DE102007061838A1 - Security element and method for its production - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a security element (12) for protecting objects of value, comprising a metallized microrelief structure (22, 24) with structural elements that have a size of less than 30 µm, a semi-transparent ink layer (34) which is disposed over the microrelief structure (22, 24) in first zones (30), and a transparent phase delaying layer (36) that is disposed over the microrelief structure (22, 24) in second zones (38) and forms a phase shifting layer for light in the visible wavelength range.

Description

The Invention relates to a security element for securing valuables, a method for producing such a security element, and a security paper and a data carrier with a such security element.

disk, like valuables or ID documents, but also other valuables, such as branded goods, are often hedged with security features provided a verification of the authenticity of the Data carrier allow and at the same time as protection against to serve unauthorized reproduction. Such security elements can for example in the form of a security thread embedded in a banknote, a cover for a banknote with hole, an applied Security strip, a self-supporting transfer element or also in the form of a feature area applied directly to a value document be educated.

A special role in the authentication of security play security elements, show the viewing angle dependent visual effects, as they do not reproduce even with the latest copiers can be. The security elements are included equipped with optically variable elements that underlie the viewer different viewing angles a different image impression mediate and, for example, depending on the viewing angle another Color or brightness impression and / or another graphic Show motive.

In In this context, it is known security elements with multi-layered Use thin-film elements whose color impression is for the viewer with the viewing angle changes and when tilting the security feature, for example, from green blue, blue to magenta or magenta to green replaced. The occurrence of such color changes in Tilting a security element is hereafter referred to as a color shift effect designated.

outgoing It is the object of the invention to provide a security element of the type mentioned in the beginning and in particular, a security element with an attractive visual appearance and high counterfeit security.

These Task is by the security element the features of the main claim solved. A method for producing such Security elements, a security paper and a data medium are given in the independent claims. further developments The invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

• – eine metallisierte Mikroreliefstruktur mit Strukturelementen einer Abmessung unterhalb von 30 μm,
• – eine semitransparente Farbschicht, die in ersten Bereichen über der Mikroreliefstruktur angeordnet ist, und
• – eine transparente Phasenverzögerungsschicht, die in zweiten Bereichen über der Mikroreliefstruktur angeordnet ist, und die für Licht aus dem sichtbaren Wellenlängenbereich eine phasenschiebende Schicht bildet.

According to the invention contains a security element of the type mentioned

• A metallized microrelief structure with features of less than 30 μm,
• A semitransparent ink layer arranged in first regions over the microrelief structure, and
• A transparent phase retardation layer disposed in second regions over the microrelief structure and forming a phase shift layer for light in the visible wavelength range.

The Mikro relief structure of the security element can in particular a represent a diffractive structure, such as a hologram, a holographic Lattice image or a hologram-like diffraction structure, or an achromatic structure, such as a matt structure with a non-colored, typically silvery-matt appearance, a Micro-mirror assembly, a blazed grate with a sawtooth-like Furrow profile or a Fresnel lens arrangement. The dimensions the structural elements of the diffractive microrelief structures lie usually of the order of the wavelength of light, So usually between 300 nm and 1 micron. Some microrelief structures also have smaller features, such as subwavelength gratings or moth-eye structures whose structural elements are also smaller can be as 100 nm.

The Structural elements of achromatic microrelief structure are partial also larger than 1 μm, the dimensions of micromirrors or Blazegitterlinien extend approximately to one Height of about 15 microns and a lateral extent of about 30 microns. Relief structures with structural elements a dimension below 30 microns and in particular relief structures with structural elements of the order of Light wavelength or below are under this Description referred to as microrelief structures.

In the context of the invention, such a microrelief structure is first combined with a partially applied semitransparent ink layer in order to form, together with the latter, an open security feature that can be recognized without auxiliary means. In addition, the security element according to the invention contains a hidden security feature which is recognizable only with auxiliary means and which is formed by the transparent phase delay layer arranged in second areas. Phase-retarding layers, which in the context of this description are also sometimes called phase-shifting layers, are optically active layers which are transmitted to the phase of one phase Light wave act. The partial beams of an incident polarized light wave receive a path difference and thus a phase difference due to different refractive indices. If the phase difference of the two partial beams is just half or quarter wavelengths, so-called λ / 2 or λ / 4 layers are obtained.

