Phosphorescent structure, method for writing a phosphorescent structure, method for erasing a phosphorescent structure and method for producing a phosphorescent structure

Abstract

A phosphorescent structure (200) comprises a plurality of spatially separated cells, each comprising a functional material system (204), wherein each cell of the plurality of cells can be selectively converted from a first phosphorescent state to a second phosphorescent state by reducing the oxygen content contained in the cell, wherein the respective cell has a lower phosphorescence in the first phosphorescent state than in the second phosphorescent state; and one or more oxygen diffusion barrier materials (212) which at least partially enclose the cells to reduce oxygen diffusion into the respective cell.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a phosphorescent structure, a phosphorescent structure arrangement, a method for writing a phosphorescent structure, a method for erasing a phosphorescent structure and a method for producing a phosphorescent structure.

[0002] Permanent UV inks are common on the market for invisible marking and UV labeling. Similar to conventional ink, the marking is already established by the ink's distribution on the substrate during printing. Erasure or reuse is not possible.

[0003] An alternative are so-called "Programmable Luminescent Tags" (PLTs). With a conventional PLT, a PLT material system is applied to a substrate, but the actual marking is only done subsequently by exposure and can be reversible.

[0004] Such a process control system is described in DE 10 2018 214 374 A1. A process control system is typically readable after activation, flexible in its design, transparent in the deactivated state, and can be written with information. The information can also be erased and rewritten after erasure.

[0005] Due to their physically limited storage duration, PLTs with current technology are only suitable for limited applications. For example, only for short periods of use or for large-area patterns where the effect is less noticeable.

[0006] US 2021 / 0238475 A1 describes a luminescent component. The luminescent component consists of a first element with first luminescent crystals from the class of perovskite crystals embedded in a first polymer, and a second element made of a second solid polymer composition. The second polymer composition contains second luminescent crystals embedded in a second polymer. The polymers differ from each other.

[0007] KR 10 2018 085 712 A describes an electronic device with an oxygen ion pump.

[0008] KR 10 2015 092 278 A describes a method for labelling a product with a transparent photoluminescent label.

[0009] Various aspects of this disclosure enable longer storage of information in a respective written cell compared to DE 10 2018 214 374 A1.

[0010] A structure is provided, comprising: a plurality of spatially separated cells, each comprising a functional material system, wherein each cell of the plurality of cells can be selectively converted from a first phosphorescent state to a second phosphorescent state by reducing the oxygen content contained in the cell, wherein the respective cell has lower phosphorescence in the first phosphorescent state than in the second phosphorescent state; and one or more oxygen diffusion barrier materials which at least partially enclose the cells to reduce oxygen diffusion into the respective cell, wherein oxygen diffusion barrier material is arranged between two adjacent cells to reduce oxygen diffusion between the respective adjacent cells.

[0011] Phosphorescence of a cell is the amount of photons emitted by the cell within a given period of time due to the transition of a molecule from a triplet state to a singlet state.

[0012] Furthermore, a structure is provided, comprising: a functional material system that can be converted contactlessly from a first phosphorescent state to a second phosphorescent state, wherein the functional material system has a lower phosphorescence in the first phosphorescent state than in the second phosphorescent state; and an encapsulation made of oxygen diffusion barrier material that completely encloses the functional material system.

[0013] Illustratively, one or more "memory cells" made of the functional material are provided, which are substantially completely or completely (ie in all spatial directions) surrounded by oxygen diffusion barrier material of sufficient thickness to form a sufficient oxygen diffusion barrier to prevent oxygen diffusion from the respective memory cell, so that a longer retention of the information stored in the memory cell is achieved, for example storage for a period of several hours or more.

[0014] The oxygen diffusion barrier material can surround the functional material in the form of a layer having, for example, a layer thickness in a range of 0.5 µm to 20 µm, for example in a range of 3 µm to 10 µm, for example in a range of 5 µm to 7 µm.

[0015] In the context of this description, phosphorescent means excitable to phosphorescence. Activated means stimulated to phosphorescence. Phosphorescence is the property of a substance to continue to glow for an extended period after being illuminated with light. It occurs when a substance is excited by incident light and its electrons switch from a low energy level, for example, the so-called ground state, to a higher energy level.

[0016] Transitions between energy levels follow certain selection rules. There are transitions with high transition probabilities, which occur quickly, and there are transitions with low transition probabilities, which occur slowly. In phosphorescence, the excitation of an electron via a high-probability transition is followed by an intercombination of the electron into a long-lived excited state, from which de-excitation to the ground state is only possible via low-probability transitions or quantum-mechanically forbidden transitions. The radiative de-excitation of the electron from this long-lived excited state is called phosphorescence.

