Encrypted Optical Markers for Secure Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluorescent markers used for identification and security are easily detectable and susceptible to counterfeiting due to their visibility under appropriate light excitation, lacking effective means for secure and cryptic marking.
Innovation Solution
A method employing encrypted polymerizable pro-fluorophores that transform into detectable fluorescent compounds upon reaction with a specific developer, providing a cryptic marking that is difficult to recognize until revealed, combining features of encrypted fluorophores and chromophores for enhanced security and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fluorescent markers are used for identification and security, then the markers are readily visualized by irradiating with light of the appropriate excitation wavelength, but the markers can be easily detected, analyzed and copied, rendering them subject to counterfeiting
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescent marker properties are extracted and separated into two distinct components: the encrypted pro-fluorophore marker embedded in the item, and the developer reagent applied separately. The marker itself does not exhibit fluorescence until it reacts with the developer, preventing unauthorized detection and copying while maintaining visualization capability when properly developed
Solution Approach 2:
The fluorescent marker is pre-installed on the item in an encrypted, non-fluorescent pro-fluorophore form. The activation reaction with the developer has already been designed into the molecular structure, but the actual fluorescence generation occurs only when the developer is applied at the time of inspection, ensuring security against premature detection
2Reliability
If encrypted pro-fluorophores are used that are not readily detectable, then security against counterfeiting is improved, but the markers require additional development steps to reveal the optical signal
Solution Approach 1:
The developer reagent serves as an intermediary substance that bridges the encrypted pro-fluorophore marker and the detectable fluorescent signal. The developer contains specific chemical groups that react with the pro-fluorophore to generate fluorescence, providing a controlled mechanism for revelation that simplifies the overall process while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes optical property changes (fluorescence emission) as the primary revelation mechanism. The pro-fluorophore transforms from a non-fluorescent or weakly fluorescent state to a brightly fluorescent state upon reaction with the developer, providing a clear, easily detectable signal change that simplifies inspection procedures
3Stability of the object's composition
If the pro-fluorophore is made polymerizable and encapsulates a DNA security marker, then the physical and chemical stability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs composite material structures where polymerizable pro-fluorophores are combined with DNA security markers within a polymer matrix or coating. This composite approach provides enhanced physical and chemical stability while allowing the components to be applied together in a single coating or embedding operation, reducing manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple security features (polymerizable pro-fluorophore, DNA marker, fluorescent compound) are merged into a single integrated system. The polymerizable groups allow the entire assembly to be incorporated into coatings or materials through standard polymerization processes, simplifying manufacturing while providing multifunctional security capabilities
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enables secure and stable cryptic marking that is difficult to detect until developed, offering improved resistance to counterfeiting and ensuring visibility through specific optical signals after exposure to a developer, enhancing the security and authenticity verification process.
Implementation Method 1
a characteristic fluorescence emission after excitation with a particular excitation wavelength
Implementation Method 2
the developer can be a chemically reactive developer that reacts with the marker to produce a detectable marker product
Data Source
AI summary
Encrypted markers that are not readily detectable can be revealed by treatment with a specific reagent used as a developer to reveal a readily detectable physical property of the marker, such as a characteristic fluorescence emission after excitation with a particular excitation wavelength, or to reveal a visible color. The encrypted marker can be developed in situ, or a sample can be removed by brushing, scraping, swabbing or scratching the marked object or item and developing the encrypted marker or a sample thereof with the appropriate developer to reveal an overt marker or optical signal. The marker can be revealed by exposure of the encrypted marker or a sample thereof to the developer in any suitable form, such as a solution, a slurry, a swab, a solid (such as in granular form), or a gas or a vapor that includes a developer.