Prefers corresponds to the phase delay of the phase delay layer in the invention, a path difference between about λ / 6 and about λ / 2, more preferably between about λ / 4 and about λ / 2. The path difference becomes modulo λ, So in the range between 0 and λ indicated as a layer with a path difference of, for example, 5/4 · λ or 9/4 · λ causes the same phase delay like a λ / 4-layer. Preferred is within the scope of the invention Furthermore, that the phase-shifting layer of nematic liquid-crystalline material is formed and / or that the phase delay layer is in the form of patterns, characters or an encoding.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the Semitransparent color layer several sub-areas with different color impression on. The different colored color layer areas can For example, national colors, corporate colors, conspicuous or characteristic color combinations, or even the colors of objects represent, which are modeled by the shape of the subregions.

The semitransparent color layer or its different colored subregions lie with advantage in the form of characters, patterns or codes in front. This also includes designs in which the color layer or parts thereof recesses in the form of characters, patterns or encodings.

Prefers indicates the semitransparent color layer in the visible spectral range a light transmission between 30% and 95%, more preferred between 60% and 95% and very special between 80% and 95% up.

The Semitransparent ink layer can be applied in various ways be with advantage, it is printed, for example in screen printing, gravure, Flexographic or other suitable printing process. The semitransparent Color layer can be printed directly on the microrelief structure However, it can be between color layer and microrelief structure Also intermediate layers may be provided, such as the layers of the below-mentioned thin-film element or transparent intermediate layers, for example, as a protective layer or adhesive layer. Also between color layer and phase delay layer can provide such transparent intermediate layers be.

In Particularly preferred designs is the semi-transparent ink layer chosen so that it passes the polarization state of passing light from the visible wavelength range substantially receives. In this way, those of the phase delay layer formed patterns, characters or encodings both in the covered by the color layer Areas as well as uncovered areas alike be made visible, as explained in more detail below.

The Metallization of the microrelief structure is preferably by a opaque or by a semi-transparent metal layer, in particular made of aluminum minium. As a metallization can also be an at least partially magnetic layer can be used, so that a Another authenticity feature can be integrated without an additional layer to require in the layer structure.

The Metallization of the microrelief structure may advantageously have recesses in the form of patterns, characters or codes, the transparent one or form semitransparent regions in the security element. In the transparent or semi-transparent recess areas offers the viewer a striking contrast to the surrounding color and relief structure effects. In particular, you can the patterns, characters or codes light up brightly in transmitted light, if the security element on a transparent or translucent support is applied. The recesses in the metallization can also grid-like, preferably with a small area ratio of 40% or less, so that they are practically not in reflected light stand out and only appear in transmitted light.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the security element additionally a thin-film element with color-shift effect on, over which the semi-transparent ink layer is arranged, wherein the color impression of the thin-film element and the Color impression of at least a portion of the semitransparent Color layer when viewed under predetermined viewing conditions are adapted to each other.

In an advantageous variant of the invention, the thin-film element has a reflection layer formed by the metallization of the microrelief structure, an absorber layer and a dielectric spacer layer arranged between the reflection layer and the absorber layer. The color shift effect in such thin-film elements is due to viewing angle dependent interference effects due to interference to the different part layers of the element reflected light rays. The path difference of the light reflected at the different layers depends on the one hand on the optical thickness of the dielectric spacer layer, which determines the distance between the absorber layer and the reflection layer, and on the other hand varies with the respective viewing angle.

There the path difference in the order of the wavelength of visible light is due to cancellation and gain of certain wavelengths an angle-dependent Color impression for the viewer. By a suitable choice of material and thickness of the dielectric spacer layer a variety of different color shift effects are designed, For example, tilting effects, in which the color impression with the viewing angle from green to blue, from blue to blue Magenta or magenta to green changes.

Details of the structure of such thin-film elements and the materials and layer thicknesses that can be used for the reflection layer, the dielectric spacer layer and the absorber layer can be found in the document WO 01/03945 are removed, the disclosure of which is included in the present application in this respect.

In A preferred embodiment contains the thin-film element an absorber layer with recesses, in whose area no color-shift effect is recognizable is, with the semi-transparent ink layer in the area of the recesses the absorber layer over the thin-film element is arranged.

By These measures create different color ranges, the Behave differently when tilting the security element: In those not covered by the semi-transparent ink layer, color-shifting areas, the color impression changes the microrelief structure for the viewer when tilting of the security element, while the recessed and covered ones Areas remain constant when tilting. Such a combination Color-constant and color-variable relief structure areas appear optically attractive and self-explanatory for the user, because the color constant areas at the same time a visually dormant Pol and a comparison point for the color variable ranges at form the authenticity check.

Become different colored color layer areas used, so can by the color change when tilting and the associated change the visual assignment different design elements of the security element when tipping, emerge and / or disappear, as discussed in more detail below explained.

Prefers the security element is a security thread, a security band, a safety strip, patch or label to apply on a security paper, value document or the like.

It is understood that the security element also other layers, such as protective layers or additional effect layers may have with other security features.

• – auf ein Substrat eine Prägelackschicht aufgebracht, und in Form einer gewünschten Mikroreliefstruktur mit Strukturelementen einer Abmessung unterhalb von 30 μm geprägt und metallisiert wird,
• – über der metallisierten Mikroreliefstruktur in ersten Bereichen eine semitransparente Farbschicht angeordnet wird, und
• – in zweiten Bereichen über der Mikroreliefstruktur eine transparente Phasenverzögerungsschicht angeordnet wird, die für Licht aus dem sichtbaren Wellenlängenbereich eine phasenschiebende Schicht bildet.

The invention also includes a method for producing a security element of the type described, in which

• An embossing lacquer layer is applied to a substrate and is embossed and metallised in the form of a desired microrelief structure having structural elements with a dimension of less than 30 μm,
• A semitransparent ink layer is arranged over the metallized microrelief structure in first regions, and
• - In the second areas above the microrelief structure, a transparent phase retardation layer is arranged, which forms a phase-shifting layer for light from the visible wavelength range.

The semitransparent color layer is in the inventive Process advantageously printed, in particular in screen printing, gravure, or flexographic printing process. Also the phase delay layer can with advantage over the microrelief structure and optionally the previously applied ink layer or other intermediate layers to be printed. Alternatively, the phase delay layer Applied to a separate carrier film and the microrelief structure be transferred with the applied color layer.

The The invention further comprises a security paper with a security element the type described, as well as a disk with equipped with such a security element. In the disk It may in particular be a banknote, a document of value, a Passport, a certificate or an identity card. The described Security elements, security papers or data carriers especially for hedging objects can be used of any kind.

Further Embodiments and advantages of the invention will be Explained below with reference to the figures, in which representation waived a true scale and proportions reproduction was to increase the vividness.

It demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of a banknote with an embedded security thread and a glued transfer element,

2 a cross section through a security element according to an embodiment of the invention,

3 2 shows schematically the visual impression of a security thread according to the invention (a) when viewed without aids and (b) when viewed with an applied circular polarizer,

4 a security element according to another embodiment of the invention, in which the phase delay layer is arranged below the semitransparent color layer,

5 a security element according to a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the phase retardation layer and the semi-transparent ink layer are applied to a common layer, and

6 a color-shift hologram according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the described effects are combined with a color-shifting thin-film element.

The invention will now be explained using the example of security elements for banknotes. 1 shows a schematic representation of a banknote 10 that come with two security elements 12 and 16 is provided according to embodiments of the invention. The first security element provides a security thread 12 which is at certain window areas 14 on the surface of the banknote 10 emerges while standing in the intervening areas inside the banknote 10 is embedded. The second security element 16 is formed by a glued transfer element of any shape. In other embodiments, the security element 16 be formed in the form of a cover, which is arranged in or over a window portion or a through opening of the banknote.

The structure of a security thread according to the invention 12 will now be related to the 2 and 3 explained in more detail, wherein 2 represents a cross section through the security thread and 3 in (a) and (b) shows schematically the visual impression of the security thread when viewed without aids or when viewed with an applied circular polarizer.

Regarding 2 contains the security thread 12 a carrier film 20 and one on the carrier film 20 applied, embossed and hardened UV lacquer layer 22 , The embossed structures of the lacquer layer 22 form a diffractive microrelief structure in the form of a hologram. In other configurations, the embossed structures can also represent a holographic grating image, a hologram-like diffraction structure or even an achromatic microstructure with a non-colored, for example, silvery-matt appearance.

For the influence of the incident light are the dimensions the structural elements of the diffractive microrelief structures in the Magnitude of the wavelength of light, wise So typically dimensions between about 300 nm and about 1 micron on. As already explained above, inventive Micro relief structures also smaller structural elements with dimensions down to 100 nm or less. In particular, the structural elements achromatic microrelief structure can also be larger than 1 micron. This is the point of achromatically reflecting micromirrors or Blazegitterlinien typically a height of about 10 microns and a lateral extent of about 20 microns on.

On the relief structure of the paint layer 22 is as a reflection layer 24 applied an opaque aluminum layer. In preferred embodiments, the reflective layer 24 recesses 26 in the form of patterns, characters or codes that form transparent or translucent areas in the security thread.

On the metallized microrelief structure is in first areas 30 a semi-transparent ink layer 34 imprinted, the several sections 34-1 . 34-2 . 34-3 having different color impression. When using the security thread 12 in banknotes can change the colors of the subareas 34-1 to 34-3 For example, represent the national colors of the issuing state. In other applications also corporate colors, eye-catching or characteristic color combinations or, in particular in the arrangement of the subregions in the form of a pattern, the colors of an object represented by the pattern come into question. In the fields of 32 outside the first areas 30 is the micro-relief structure without printed ink layer.

The color impression of the security thread 12 in supervision is in 3 (a) is shown schematically, wherein the holographic image generated by the microrelief structure for the sake of clarity itself is not shown. The periodically repeating, of the color layer 34 covered areas 30 show in the exemplary embodiment a multi-colored flag representation, which consists of the three different-colored color layer subregions 34-1 . 34-2 . 34-3 is composed. Between the paint layer areas 30 the security thread appears 12 with the metallic sheen of the reflective layer 24 , In the areas of the recesses 26 is the security thread translucent, so that there additionally results in transmitted light a striking contrast effect.

In addition to the through the microrelief structure and the color layer 34 formed open security feature contains the security thread 12 also a hidden security feature through a transparent phase delay layer 36 formed in the form of a pattern in second areas 38 is arranged above microrelief structure.

The phase delay layer 36 consists of a birefringent material, for example of nematic liquid-crystalline material. The layer thickness of the phase delay layer 36 is typically selected such that its phase delay corresponds to a path difference between about λ / 6 and about λ / 2, preferably about λ / 4, where λ represents a wavelength in the visible spectral range.

When looking at the security thread 12 with ordinary unpolarized light and no tools are the second areas 38 with the phase delay layer 36 practically undetectable, because the phase delay of the layer 36 acts equally on all polarization directions of the incident light and their light absorption is negligible.

Will the security thread 12 in contrast, with an applied circular polarizer 40 considered as in 3 (b) shown, there are strong contrast differences between the areas 38 . 39 with and without phase delay layer 36 out. The presence and shape of the areas 38 pattern can thus be used for additional authentication, for example, at the point of sale or in banks.

The operation of the hidden security feature will now be described using the example of a λ / 4 phase delay layer 36 and an applied circular polarizer 40 , which transmits only right-circular polarized light, explained in more detail. In these conditions, of incident unpolarized light, only the right circularly polarized portion of the circular polarizer 40 pass through. In the subareas 39 of the security thread without phase delay layer 36 becomes the right circularly polarized light from the metallic reflector layer 24 of the thin-film element 22 with the reverse polarization direction, that is reflected as a left-circular polarized light. The reflected left circularly polarized light is from the circular polarizer 40 locked so that the subareas 39 appear dark to the viewer.

In the subareas 38 on the other hand, with the phase retardation layer, the right circularly polarized light becomes the phase retardation layer 36 before the reflection at the reflector layer 24 converted into linearly polarized light. The unchanged linearly polarized reflected light passes through the phase retardation layer 36 again and is thereby converted into right circular polarized light, which is the circular polarizer 40 in the chosen conditions can easily happen. In the subareas 38 the pattern appears 30 . 32 of the open security feature is therefore substantially unchanged to the viewer.

At the Place a suitably oriented linear polarizer instead a circular polarizer result in the reverse contrast ratios, such as an analogous view of the polarization of the incident and reflected light.

Of particular importance for the combinability of the two security features is the fact that the semitransparent ink layer 34 largely preserves the polarization state of the transmitted light. This ensures that that of the phase delay layer 36 formed patterns in the covered and uncovered areas 30 . 32 can be made equally visible.

For the production of the security thread 12 of the 2 For example, the microrelief structure and the semi-transparent color layer 34 are applied to a first carrier foil and the phase delay layer 36 be applied in the form of the desired pattern on a second carrier film. The second carrier foil is then together with the phase delay layer 36 by means of laminating adhesive 42 on the microrelief structure with the semitransparent color layer 34 transferred and then subtracted the second carrier film.