[0017] Oxygen inhibits phosphorescence in organic materials. In organic compounds, the ground state is usually a singlet state in which all electrons are paired. A phosphorescent transition in organic substances, for example, is the transition from an excited triplet state to the ground state. This transition is quantum-mechanically "forbidden" and therefore associated with a low transition probability and long residence times of the electrons in the excited triplet state. Oxygen, which is usually present in a triplet state, interacts with the electrons in the excited triplet state, quickly depopulating it. This prevents long-lasting afterglow. By sealing the functional material from oxygen, the influence of oxygen from the surroundings of the functional material can be eliminated.

[0018] The shape of a cell can be arbitrary in any spatial direction. In plan view, the shape of a cell can be round (e.g., circular), polygonal (e.g., triangular, square, with more than four corners), or any other shape.

[0019] For example, a PLT is provided which can be written on in such a way that parts of it are phosphorescent and the phosphorescent parts carry information, for example a QR code, a logo or the like, whereby the information can be stored for a significantly longer period in the respective cell by essentially completely suppressing oxygen diffusion (i.e. in all spatial directions of a respective cell with functional material which can be converted from a non-phosphorescent state to a phosphorescent state without contact) (for example, in the case of a layered structure, also lateral oxygen diffusion or transverse oxygen diffusion). A PLT is, for example, a thin-film system in which information can be stored, read out, erased and, if necessary, rewritten as a phosphorescent pattern by means of (UV) exposure.The stored patterns are invisible to the human eye unless read. PLTs can be applied as a transparent layer to flexible substrates, such as foil, and do not require integrated electronics. They can therefore be used for labeling, for example. Other applications, such as security features or quality control, are conceivable.

[0020] A (e.g., phosphorescent) structure according to various aspects of this disclosure may comprise a thin-film system comprising functional, for example, photoactive material (e.g., in the form of a photoactive layer), which is (essentially completely or completely) enclosed by oxygen barrier material (e.g., oxygen barrier layers). When writing to a PLT by exposure to light, the desired phosphorescent pattern is encoded as a spatial distribution of molecular oxygen in the functional material (e.g., in the photoactive layer). Due to the high mobility of the oxygen molecules in the photoactive layer, the oxygen distribution levels itself out over time (diffusion). As a result, the coding is automatically extinguished. Various aspects of this disclosure reduce the diffusion of molecular oxygen in the active layer (generally in the functional material) of the phosphorescent structure (e.g.,of a PLT). Due to the limited thickness of the active layer of a conventional PLT, this is already the case in the spatial direction perpendicular to the layer system. However, in the two spatial directions in the plane of the layer, oxygen diffusion occurs unhindered in a conventional PLT (lateral diffusion / transverse diffusion). Various aspects of this disclosure reduce lateral diffusion in a (e.g., phosphorescent) structure (e.g., a PLT). Thus, the oxygen distribution and thus the information / coding of the desired phosphorescent pattern can be maintained for significantly longer (from approximately 5 hours in a conventional (e.g., phosphorescent) structure to several weeks, for example, at least 2 weeks in a (e.g., phosphorescent) structure according to various aspects of this disclosure).

[0021] Clearly, various aspects of this disclosure provide structures and methods for improving storage stability in tags (e.g., PLTs) based on activatable phosphorescence by reducing intrinsic transverse diffusion (in a layered (e.g., phosphorescent) structure).

[0022] Various aspects of this disclosure increase the storage duration / stability of information / patterns in “Programmable Luminescent Tags” (PLTs) (in particular compared to the structure described in DE 10 2018 214 374 A1).

[0023] The technology is based on oxygen-suppressed phosphorescence. The storage duration of a pattern is physically limited by the diffusion of oxygen molecules within a cell of a phosphorescent structure. In a conventional cell, the information stored in the cell is often no longer readable after less than a day. Various aspects of this disclosure enable the storage duration to be extended by reducing oxygen diffusion.

[0024] Various aspects of this disclosure provide a (e.g., phosphorescent) structure that enables contactless, transparent, and possibly reversible / rewritable / adaptive labeling without integrated electronics. Furthermore, a (e.g., phosphorescent) structure is provided in which targeted UV marking is independent of the application of the UV-sensitive material or can be subsequently modified.

[0025] The functional material (e.g., a photoactive layer) is clearly divided into separate cells, which are insulated by an oxygen barrier material against the diffusion of oxygen across the cell boundaries. Thus, oxygen molecules can only move within the cell. The oxygen distribution in neighboring cells can no longer be influenced (or can only be influenced to a much lesser extent).

