OPTICAL ARTICLE HAVING AN ELECTRICALLY RESPONSIVE LAYER AS AN ANTI-THEFT FEATURE AND A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INHIBITING THEFT

An optical article comprising at least one data side and configured for transformation from a pre-activated state of functionality to an activated state of functionality is provided. The optical article includes an optical data layer for storing data. Furthermore, the optical article includes an electrically responsive layer having a first surface and a second surface, wherein the electrically responsive layer is characterized by an optical absorbance in the range of about 200 nm to about 800 nm. The electrically responsive layer being configured to transform from a first optical state to a second optical state upon exposure to an external stimulus, and being capable of irreversibly transforming the optical article from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality. The electrically responsive layer includes a binder polymeric material, an electrically responsive material, and an electrolyte. Also provided is a method of changing the functionality of the optical article, and an activation system for transforming the optical article from the pre-activated state of functionality to the activated state of functionality.