Optical Authentication Component with Variable Color and 3D Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security marking components primarily utilize two-dimensional optical effects, lacking a three-dimensional visual relief that could enhance recognition and memorization, and are limited in providing a second selective criterion for visual perception.
Innovation Solution
An optical authentication component featuring a structured waveguide with a first pattern for low-relief simulation and a second pattern forming a periodic lattice, combined with a thin layer of high optical index material, to create a variable colored effect and three-dimensional visual relief, allowing better recognition and memorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a subtractive diffraction filter with periodic lattice is used, then variable color effect depending on viewing direction is achieved, but three-dimensional visual relief effect is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention superimposes a macroscopic relief pattern (first pattern) onto the microscopic periodic lattice (second pattern), transitioning from a two-dimensional diffraction filter to a three-dimensional structure. The first pattern creates visual relief effects while the second pattern maintains the variable color effect, thus adding a dimension to the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention embeds the second pattern (periodic lattice for color effect) within the relief structures of the first pattern (macroscopic relief for visual depth). The periodic lattice is positioned on the facets created by the relief pattern, nesting the two functional patterns together to achieve both color variation and three-dimensional visual relief simultaneously.
2Ease of manufacture
If only two-dimensional optical effects are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but recognition and memorization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a third dimension by creating macroscopic relief structures (first pattern) with varying heights and depths that simulate three-dimensional images. This additional dimensional information enhances visual perception and makes authentication more reliable without significantly complicating the manufacturing process, as the relief patterns can be integrated into existing embossing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines color variation effects (through the periodic lattice and high refractive index material) with three-dimensional relief effects. The interaction of light with the structured surface produces both color changes based on viewing angle and visual depth perception, creating a multi-parameter authentication feature that is harder to counterfeit and easier to recognize.
3Ease of manufacture
If a high refractive index material layer is deposited, then variable color effect is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes materials with high refractive index values (n1 > 2.0, preferably > 2.4) to enhance the variable color effect. By changing the refractive index parameter of the deposited layer, the optical behavior is significantly improved, producing more vivid color variations with viewing angle while maintaining a relatively simple single-layer or dual-layer structure that doesn't excessively increase manufacturing complexity.
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 component provides enhanced security through improved recognition and memorization by combining variable color effects with three-dimensional visual relief, making it more resistant to counterfeiting and easier to authenticate.
Implementation Method 1
a safety component is known that includes a colored, subtractive diffraction filter... The embossed surface has a periodic lattice shape... coated by vacuum deposition with a layer of a transparent dielectric material with a high refractive index... This component behaves like a structured waveguide, exciting guided-mode resonances at different wavelengths depending on the polarization
Implementation Method 2
coated by vacuum deposition with a layer of a transparent dielectric material with a high refractive index... followed by the application of a layer with a low refractive index close to that of the embossing varnish... the refractive index variations between the deposited thin layer and the support and encapsulation materials are significant
Implementation Method 3
The embossed surface has a periodic lattice shape with a depth and period on the order of hundreds to hundreds of nanometers, respectively... This component produces a variable color effect, depending on the illumination and viewing directions
Implementation Method 4
The assembly thus prepared behaves like a structured waveguide, exciting guided-mode resonances at different wavelengths depending on the polarization... In reflection, this component behaves like a colored mirror whose color varies with the viewing direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
According to one aspect, the invention relates to an optical authentication component visible in reflection comprising an etched structure (23) on a support (20) of index n0, a thin layer (60) of a dielectric material of optical index ni different from n0 deposited on said structure (23), a layer (50) of a material of index n2 close to n0 encapsulating the structure (23) coated with the thin layer (60). The structure (23) exhibits a first pattern (22) modulated by a second pattern, the first pattern (22) being a bas-relief comprising a set of facets (24) whose shapes are determined so as to simulate a relief image of a relief object (10), and the second pattern (26) being a periodic grating determined so as to modulate the first pattern (22) in order to produce, after deposition of the thin layer (60) and encapsulation of said structure (23), a first colour according to a first orientation of observation and a second different colour according to a second orientation of observation obtained by an azimuthal rotation of the component.