[0026] The cells separated from each other by the oxygen barrier material can be produced using various techniques. For example, the original material (e.g., the original layer) can be cut into smaller cells using a laser, so that the cut edges can then be filled with the oxygen barrier material. Other techniques are conceivable, such as printing individual cells, spray coating individual cells, forming individual cells using lithography, punching individual cells, embossing individual cells, and the like.

[0027] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and are explained in more detail below.

[0028] It shows Fig. 1 shows a phosphorescent structure according to various aspects of this disclosure; Fig. 2 shows a phosphorescent structure according to various aspects of this disclosure; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a phosphorescent structure according to various aspects of this disclosure, as well as a top view of an exposure mask for programming various cells of the phosphorescent structure; Fig. 4A to 4D show various process states within a first example of a method for producing the phosphorescent structure according to various aspects of this disclosure; and Fig. 5A to 5C show various process states within a second example of a method for producing the phosphorescent structure according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0029] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "fore," "rear," etc., will be used with reference to the orientation of the described figure(s). Since components of embodiments can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.It is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with one another unless specifically stated otherwise. The following detailed description is therefore not to be construed in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0030] Throughout this description, the terms "connected," "attached," and "coupled" are used to describe both a direct and an indirect connection, a direct or indirect connection, and a direct or indirect coupling. In the figures, identical or similar elements are provided with identical reference numerals where appropriate.

[0031] Although phosphorescent structures and phosphorescent structural arrangements are described below, it should be noted that various structures and structural arrangements within the scope of this disclosure do not necessarily have to be phosphorescent.

[0032] Various aspects of this disclosure include the combination of programmable luminescent labels with lateral structuring. A phosphorescent pattern cannot be reduced / quenched by the lateral diffusion of oxygen. The oxygen in a non-activated region cannot suppress the phosphorescence of a neighboring, activated region. A region can also extend across multiple structured cells.

[0033] By reducing oxygen diffusion (e.g., oxygen transverse diffusion), it is possible to store and retrieve written information in a PLT for significantly longer periods. Furthermore, finer structuring allows for higher information density, as smaller information areas can be used that would otherwise be quickly erased by oxygen diffusion.

[0034] Fig. Figure 1 shows a phosphorescent structure 100 (e.g., in the form of a label, e.g., a PLT) according to various aspects of this disclosure. The phosphorescent structure 100 clearly forms a (single) memory cell.

[0035] The phosphorescent structure 100 can have a carrier 102, for example, a substrate 102. The carrier 102 can be translucent, for example, transparent, in a wavelength range of visible light. The carrier 102 can be a film. Alternatively, the carrier 102 can be formed from plastic and / or metal. The carrier 102 can be configured as an oxygen diffusion barrier.

[0036] A functional material system 104 (containing one or more functional materials) can be arranged on the carrier 102. The functional material system 104 is configured such that it can be converted contactlessly from a first phosphorescent state (e.g., a non-phosphorescent state) to a second phosphorescent state (e.g., a phosphorescent state). A respective cell exhibits lower phosphorescence in the first phosphorescent state than in the second phosphorescent state.

[0037] Furthermore, the functional material system 104 can be configured such that it can be converted contactlessly from the second phosphorescent state (for example, a phosphorescent state) to the first phosphorescent state (for example, a non-phosphorescent state). The functional material system 104 can comprise a first organic material system with one or more first organic materials. Furthermore, a phosphor for phosphorescence can be admixed to the functional material system 104, for example, doped into the functional material system 104. The first organic material can comprise or be polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), to which approximately two mass percent of N,N'-di(1-naphthyl)-N,N'-diphenyl-(1,1'-biphenyl)-4,4'-diamine can be admixed as the phosphor.The functional material system can have a layer thickness in a range of 500 nm to 1200 nm, for example in a range of 700 nm to 1000 nm, for example a layer thickness of 900 nm.

[0038] The functional material system 104 can be configured such that it can be converted from the first phosphorescent state (e.g., non-phosphorescent state) to the second phosphorescent state (e.g., phosphorescent state) by means of light with a first characteristic. Furthermore, the functional material system 104 can be configured such that it can be converted from the second phosphorescent state (e.g., phosphorescent state) to the first phosphorescent state (e.g., non-phosphorescent state) by means of light with a second characteristic and / or by means of the introduction of heat.

[0039] A second organic material system 106 (which may include one or more second organic materials) may be disposed on the functional material system 104. The second organic material system 106 may be configured to be in a state where it is impermeable to oxygen at room temperature.

