NIR Reader for Upconverting Nanoparticle Ink Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies fail to effectively detect and decode near-infrared (NIR) luminescent images generated using upconverting nanoparticle (UCNP) inks, particularly in scenarios where the images are coated with opaque epoxy or polymer layers, making them difficult to verify authenticity and detect counterfeiting in products like integrated circuits and pharmaceutical packaging.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a laser that directs NIR excitation light at UCNP inks, a short pass filter to separate NIR emission from excitation, and a camera to capture the emission, along with a smartphone application to decode the images, allowing for verification of covert taggants without damaging the product, even under opaque coatings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If UCNP inks are coated with opaque epoxy or polymer layers for security, then tamper resistance and security are improved, but detectability and measurement of the covert taggants deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoiddetectability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from visible spectrum detection to near-infrared spectrum detection. The UCNP inks absorb NIR light at 980nm and emit at 800nm, allowing the covert taggants to be detected through opaque epoxy layers that block visible light but transmit NIR wavelengths, thus resolving the contradiction between opacity for security and detectability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters by using upconverting nanoparticles that convert NIR excitation (980nm) to visible emission (800nm). This parameter change enables detection through materials that are opaque in the visible range, as the excitation and emission occur in the NIR spectrum where the epoxy is transparent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If visible light is used to read covert taggants, then the system is simple and inexpensive, but the detection is blocked by opaque epoxy coatings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidblocking by opaque coating

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the wavelength parameter from visible light to near-infrared light. The UCNP inks are excited at 980nm and emit at 800nm, allowing penetration through opaque epoxy coatings that block visible wavelengths, thus resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and coating penetration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the epoxy coating is removed to access embedded codes, then detectability is improved, but product integrity and security are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to codeVSAvoidproduct integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces NIR light as an intermediary that can penetrate the opaque epoxy coating without physical contact or damage. The UCNP inks act as mediators that convert the NIR excitation to visible emission, enabling code detection through the intact coating and thus resolving the contradiction between code accessibility and product integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables the detection and decoding of NIR luminescent images embedded in products with opaque coatings, enhancing security by verifying authenticity and preventing counterfeiting without compromising the product's integrity.

Implementation Method 1

upconverting nanoparticle (UCNP) inks... near-infrared (NIR) luminescent images generated using upconverting nanoparticle (UCNP) inks... A laser directs a near-infrared excitation wavelength at the readable indicia, resulting in a near-infrared emission wavelength created by the UCNP inks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUpconversion: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

A short pass filter receives the near-infrared excitation wavelength and the near-infrared emission wavelength, and filters the NIR excitation wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS11568161B2Reader apparatus for upconverting nanoparticle ink printed images

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 SOUTH DAKOTA BOARD OF REGENTS

AI summary

An improved system and method for reading an upconversion response from nanoparticle inks is provided. A is adapted to direct a near-infrared excitation wavelength at a readable indicia, resulting in a near-infrared emission wavelength created by the upconverting nanoparticle inks. A short pass filter may filter the near-infrared excitation wavelength. A camera is in operable communication with the short pass filter and receives the near-infrared emission wavelength of the readable indicia. The system may further include an integrated circuit adapted to receive the near-infrared emission wavelength from the camera and generate a corresponding signal. A readable application may be in operable communication with the integrated circuit. The readable application receives the corresponding signal, manipulates the signal, decodes the signal into an output, and displays and/or stores the output.