Optically Variable Data Storage Device

An optically variable device uses a data storage layer with a nano-optical bit system to store data. The optically variable device encodes the data using spectral signatures (such as colors) as variables. In some embodiments, the optically variable device uses angle multiplexing to store machine-readable data and an image. The optically variable device can be used as a secure data storage medium for a large volume of data. The storage capacity can be increased by increasing the number of color variables and by introducing additional variables such as intensity and polarization.