[0040] Due to the optional layered arrangement of the functional material system 104 (e.g., the first organic material system 104) and the second organic material system 106, the functional material system 104 is already sealed in an oxygen-tight manner in two spatial directions, i.e., in the vertical direction, by the second organic material system 106 and the carrier 102. The functional material system 104 can be applied to the carrier 102 by means of spin coating, a line application method, pipetting, printing, or spray coating, and / or the second organic material system 106 can be applied to the functional material system 104 by means of spin coating, a line application method, pipetting, printing, or spray coating. Alternatively, the functional material system 104 can be dissolved in an organic solvent.The second organic material system 106 can also be dissolved in an organic solvent. For example, the second organic material 106 can be dissolved in anisole, chlorobenzene, ethyl lactate, or water. The functional material system 104 and / or the second organic material system 106 can be dried after application. In this way, the solvent can be evaporated in a controlled manner. This can be done in an oven or on a hot plate.

[0041] However, it should be noted that the functional material system 104 and the second organic material system 106 do not necessarily have to be arranged in layers. For example, the functional material system 104 does not have to be provided in a layer of uniform thickness. In various aspects of this disclosure, the functional material system 104 can be provided with a layer thickness in a range of 200 nm to 2000 nm, for example, in a range of 500 nm to 1500 nm, for example, with a layer thickness of 900 nm. The second organic material system can have a layer thickness in a range of 500 nm to 50 µm. The carrier 102 can also be made from the second organic material system.

[0042] The second organic material system 106 may contain ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers.

[0043] Laterally, the functional material system 104 is completely covered by an oxygen diffusion barrier material, for example by a first oxygen diffusion barrier 108 (on the right side of the phosphorescent structure 100 made of Fig. 1) and by a second oxygen diffusion barrier 110 (on the left side of the phosphorescent structure 100 made of Fig. 1). The first oxygen diffusion barrier 108 and the second oxygen diffusion barrier 110 may also laterally overlap at least a portion of the carrier 102 and / or the second organic material system 106.

[0044] In principle, the phosphorescent structure 100 can have any desired spatial shape. The phosphorescent structure 100 can, for example, have a volume in a range of 10 µm * 10 µm * 10 µm, for example in a range of 5 µm * 5 µm * 5 µm, for example in a range of 2 µm * 2 µm * 2 µm.

[0045] The carrier 102, the second organic material system 106, the first oxygen diffusion barrier 108 and the second oxygen diffusion barrier 110 clearly form an oxygen-impermeable encapsulation made of oxygen diffusion barrier material that completely encloses the functional material system.

[0046] Writing, erasing and rewriting of the phosphorescent structure 100 takes place in an analogous manner to writing, erasing and rewriting of the phosphorescent structure 200, which is explained in more detail below.

[0047] Fig. 2 shows a phosphorescent structure 200 (e.g., in the form of a label, e.g., a PLT) according to various aspects of this disclosure.

[0048] The phosphorescent structure 200 can comprise a functional material system 204 (comprising one or more functional materials) with a plurality of cells. Each cell of the plurality of cells can be selectively converted without contact from a first phosphorescent state (e.g., non-phosphorescent state) to a second phosphorescent state (e.g., phosphorescent state). A respective cell exhibits lower phosphorescence in the first phosphorescent state than in the second phosphorescent state. Each cell is formed by a functional material system 204, which is surrounded laterally and vertically by oxygen-impermeable material (at least in a definable material state). Furthermore, oxygen diffusion barrier material 212 is arranged between each two adjacent cells to reduce oxygen diffusion between the respective adjacent cells.

[0049] The phosphorescent structure 200 may comprise a carrier 202. The carrier 202 may be formed from the same material as the carrier 102 of Fig. 1.

[0050] The functional material system 204 is arranged on the carrier 202. The functional material system 204 can be formed from the same material or materials as the functional material system 104 of Fig. 1. The functional material system 204 is divided into individual, separate regions, also referred to as cells. An oxygen diffusion barrier made of oxygen diffusion barrier material 212 is arranged between each two adjacent regions of the functional material system 204 (e.g., in the lateral direction). The oxygen diffusion barrier reduces or even prevents (e.g., lateral) oxygen diffusion between each two adjacent cells of the functional material system 204. The oxygen diffusion barrier material 212 can be in physical contact with the functional material system 204 of each adjacent cell.

[0051] Two directly adjacent cells are arranged laterally at a distance from each other of 1 µm to 10 µm. In other words, oxygen diffusion barrier material 212 with a (lateral) material thickness in a range of 1 µm to 10 µm can be arranged between two directly adjacent cells of the functional material system 204.

