A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising: (a) an array of image icons with a substantially regular array spacing between a substantial number of image icons within at least a portion of the image icon array; and (b) an array of image icon focusing elements, the array of image icon focusing elements being disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons and forming at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, wherein at least a portion of the image icons are arranged in relation to at least a portion of the focusing elements in a manner such that the at least one synthetically magnified image appears to lie above a given plane, wherein the synthetic magnification micro-optic system forms a second synthetically magnified image exhibiting a different optical effect than the at least one synthetically magnified image. view more

A synthetic magnification micro-optic system comprising: (a) an array of image icons; (b) an array of image icon focusing elements; and (c) a substrate positioned between the arrays of image icons and focusing elements, wherein at least a portion of the image icons are formed as shaped voids or recesses on or in a surface of the substrate, wherein, the array of focusing elements is disposed a substantially uniform distance from the array of image icons and forms at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons, the at least one synthetically magnified image appearing to lie above a given plane. view more

A synthetic optical image system, comprising an array of focusing elements, and an image system including an array of microstructured icon elements designed to collectively form an image, wherein the array of focusing elements and the image system cooperate to form a synthetic optical image and, wherein the microstructured icon elements are either incorporated into an icon layer, or in a coating layer formed on a substrate, and wherein the layer is formed of either or both of positive icon image elements in which the positive image icon elements are formed as depressions or voids in the layer and background areas in the layer are formed as raised areas in the layer or of negative icon image elements in which the negative image icon elements are formed as raised areas in the layer and background areas in the layer are formed as depressions or voids in the layer. view more

The synthetic optical image system of claim 57, wherein at least a portion of the depressions or voids are filled with a fill material having a different property than the layer material.

The synthetic optical image system of claim 58, wherein the fill material includes a coloring material.

Image icons for use in a synthetic magnification optical system, the synthetic magnification optical system including: (a) an array of image icons; and (b) an array of image icon focusing elements, wherein the array of image icon focusing elements is disposed in relation to the array of image icons at a distance and in a manner sufficient for the image focusing elements to form at least one synthetically magnified image of at least a portion of the image icons; the image icons including image icons formed as recesses in a substrate, the recesses forming voids that are optionally filled with a material providing a contrast with the substrate. view more

The image icons of claim 76, wherein the image icons are filled with at least one of a material having a different refractive index than the substrate, a dyed material, a metal, or a pigmented material.

The image icons of claim 76, wherein the synthetic magnification optical system is incorporated in a security or authentication device.

The image icons of claim 78, wherein the voids are filled with a material having a different refractive index than the substrate, a dyed material, a metal, or a pigmented material.