Another embodiment of the invention is in 4 shown. Unlike the design of the 2 is the phase delay layer 36 in this embodiment, below the semi-transparent ink layer 34 , The with reference numerals 44 designated layer represents a transparent layer, for example an adhesive layer, a protective lacquer layer, a primer or the like. Next to it is also the semi-transparent ink layer 34 with a protective lacquer layer 46 covered. Because the semi-transparent color layer 34 largely preserves the polarization state of the light passing through, corresponds to the operation of the embodiment of 4 already at 2 described mode of action. Of course, transparent intermediate layers such as the layers 44 or 46 also in the embodiment of 2 be provided.

At the in 5 shown, alternative Ge First, a transparent varnish layer is applied to the microrelief structure 48 applied and then on this then the phase delay layer 36 and the semi-transparent ink layer 34 printed. The relative arrangement of the ink layer areas 34-1 to 34-3 and the areas 38 with the phase delay layer 36 on the paint layer 48 are arbitrary.

6 shows as a further embodiment of the invention, a color shift hologram in which the effects described above are combined with an optically variable thin-film element. The security element 50 of the 6 contains in addition to those already in connection with the 2 to 5 described elements a thin film element 58 with color-shift effect, which points to the embossed and hardened UV varnish layer 22 is applied.

The thin-film element 58 includes a reflective layer formed by an opaque aluminum layer 52 a dielectric SiO ₂ spacer layer vaporized on the reflective layer 54 and a semi-transparent absorber layer 56 made of chrome. As explained above, the color shift effect of such a thin film element is based 58 on interferences of the sublayers 52 . 54 . 56 reflected light rays. The reflection layer 52 of the thin-film element 58 at the same time forms the metallization of the microrelief structure.

The absorber layer 56 of the thin-film element has recesses in the exemplary embodiment 60 in whose area the thin-film element 58 has no color shift effect due to lack of interference. In the recessed areas 60 the absorber layer 56 are each subareas 34-1 respectively. 34-2 a semi-transparent ink layer 34 applied. In the idealized representation of the 6 the color layer areas end 34-1 and 34-2 exact registration with the recesses 60 the absorber layer. Of course, in practice, the ink layer areas may slightly overlap the absorber, or the unspotted absorber area may be somewhat into the ink layer areas 34 protrude.

The thin-film element 58 and the color layer areas 34-1 respectively. 34-2 are now coordinated so that they cause each other at certain viewing angles in each case substantially the same color impression.

For example, the color impression of the thin-film element changes 58 when tilting the security element 50 from magenta when viewed vertically to green when viewed obliquely. Coordinated with this, the semi-transparent color layer becomes 34 chosen so that they are in the paint layer area 34-1 gives a magenta color impression and in the color layer area 34-2 a green color impression. Unlike the Dünnschichtele ment 58 the color impression of the color layer areas changes 34-1 and 34-2 when tilting the security element 50 practically not.

In the aforementioned interpretation of the security element 50 convey those areas when viewed vertically 62 in which the thin-film element 58 is present without applied ink layer and without recesses in the absorber layer, and those areas 64 in which in the recesses 60 a magenta color layer 34-1 present, both a very similar or even the same magenta color impression. This raises the green color impression of the areas 66 in which in the recesses 60 a green color layer 34-2 is present, significantly.

The viewer now tilts the security element 50 , the color impression of the thin-film element changes 58 with increasing tilt angle from magenta to green, while the color impression in the with the color layer 34 covered areas 34-1 and 34-2 each unchanged. At a certain, oblique viewing angle then mediate those areas 62 in which the thin-film element 58 without applied ink layer and without recesses, and those areas 66 in which in the recesses 60 a green color layer 34-2 present, both a very similar or even the same, green color impression. Of these, the magenta color impression of the areas stands out from this viewing direction 64 clearly off.

Overall, the areas that emerge clearly when viewed perpendicularly occur 66 when tilting the security element visually in the background, while the original with their environment the same color and thus inconspicuous areas 64 when tilting visually come to the fore. The areas 64 . 66 can in particular form patterns, characters or codes, which visually appear or disappear in this way when tilting the security element.

The ink layer areas may also be in non-recessed areas of the absorber layer 56 of the thin-film element 58 available. Unlike the completely color-constant areas 34-1 . 34-2 of the 6 When the security element is tilted, the color impression of such areas varies to a certain extent, since the changing tilt color of the thin-film element then somewhat shines through the semitransparent ink layer. The extent of the color change can be determined by the degree of transparency of the semitransparent ink layer. Especially with small structures and compared to the bordering, strongly farbkippenden areas a slightly lower color constancy is virtually imperceptible to the viewer.