[0052] The phosphorescent structure 200 may further comprise additional oxygen diffusion barrier material that substantially completely encapsulates those regions of the functional material system that are free of the oxygen diffusion barrier material. Thus, a second organic material system 206 (containing one or more second organic materials) may be disposed on (and may be in physical contact with) the functional material system 204 and the oxygen diffusion barrier material 212. The second organic material system 206 may be formed from the same material or materials as the second organic material system 106 of the phosphorescent structure 100 of Fig. 1.

[0053] In the following, a mechanism is described by means of which the functional material system 104, 204 can be converted from the first phosphorescent state (e.g., non-phosphorescent state) to the second phosphorescent state (e.g., phosphorescent state) and from the second phosphorescent state (e.g., phosphorescent state) to the first phosphorescent state (e.g., non-phosphorescent state).

[0054] In various aspects of this disclosure, the functional material system 104, 204 is configured such that it can be converted from the first phosphorescent state (e.g., non-phosphorescent state) to the second phosphorescent state (e.g., phosphorescent state) by means of light of a first characteristic. Furthermore, the functional material system 104, 204 can be configured such that it can be converted from the second phosphorescent state (e.g., phosphorescent state) to the first phosphorescent state (e.g., non-phosphorescent state) by means of light of a second characteristic and / or by means of the introduction of heat. The light of the first characteristic can be selected to excite phosphorescence. The light of the first characteristic can have a wavelength of less than 700 nm, for example, a wavelength of less than 550 nm, for example, a wavelength of less than 460 nm.The light of the second characteristic is, for example, infrared (IR) light.

[0055] It can be provided to use the same light source for the light of the first characteristic and for the light for exciting the phosphorescence if the light of the first characteristic and the light for exciting the phosphorescence do not differ in wavelength, but in intensity, i.e. the light for exciting the phosphorescence is the light of the first characteristic with a second intensity. The light of the first characteristic then has a first intensity. The first intensity can be 10 times to 100 times greater, for example 20 times to 90 times greater, for example 50 times to 80 times greater and for example 70 times greater than the second intensity. The first intensity can be in a range of 1 mWcm -2 and 20 mWcm -2 , for example in a range of 3 mWcm -2and 15 mWcm -2 , for example in a range of 5 mWcm -2 and 10 mWcm -2 , and for example at about 7 mWcm -2 The second intensity can be in a range of 0.01 mWcm -2 and 1 mWcm -2 , for example in a range of 0.05 mWcm -2 and 0.5 mWcm -2 , and for example at approximately 0.1 mWcm -2 lay.

[0056] The second organic material system 106, 206 and / or the oxygen diffusion barrier material can be configured such that it can be converted by means of light of the second characteristic and / or by means of introduction of heat into a state in which the second organic material system 106, 206 and / or the oxygen diffusion barrier material becomes permeable to oxygen.

[0057] Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the phosphorescent structure 200 of Fig. 2 and a top view of an illumination mask 300, which is used for writing or erasing information to or from the cells using light of the respective characteristics described above. The mask 300 has openings 302. The openings 302 essentially have a shape and size that enable the respective cells to be illuminated to be produced with the functional material system 204. Depending on the shape of the cells, the openings 302 can be designed, for example, in the form of slits; round, for example, circular or elliptical; polygonal, for example, triangular, square, polygonal, rectangular, etc.

[0058] Fig. 3 represents the illumination of the cells with the respective characteristic for a time period t required for writing or erasing (the time periods for illuminating the cells may be different for writing and erasing the cells). This is shown in Fig. 3 is symbolized by an arrow 304.

[0059] In the following, a description of the phosphorescent structure 100, 200 is explained in more detail.

[0060] The phosphorescent structure 100, 200 is partially illuminated by the light of the first characteristic. For this purpose, the phosphorescent structure 100, 200 is partially covered with a mask, opposite the light source of the light of the first characteristic. The light of the first characteristic thus irradiates the phosphorescent area of ​​the label. The non-phosphorescent area of ​​the phosphorescent structure 100, 200 is not irradiated by the light of the first characteristic.

[0061] The light of the first characteristic (not shown) with a wavelength of approximately 365 nm induces a transition of the phosphor of the first organic material system 104, 204 from the singlet state of the phosphor to an excited singlet state of the phosphor. From this excited singlet state of the phosphor, a portion of the phosphor transitions to an excited triplet state via intercombination. The first organic material system 104, 204 contains oxygen, which prevents phosphorescence. The oxygen is in a triplet ground state of the oxygen. In a triplet-triplet interaction, the phosphor transitions from the excited triplet state of the phosphor to the singlet state of the phosphor, and the oxygen transitions from the triplet ground state of the oxygen to an excited singlet state of the oxygen.The oxygen is highly reactive in its singlet state, oxidizing the first organic material system 104, 204 and binding it (not shown). Thus, the oxygen present in the lower layer in the phosphorescent region is effectively deactivated. The second organic material 210 acts as an oxygen barrier, preventing additional oxygen from penetrating the layer of the first organic material system 104, 204 from the outside.

