摘要 |
A security element ( 2 ) in the form of a laminate can be used for the authentication of a document ( 1 ). The laminate has at least a transparent protective layer, a transparent lacquer layer and an adhesive layer, the lacquer layer being arranged between the protective layer and the adhesive layer. An interface in the form of a reflection layer separates the adhesive layer and the lacquer layer. The interface is divided into regions of a pattern ( 25 ) with flat surface portions and with relief structures which are formed in the lacquer layer. The flat surface portions form background surfaces ( 3 ) providing flat mirror surfaces for light which is incident into the laminate, while the regions with the relief structures of a predetermined, optically effective structure depth form pattern elements ( 4 ). The relief structures of the pattern elements ( 4 ) absorb the incident light. In the reflected light of the reflecting background surfaces ( 3 ) the dark pattern elements ( 4 ) form a strong contrast and the pattern ( 25 ) is clearly visible. In directions other than that of the reflected light the contrast between the background surfaces ( 3 ) and the pattern elements ( 4 ) disappears so that a copier apparatus reproduces the background surfaces ( 3 ) and the pattern elements ( 4 ) as black surfaces. |