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Title: Counterfeit-resistant materials and a method and apparatus for authenticating materials

Patent ·
OSTI ID:873782

Fluorescent dichroic fibers randomly incorporated within a media provide an improved method for authentication and counterfeiting protection. The dichroism is provided by an alignment of fluorescent molecules along the length of the fibers. The fluorescent fibers provide an authentication mechanism of varying levels of capability. The authentication signature depends on four parameters, the x,y position, the dichroism and the local environment. The availability of so many non-deterministic variables makes production of counterfeit articles (e.g., currency, credit cards, etc.) essentially impossible Counterfeit-resistant articles, an apparatus for authenticating articles, and a process for forming counterfeit-resistant media are also provided&

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
Assignee:
UT-Battelle, LLC (Oak Ridge, TN)
Patent Number(s):
US 6246061
OSTI ID:
873782
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English