[0062] The non-phosphorescent region is not irradiated by the light of the first characteristic. Thus, the oxygen there is not bound to the first organic material system 104, 204 and is not deactivated.

[0063] The phosphorescence of the functional material system 104, 204 is explained in more detail below.

[0064] For phosphorescence, the mask is removed, and the light of the first characteristic is still used for illumination, albeit at a significantly reduced intensity (not shown here). In the phosphorescent region, a transition of the phosphor from the singlet state to the excited singlet state is induced. From this excited singlet state, the phosphor can transition to the excited triplet state via intercombination. The transition from the excited triplet state to the singlet state is quantum-mechanically "forbidden," and thus the excited triplet state of the phosphor has a long lifetime.Nevertheless, over a long period of time, even after switching off the source of the light of the first characteristic, transitions from the excited triplet state of the phosphor to the singlet state of the phosphor occur, resulting in phosphorescence.

[0065] Since the oxygen is not deactivated in the non-phosphorescent region, it prevents phosphorescence here. Thus, the phosphorescent structure 100, 200 phosphoresces only in the phosphorescent region.

[0066] The phosphorescent structure 100, 200 can be produced in many different ways.

[0067] In a Fig. 4A to Fig. 4D, the functional material system 104, 204 can be applied to the carrier 102, 202 in basically any desired form, as already explained in detail above (see first process state 400 in Fig. 4A). Depending on the desired shape of the cells to be formed, openings 412, for example in the form of trenches 412, can then be formed, for example by means of a lithography and etching process. The openings 412 are formed so deep that the carrier 102, 202 is exposed at the bottom of the openings 412 (see second process state 410 in Fig. 4B). Subsequently, the formed openings 412 are at least partially filled with the oxygen barrier material 212 (see third process state 420 in Fig. 4C) and then the second organic material 210 is applied to the formed structure over the entire surface to prevent vertical oxygen diffusion (see fourth process state 430 in Fig. 4D).

[0068] To form the phosphorescent structure 100 from Fig. 1 can be found in Fig. 4D formed cells are separated, for example by means of one of the following processes: punching, cutting, sawing, laser cutting, and the like.

[0069] In a Fig. 5A to Fig. 5D, the functional material system 104, 204 can be applied directly in the desired shape of the cells on the carrier 102, 202 in basically any desired form, for example by means of a printing process or a spraying process (see first process state 500 in Fig. 5A). Openings 502 are formed between the individual cells of functional material 204.

[0070] Subsequently, the formed openings 502 are at least partially filled with the oxygen barrier material 212 (see second process state 510 in Fig. 5B) and then the second organic material system 210 is applied to the formed structure over the entire surface in order to prevent vertical oxygen diffusion (see third process state 520 in Fig. 5C).

[0071] To form the phosphorescent structure 100 from Fig. 1 can be found in Fig. 5C formed cells are separated, for example by means of one of the following methods: punching, cutting, sawing, laser cutting, and the like.

[0072] It should be noted that different functional materials can be contained in different cells, for example, to implement different switch-on thresholds. Furthermore, different functional materials can also be arranged separately from one another in one or more cells.

