particularly preferably a transmittance that is at least 50% higher.

An optically variable security element, for security papers, value documents and other data carriers, includes a single or multilayer central body having opposing first and second main surfaces, an arrangement of microlenses on the first main surface of the central body, the microlenses having a refractive effect defining a focal plane, a laser-sensitive recording layer arranged on the second main surface of the central body, a mask layer arranged between the arrangement of microlenses and the laser-sensitive recording layer and outside of the focal plane of the microlenses, and a plurality of micromarks produced in the laser-sensitive recording layer by the action of laser radiation, each micromark being associated with a microlens and being visible when the security element is viewed through the associated microlens. The mask layer comprises a macroscopic gap region that is in register with the plurality of micromarks.

A method is for examining a sheet-shaped or card-shaped value document with a security feature having one or more cavities configured in the value document. The width of the cavity or cavities is in at least one respectively specified direction exceeding 10 m. Transmission values are established in a locally resolved manner for the transmission of ultrasound in a specified frequency range. In employing the transmission values, it is checked whether a specified number of transmission values is greater than a specified transmission threshold value.

A method is for examining a sheet-shaped or card-shaped value document with a security feature having one or more cavities configured in the value document. The width of the cavity or cavities is in at least one respectively specified direction exceeding 10 m. Transmission values are established in a locally resolved manner for the transmission of ultrasound in a specified frequency range. In employing the transmission values, it is checked whether a specified number of transmission values is greater than a specified transmission threshold value.

A secure document including a first layer having a metal holographic structure forming an arrangement of pixels each including a plurality of sub-pixels of distinct colors and a second layer positioned facing the first layer, the second layer being opaque to at least the visible wavelength spectrum. The first layer includes perforations formed by a first laser beam, the first perforations locally revealing through the holographic structure a number of dark areas in the sub-pixels caused by underlying regions of the second opaque layer such as to form a personalized image starting from the arrangement of pixels combined with the dark areas.

A secure document including a first layer having a metal holographic structure forming an arrangement of pixels each including a plurality of sub-pixels of distinct colors and a second layer positioned facing the first layer, the second layer being opaque to at least the visible wavelength spectrum. The first layer includes perforations formed by a first laser beam, the first perforations locally revealing through the holographic structure a number of dark areas in the sub-pixels caused by underlying regions of the second opaque layer such as to form a personalized image starting from the arrangement of pixels combined with the dark areas.