MOBILE

Type

Diffractive / Micro-mirrors — micro-optic security thread producing a dynamic movement effect, in which monochrome image elements appear to move relative to one another when the banknote is tilted, based on a multi-layered nano-optic construction.

Overview

MOBILE is a micro-optic dynamic-effect security thread developed by Goznak in collaboration with the Center of Computer Holography (Russia). It produces a movement effect in which monochrome elements of an image printed on the thread shift relative to one another as the banknote is tilted or swayed, delivering an immediately apparent Level 1 visual cue. Industry commentary positions MOBILE as one of the two principal competing micro-optic movement-thread technologies in the global banknote market — the other being Crane Currency's MOTION® family — and notes that MOBILE has seen wider international deployment of the two over the past decade. The thread is built on a multi-layered nano-optic construction and can be embedded into the banknote substrate using Goznak's full range of thread-embedding technologies, including the company's proprietary wide-thread VFI (figured-window) embedding process. MOBILE was first introduced on the 5,000 rouble banknote of the 2010 series and has since been adopted by a number of other central banks supplied by Goznak.

Technology & Effects

The feature is built on a multi-layered micro-optic structure that uses nano-scale optical elements to generate the movement effect. As the banknote is tilted, monochrome image elements on the thread appear to move relative to one another in different directions, producing a clearly perceptible kinetic effect that cannot be reproduced by photocopying, scanning or commercially available printing techniques. Goznak categorises MOBILE alongside the related Running effect (alternating geometric figures moving along the thread edges) and the Mask effect (a coloured image revealed at acute viewing angles), describing the family as "effects obtained with the help of modern nano-optic technologies." Effect types: Diffractive (primary, given the nano-optic origination), Micro-mirrors (secondary, consistent with the multi-layer micro-optic construction characteristic of competing movement-thread technologies). Specific structural details (lens array vs. micro-mirror array, period dimensions, layer composition) are not publicly disclosed beyond the "multi-layered construction" description in Goznak's product literature.

Form Factors & Application

MOBILE is delivered as a security thread, embedded in banknote paper at the paper-making stage. It is compatible with multiple thread-embedding methods, including conventional windowed-thread embedding and Goznak's exclusive wide-thread VFI (figured-window) embedding technology, which forms a window of preset shape around the thread for a more striking visual presentation. The thread can be specified at various widths to suit the design and security-tier requirements of the issuing central bank. Production is handled through Goznak's Krasnokamsk and Saint Petersburg Paper Mill branches, which produce banknote paper for the Bank of Russia and for export clients.

Security Levels

• Level 1 (public): Pronounced movement effect visible on tilting or swaying the banknote — monochrome image elements on the thread shift relative to one another, providing an immediate visual authentication cue with no equipment.
• Level 2 (cash handler): The multi-layered nano-optic structure resists reproduction by photocopying, scanning or commercial printing technologies, making counterfeit attempts readily distinguishable on closer inspection.

Notable Deployments

• Russian Federation — 5,000 rouble banknote (2010 series, Bank of Russia): first deployment of MOBILE thread.
• Russian Federation — 200 rouble and 2,000 rouble banknotes (Bank of Russia, 2017 issue): MOBILE thread alongside related Running and Mask nano-optic effects.