The addressed recesses in the reflective layers can also grid-like, preferably with a small area ratio 40% or less. The recesses of the reflection layers then fall in the reflected light practically not on, but only occur in transmitted light.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 01/03945 [0022]

Claims (24)

Security element for hedging valuables With - A metallized microrelief structure with Structural elements of a dimension below 30 μm, - one semitransparent color layer, which in first areas over the microrelief structure is arranged, and - one transparent phase delay layer, which in second Areas above the microrelief structure is arranged, and those for light from the visible wavelength range forms a phase-shifting layer. Security element according to claim 1, characterized in that that the semi-transparent ink layer several sub-areas with different color impression having. Security element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized characterized in that the semi-transparent ink layer in the visible Spectral range a light transmission between 30% and 95%, preferably between 60% and 95%, and more preferably between 80% and 95%. Security element according to at least one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the semi-transparent ink layer or their different colored subregions in the form of characters, Patterns or codes. Security element according to at least one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the microrelief structure a diffractive structure, such as a hologram, a holographic Represents a grating image or a hologram-like diffraction structure, or an achromatic structure, such as a matte structure, a Micro-mirror assembly, a blazed grate with a sawtooth-like Ridge profile or a Fresnel lens arrangement represents. Security element according to at least one of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the metallization of the microrelief structure formed by an opaque or semi-transparent metal layer is, preferably by an opaque or a semi-transparent aluminum layer. Security element according to at least one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the metallization of the microrelief structure Having recesses in the form of patterns, characters or codes, the transparent or translucent areas in the security element form. Security element according to at least one of the claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the phase delay the phase delay layer for light from the visible wavelength range of a path difference between λ / 6 and λ / 2 equivalent. Security element according to at least one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the phase delay layer for light from the visible wavelength range forms a λ / 4-layer at least in some areas. Security element according to at least one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the phase delay layer is formed of nematic liquid crystalline material. Security element according to at least one of the claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the phase delay layer is in the form of patterns, characters or an encoding. Security element according to at least one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the semi-transparent ink layer the polarization state of passing light from the visible Maintains wavelength range substantially. Security element according to at least one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the security element continues a thin-film element having a color shift effect the semi-transparent ink layer is arranged, wherein the color impression of the thin-film element and the color impression at least a portion of the semitransparent color layer when viewed adapted to each other under predetermined viewing conditions are. Safety element according to claim 13, characterized in that that the thin-film element through the metallization the microrelief structure formed reflection layer, an absorber layer and one between the reflective layer and the absorber layer arranged arranged dielectric spacer layer. Security element according to claim 13 or 14, characterized characterized in that the thin-film element is an absorber layer with recesses, in whose area no color-shift effect is recognizable, and that the semitransparent color layer in the range the recesses of the absorber layer over the thin-film element is arranged. Security element according to at least one of the claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the security element a Security thread, a security tape, a security strip, a patch or label for application to a security paper, Value document or the like. Method for producing a security element according to at least one of claims 1 to 16, in which - on a substrate applied an embossing lacquer layer, and in Shape of a desired microrelief structure with structural elements a dimension below 30 microns embossed and is metallized, - above the metallized Microrelief structure in first areas a semi-transparent color layer is arranged, and - in second areas about the microrelief structure has a transparent phase retardation layer is arranged for light from the visible wavelength range forms a phase-shifting layer. Method according to claim 17, characterized in that that the semi-transparent ink layer is printed, in particular in screen printing, gravure printing or flexographic printing. Method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized that the phase retardation layer over the microrelief structure and optionally the color layer is printed. Method according to claim 17 or 18, characterized that the phase retardation layer on a carrier foil is applied and the microrelief structure with the applied color layer is transferred. Security paper for the production of Security or value documents, such as banknotes, checks, identity cards, Documents or the like, with a security element after at least one of claims 1 to 20 is equipped. Security paper according to claim 21, characterized the security paper is a carrier substrate made of paper or plastic. Data carriers, in particular branded articles, value documents or the like, with a security element according to one of the claims 1 to 20. Use of a security element after at least one of claims 1 to 20, a security paper according to claim 21 or 22, or a data carrier according to Claim 23 for counterfeiting of goods of any kind Art.