Phosphor Composition Decay Modification for Single Detector Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing authentication systems for articles using phosphor compositions require multiple detectors to differentiate between tagged articles due to variations in emitted radiation wavelengths, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a decay modifying component into phosphor compositions to alter the radiation decay rate, allowing a single detector to differentiate between articles based on unique decay profiles while maintaining the same wavelength, thus eliminating the need for multiple detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different phosphor compositions with different emitted radiation wavelengths are used to differentiate between tagged articles, then article differentiation capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being monitored from emission wavelength to decay rate. By using phosphor compositions with different decay rates but similar wavelengths, the system can differentiate between articles using a single detector, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining differentiation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a decay modifying component as an intermediary substance that alters the decay rate of the phosphor without significantly changing the emission wavelength. This intermediary enables differentiation through decay profile monitoring rather than wavelength discrimination, allowing single-detector operation
2Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to monitor different wavelengths for authentication, then authentication accuracy is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts the measurement parameter from wavelength (requiring multiple detectors) to decay rate (monitorable by a single detector). This parameter change maintains authentication accuracy while reducing the number of detectors needed, thereby lowering cost
3Reliability
If impurity levels in phosphor components are reduced to below 5 ppm to maintain luminescent efficiency, then phosphor performance is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing a specific decay modifying component at controlled concentrations (e.g., 1-100 ppm) within the phosphor composition. This localized addition of a specific substance achieves the desired decay rate modification without requiring ultra-low impurity levels across the entire phosphor matrix, thus reducing manufacturing difficulty while maintaining performance
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 efficient and cost-effective authentication and differentiation of articles using a single detector by controlling the decay rate of radiation emitted by phosphor compositions, enhancing security features without increasing detector complexity.
Implementation Method 1
phosphor compositions capable of emitting radiation in response to excitation by photons of a given energy
Implementation Method 2
a decay modifying component different from said dopant and said host lattice and effective to alter the rate of decay of the radiation emitted by the phosphor composition
Data Source
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AI summary
A phosphor composition comprises a host lattice, a dopant and a decay modifying component different from the dopant and the host lattice and effective to alter the rate of decay of the radiation emitted by the phosphor composition in response to excitation by photons of a given energy. The decay modifying component is added to the phosphor composition in a predetermined amount between 1 and 10,000 parts per million of the composition. By varying the amount of the decay modifying component added to the phosphor composition, it is possible to produce a set of phosphor compositions with different, controlled rates of decay of the radiation emitted by the compositions.