Method and device for producing colour images by way of a uv laser on pigmented substrates, and products produced as a result

A method for producing a multi-coloured character, pattern, symbol or image on a substrate having pigment particles which are arranged thereon, wherein the pigment particles lose or change their colour effect under the action of a laser, wherein different pigment particles having at least two different colour effects are arranged on or in the substrate, wherein the method comprises the following method steps:

• a producing a colour map, in which the individual colour effect of individual pigment particles or individual clusters of pigment particles is contained as a function of the location coordinates thereof on or in the substrate;
• b spatially resolved irradiating of the substrate with a laser at a single frequency adapted to only change the colour effect of individual pigment particles or individual clusters of pigment particles in their colour effect on the basis of the colour map to produce a resulting colour effect.

A data carrier having a multi-coloured character, pattern, symbol and/or image on a substrate having pigment particles which are arranged thereon, wherein the pigment particles lose or change their colour effect under the action of a laser, wherein different pigment particles having at least two different colour effects are arranged on or in the substrate, wherein the different pigment particles produce a colour map, in which the individual colour effect of individual pigment particles or individual clusters of pigment particles is contained as a function of the location coordinates thereof on or in the substrate;

• wherein the colour effect of individual pigment particles or individual clusters of pigment particles is based on the colour map and spatially resolved through previous irradiation of the substrate with a laser at a single frequency adapted to only change to produce a resulting colour effect.