[0073] Various examples are presented below: Example 1 is a structure comprising: a plurality of spatially separated cells, each comprising a functional material system, wherein each cell of the plurality of cells is selectively convertible from a first phosphorescent state to a second phosphorescent state by reducing the oxygen content contained in the cell, wherein the respective cell has a lower phosphorescence in the first phosphorescent state than in the second phosphorescent state; and one or more oxygen diffusion barrier materials which at least partially enclose the cells to reduce oxygen diffusion into the respective cell. In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 may optionally comprise that the respective cell in the first phosphorescent state has no phosphorescence. In Example 3, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 or 2 can optionally comprise that the functional material system is further configured to be convertible from the second phosphorescent state to the first phosphorescent state. In Example 4, the article of any of Examples 1 to 3 can optionally comprise that the oxygen diffusion barrier material forms an oxygen diffusion barrier layer between each two adjacent cells, so that between each two adjacent cells a distance of 1 µm to 50 µm formed by the respective oxygen diffusion barrier layer is formed, for example a distance of 5 µm to 30 µm, for example a distance of 10 µm to 20 µm. In Example 5, the article of any of Examples 1 to 4 can optionally comprise that the functional material system comprises an organic material; and that a phosphor for phosphorescence is admixed with the functional material system. In Example 6, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 5 can optionally include that the structure further comprises additional oxygen diffusion barrier material encapsulating those regions of the functional material system that are free of the oxygen diffusion barrier material. In Example 7, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 6 can optionally include the structure further comprising a support. The functional material system is formed in a layer, wherein the layer is disposed over the support. The oxygen diffusion barrier material is disposed between each two laterally adjacent cells to reduce oxygen diffusion between the respective adjacent cells. The support is configured as an oxygen diffusion barrier. In Example 8, the article of any of Examples 1 to 7 can optionally comprise the carrier being configured as a film. In Example 9, the article of any of Examples 7 or 8 can optionally include the carrier being formed of plastic and / or metal. In Example 10, the article of any of Examples 1 to 9 can optionally comprise the support being translucent in a visible light wavelength range. In Example 11, the article of any of Examples 1 to 10 may optionally comprise that a side of the carrier facing away from the layer with the functional material system is self-adhesive or magnetic. In Example 12, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 11 can optionally comprise that the functional material system is configured to be convertible from the first phosphorescent state to the second phosphorescent state by means of light of a first characteristic. In Example 13, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 12 can optionally comprise that the functional material system is configured such that it can be converted from the second phosphorescent state to the first phosphorescent state by means of light of a second characteristic and / or by means of introduction of heat. In Example 14, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 13 can optionally comprise that the oxygen diffusion barrier material is configured such that it can be converted by means of light of the second characteristic and / or by means of introduction of heat into a state in which the oxygen diffusion barrier material becomes oxygen permeable. In Example 15, the subject matter of any of Examples 1 to 14 can optionally include the structure being configured as a label. Example 16 is a structure comprising: a functional material system that is contactlessly convertible from a first phosphorescent state to a second phosphorescent state, wherein the functional material system has lower phosphorescence in the first phosphorescent state than in the second phosphorescent state; and an encapsulation of oxygen diffusion barrier material that completely encloses the functional material system. In Example 17, the subject matter of Example 16 can optionally include that the functional material system does not exhibit phosphorescence in the first phosphorescent state. In Example 18, the subject matter of any of Examples 16 or 17 can optionally include that the functional material system is further configured to be convertible from the second phosphorescent state to the first phosphorescent state. In Example 19, the article of any of Examples 16 to 18 can optionally include the encapsulation being formed from oxygen diffusion barrier material having a thickness in a range of 0.5 µm to 20 µm. In Example 20, the subject matter of any of Examples 16 to 19 can optionally include that the functional material is configured such that the functional material system comprises an organic material; and that a phosphor for phosphorescence is admixed with the functional material system. In Example 21, the subject matter of any of Examples 16 to 20 can optionally comprise that the functional material system is configured to be convertible from the first phosphorescent state to the second phosphorescent state by means of light of a first characteristic. In Example 22, the subject matter of any of Examples 16 to 21 can optionally comprise that the functional material system is configured such that it can be converted from the second phosphorescent state to the first phosphorescent state by means of light of a second characteristic and / or by means of introduction of heat. In Example 23, the subject matter of any of Examples 16 to 22 can optionally include that the oxygen diffusion barrier material is configured to be convertible into a state in which the oxygen diffusion barrier material becomes oxygen permeable by means of light of the second characteristic and / or by means of introduction of heat. Example 24 is a structural arrangement comprising: an embedding structure; and a plurality of structures according to any one of Examples 16 to 23 embedded in the embedding structure. In Example 25, the subject matter of Example 24 can optionally include that the embedding structure is translucent in a wavelength range of visible light. In Example 26, the article of any of Examples 24 or 25 can optionally include the phosphorescent structural arrangement being configured as a label. Example 27 is a method for writing a structure according to any one of Examples 1 to 15 or a structural arrangement according to any one of Examples 24 to 26, the method comprising: selectively non-contact writing one or more cells of the plurality of cells of the structure according to any one of Examples 1 to 15 or the structural arrangement according to any one of Examples 24 to 26 by converting the functional material system from the first phosphorescent state to the second phosphorescent state. In Example 28, the subject matter of Example 27 can optionally include illuminating the functional material system with light of a first characteristic for description. In Example 29, the subject matter of Example 28 can optionally include that the light of the first characteristic is UV light. Example 30 is a method for erasing a structure according to any one of Examples 1 to 15 or a structural arrangement according to any one of Examples 24 to 26, the method comprising: introducing heat into the functional material system; wherein the heat converts the oxygen diffusion barrier material into a state in which the oxygen diffusion barrier material is oxygen permeable; and the functional material system is at least partially converted from the second phosphorescent state to the first phosphorescent state. Example 31 is a method of fabricating a structure, the method comprising: forming a plurality of cells, each cell of the plurality of cells comprising functional material that is selectively convertible from a first phosphorescent state to a second phosphorescent state in a contactless manner, wherein the respective cell has lower phosphorescence in the first phosphorescent state than in the second phosphorescent state; and introducing oxygen diffusion barrier material between each two adjacent cells to reduce oxygen diffusion between the respective adjacent cells. In Example 32, the subject matter of Example 31 can optionally include that the respective cell in the first phosphorescent state does not exhibit phosphorescence. In Example 33, the subject matter of any of Examples 31 or 32 can optionally include that forming the plurality of cells comprises applying the functional material system to a support in a plurality of cell regions. In Example 34, the subject matter of any of Examples 31 or 32 can optionally include that forming the plurality of cells comprises separating the functional material system into a plurality of cell regions. Example 35 is a method of manufacturing a structure arrangement, for example according to any one of Examples 16 to 24, the method comprising: embedding a plurality of structures in an embedding structure.

