Optical article having anti-theft feature and a system and method for inhibiting theft of same

An optical article, comprising:

• an optical data layer storing data;
• a metal foil disposed on the optical article, wherein the metal foil has an opening configured to receive an external stimulus from a radiation source and allow the external stimulus to be directed toward a first portion of the optical article and a second portion of the optical article is protected from the external stimulus by the metal foil covering the second portion;
• and
• a convertible element disposed on or within the optical article at the first portion, the convertible element being capable of responding to the external stimulus to irreversibly alter an optical accessibility of the data such that the optical article changes from a pre-activated state of functionality to an activated state of functionality, wherein the convertible element comprises a color-shift dye, a magnetic material, a thermo-chromic material, a magneto-optical material, a light scattering material, a phase-change material, dye aggregates, or combinations thereof.

A method for altering a functionality of an optical article from a pre-activated state to an activated state:

• wherein the optical article comprises an optical data layer having data;
• a directing material comprising a metal foil disposed on the optical article, wherein the metal foil has an opening configured to allow an external stimulus to be directed toward a first portion of the optical article and a second portion of the optical article is protected from the external stimulus by the metal foil covering the second portion;
• and a convertible element at the first portion of the optical article, wherein the convertible element comprises a color-shift dye, a magnetic material, a thermo-chromic material, a magneto-optic material, a light scattering material, a phase-change material, dye aggregates, or combinations thereof;
• wherein the method comprises:
• exposing the optical article to the external stimulus to irreversibly alter the convertible element at the
• first portion of the optical article which irreversibly alters the optical accessibility of the data in the optical data layer to change the optical article from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality.