XRD Authentication via Composite Phase Identification Substance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anti-counterfeiting methods using X-ray diffraction analysis are not secure enough, as it is relatively easy for skilled individuals to analyze and reproduce the optical identification element's X-ray diffraction pattern, making it difficult to create a unique and uncopyable fingerprint.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a substance with a combination of amorphous, crystalline, and complex metallic phases, which produces a unique XRD signature that is challenging to replicate, using these phases in various forms such as beads, cylinders, or fibers for authentication purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard X-ray diffraction analysis is used for authentication, then the method is easy to implement with existing technology, but the authentication fingerprint can be easily analyzed and reproduced by skilled individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple crystalline phases (at least two different crystalline materials) with specific crystal structures into a single authentication element. This composite structure creates a complex XRD pattern that is difficult to reproduce while remaining detectable by standard XRD equipment, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of implementation and security.
2Ease of operation
If a simple crystalline material is used for XRD authentication, then the XRD pattern is easy to read and identify, but it is also easy to analyze and copy the authentication fingerprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication element into multiple distinct crystalline phases, each contributing its own characteristic XRD peaks. The resulting composite XRD pattern contains multiple sets of peaks that must all match simultaneously for successful authentication, making the system both readable (each phase contributes identifiable peaks) and secure (reproducing all phases with correct patterns is difficult).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the authentication system by specifying particular crystal structures (such as bcc, fcc, hcp) and their combinations. By controlling the types and arrangements of crystalline phases, the XRD pattern's complexity is adjusted to provide a balance between readability and copy-protection, allowing standard XRD equipment to read the pattern while making reproduction difficult.
3Reliability
If multiple crystalline materials are combined to create a unique XRD pattern, then the authentication becomes more secure, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning specific crystal structures to different regions or phases within the authentication element. Each crystalline phase has locally optimized properties (specific crystal structures like bcc, fcc, hcp) that contribute to the overall unique XRD fingerprint. This allows the element to achieve high uniqueness while maintaining a manageable structure composed of well-defined local phases.
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 unique XRD signature provides a strong and secure authentication method that is difficult to copy, suitable for protecting goods and products, and can be implemented using existing technologies with standard X-ray diffraction analysis.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the identification substance of a candidate object to XRD analysis to determine an XRD signature thereof
Implementation Method 2
analysis of an X-Ray diffraction signature of the compound
Data Source
Figure 1a~1d
AI summary
The invention concerns a method of authenticating an object, the object comprising an identification substance including at least one amorphous phase, at least one crystalline phase and at least one complex metallic phase. The method comprises: subjecting the identification substance of a candidate object to XRD analysis to determine an XRD signature thereof; comparing the XRD signature of the candidate object to a reference XRD signature, and concluding to the authenticity of the object when its XRD signature substantially matches the reference XRD signature.