Laser Ablation for IR-Fluorescent Latent Image Indicia
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating latent image indicia using laser ablation do not effectively allow for the creation of variable marks with IR-fluorescent latent ink as a final step in a multi-step process, and existing systems are not stable over time, making them prone to fading and easy to detect, which hinders security and authentication.
Innovation Solution
A system and method involving the use of IR-fluorescent latent ink with a phosphor compound that is activated by infrared light, where a laser ablation process selectively removes the fluorescent pigment to create a variable mark on a substrate without affecting the substrate, allowing for secure and stable latent image indicia creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional laser ablation methods are used to create latent image indicia, then variable marks can be created on the substrate, but the markings are unstable over time and prone to fading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite ink formulation containing phosphor particles suspended in a binder system. The phosphor particles absorb infrared energy and convert it to visible light, creating a stable fluorescent marking that resists fading. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by combining multiple functional components (phosphor particles, binder, solvents) to achieve both variable mark creation and long-term stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specific infrared wavelengths (800-1000 nm range) to activate the phosphor particles, changing the energy parameter to achieve stable fluorescence. By optimizing the infrared wavelength and intensity parameters, the system creates durable latent images that maintain visibility over time without fading, resolving the stability-duration contradiction.
2Reliability
If latent inks and coatings are made detectable under specific conditions, then security authentication is improved, but they become easier to detect and reproduce by counterfeiters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phosphor particles that fluoresce under infrared illumination, creating visible markings only under specific activation conditions. The phosphor converts infrared energy to visible light, allowing authentication without exposing the latent image under normal conditions. This color/energy transformation approach enhances security while maintaining difficulty of detection by counterfeiters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared activation as an intermediary step between the latent ink application and detection. The phosphor particles act as mediators that require infrared energy input to become visible, creating a two-stage detection process that prevents casual observation and reproduction by counterfeiters while enabling reliable authentication.
3Reliability
If a multi-step process is used to create latent image indicia with IR-fluorescent ink, then security is enhanced, but the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ink application and fluorescent activation steps into an integrated system. The phosphor-containing ink is applied in a single coating step, and the infrared activation is performed using a standardized laser or LED source. This merging of functions reduces overall process complexity while maintaining security enhancements through the multi-step nature of application followed by activation.
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 solution provides stable, long-term visibility under specific conditions, making it harder for counterfeiters to detect or reproduce, while minimizing exposure and ensuring authenticity through unique, variable marks that can be tracked and verified.
Implementation Method 1
IR-fluorescent latent ink with a phosphor compound that is activated by infrared light
Implementation Method 2
a laser ablation process selectively removes the fluorescent pigment to create a variable mark on a substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for creating latent image indicia that includes a variable mark. The latent image indicia is made of pigmented ink that can only be viewed when illuminated with a specific frequency of light. The pigmented ink is printed in a solid patch by a conventional printing process. The variable mark in the pigmented ink is created by laser ablation of the pigment. The laser ablation is done after the ink printing as a separate step.