Claims

[1] Structure comprising: • a plurality of spatially separated cells each comprising a functional material system, wherein each cell of the plurality of cells can be selectively converted from a first phosphorescent state to a second phosphorescent state by reducing the oxygen content contained in the cell without contact, wherein the respective cell has a lower phosphorescence in the first phosphorescent state than in the second phosphorescent state; • one or more oxygen diffusion barrier materials at least partially surrounding the cells to reduce oxygen diffusion into the respective cell, wherein oxygen diffusion barrier material is arranged between two adjacent cells to reduce oxygen diffusion between the respective adjacent cells. [2] The structure of claim 1, wherein the respective cell has no phosphorescence in the first phosphorescent state. [3] Structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the functional material system is further configured to be convertible from the second phosphorescent state to the first phosphorescent state. [4] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the oxygen diffusion barrier material forms an oxygen diffusion barrier layer between each two adjacent cells, so that a distance of 1 µm to 50 µm formed by the respective oxygen diffusion barrier layer is formed between each two adjacent cells. [5] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 4, • wherein the functional material system comprises an organic material; and • wherein a phosphor for phosphorescence is added to the functional material system. [6] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: additional oxygen diffusion barrier material that encapsulates those areas of the functional material system that are free of the oxygen diffusion barrier material. [7] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: • a carrier; • wherein the functional material system is formed in a layer, wherein the layer is arranged above the carrier; • wherein the oxygen diffusion barrier material is arranged between each two laterally adjacent cells to reduce oxygen diffusion between the respective adjacent cells; • wherein the carrier is designed as an oxygen diffusion barrier. [8] Structure according to claim 7, wherein the carrier is arranged as a film. [9] A structure according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the support is translucent in a wavelength range of visible light. [10] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the functional material system is arranged such that it can be converted from the first phosphorescent state to the second phosphorescent state by means of light of a first characteristic. [11] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the functional material system is arranged such that it can be converted from the second phosphorescent state to the first phosphorescent state by means of light of a second characteristic and / or by means of introduction of heat. [12] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the oxygen diffusion barrier material is arranged such that it can be converted by means of light of the second characteristic and / or by means of introduction of heat into a state in which the oxygen diffusion barrier material becomes oxygen-permeable. [13] Structure according to one of claims 1 to 12, arranged as a label. [14] A method for describing a structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising: selectively contactless writing of one or more cells of the plurality of cells of the structure according to one of claims 1 to 13 by converting the functional material system from the first phosphorescent state to the second phosphorescent state. [15] Method according to claim 14, wherein for the purpose of describing the functional material system is illuminated with light of a first characteristic. [16] The method of claim 15, wherein the light of the first characteristic is UV light. [17] A method for erasing a structure according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method comprising: • Introducing heat into the functional material system; whereby the heat converts the oxygen diffusion barrier material into a state in which the oxygen diffusion barrier material is permeable to oxygen; and • wherein the functional material system is at least partially converted from the second phosphorescent state to the first phosphorescent state. [18] A method of manufacturing a structure, the method comprising: • Forming a plurality of cells, wherein each cell of the plurality of cells comprises functional material that can be selectively converted without contact from a first phosphorescent state to a second phosphorescent state, wherein the respective cell has a lower phosphorescence in the first phosphorescent state than in the second phosphorescent state; • Introduction of oxygen diffusion barrier material between each two adjacent cells to reduce oxygen diffusion between the respective adjacent cells.

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