Spectra Systems Corporation

Flexplay Technologies, Inc.

Spectradisc Corporation

Andrei Smuk

Nabil M Lawandy

Charles M Zepp

Jeffrey L Conroy

Robert S Afzal

Marianne Krieg-Kowald

Allison Berube

Leif Olson

Dana Lewis

Thomas Pizzuti

A system and method for authentication of secure products is disclosed. The security feature contains a first component in the form of an emitter capable of emitting light in response to external pump light. The security feature also contains a second component in the form of a taggant that absorbs light in a spectrally narrow range compared to the broader excitation spectrum of the first material. In this manner the emitter and taggant work in combination with one another to create an emission response significantly dependent on the illumination wavelengths and unique to the specific combination of the components. The emitter and taggant can be in the form of a mixture. Further the emitter and taggant may be applied in close proximity to one another, such as within two separate coating layers on a suitable substrate.

Multi wavelength excitation/emission authentication and detection scheme

A marking system that includes forming at least one marking in or on an article, wherein the image formed is not visible to the unaided human observer, and further contains at least one digital watermark. The digitally watermarked image comprises emissive and photoabsorptive portions. The digitally watermarked image is applied using a substance reactive to a predetermined excitation source, and exposure to ultraviolet light. Other traditional techniques, such as printing with fluorescent inks may be used in combination. The digitally watermarked image is subsequently observable upon exposure to the predetermined excitation source. The digitally watermarked image may be observed and decoded by appropriately configured detection systems, wherein the information obtained may be used for purposes including, but not limited to, authentication and security of the article or information contained within the article.

Marking articles using a covert digitally watermarked image

Optical media having markings that are non-interfering, or substantially non-interfering with readout of data from the optical media are disclosed. The optical media make use of certain formulations of color forming coatings described herein. Protective coatings used to enhance the color forming coatings are also presented. Methods for incorporating the coatings into the optical media are included. In preferred embodiments, the marking is formed in a photosensitive coating that is applied to the optical media, and then cured with a first light. A second light, having a substantially separate band of wavelengths from the first light, is used to image a marking into the coating. The coating is robust to many external influences, such as ambient environmental conditions, and physical wear.

Incorporation of markings in optical media

Disclosed herein are methods and apparatus for providing markings upon objects, including the read side of an optical information media, where the markings do not substantially interfere with object, including the use of the optical information media. This invention discloses use of a coating, marking schemes, printing of markings with UV light, as well as methods and apparatus for reading and deciphering said marking. Included is an authentication scheme, where the marking may be used as a lock to limit access to information contained in an optical information media.

Marking and authenticating articles

A monolithic, side pumped, passively Q-switched, solid-state laser () includes a laser resonator structure () that includes a laser gain medium () having an output face bonded to a passive Q-switch (). The gain medium () has a side face (A) for receiving pump light. The pump light is preferably generated by a laser diode array (). In a further embodiment, a non-linear optical material (), such as frequency doubling KTP, is optically coupled to an output face of the Q-switch for providing output wavelength conversion. A method is also disclosed for fabricating the monolithic, side pumped, passively Q-switched, solid-state laser. Techniques are included for providing compensation from thermal aberrations during operation of the laser.

Monolithic, side-pumped, passively Q-switched solid-state laser

&ldquo;Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable media unreadable and tamper-resistant. A method has steps of (a)providing the media with a readout surface layer that is non-flat (i.e., texture in some way, such as by embossing, scratching, depositing a non-flat layer or regions, such as droplets) and that inhibits optical readout of the media; (b) applying a coating layer to the non-flat surface layer to smooth the non-flat surface and to enable optical readout of the media; and, after an initiation of a readout period, (c) removing the coating layer so as to expose the non-flat readout surface layer, thereby inhibiting optical readout of the media. Preferably, the coating layer is substantially index matched to the readout surface layer. The step of removing includes at least one of evaporating or subliming a component material of the coating layer A method is also disclosed for discouraging tampering with a readout-limiting mechanism by (a) providing the media with at least one layer that embodies the readout-limiting mechanism; (b) providing a textured surface that forms part of a layer that underlies the at least one layer, where the textured surface inhibits optical readout of the media; and (c) applying a coating layer over the textured surface to smooth the textured surface and to enable optical readout of the media, wherein removal of the coating layer exposes the textured surface thereby inhibiting optical readout of the media.&rdquo;

Methods and apparatus for rendering an optically encoded medium unreadable and tamper-resistant

Methods and apparatus are provided for making an optically readable media unreadable and tamper-resistant. A method has steps of (a) providing the media with a readout surface layer that is non-flat (i.e., textured in some way, such as by embossing, scratching, depositing a non-planar layer or regions, such as droplets) and that inhibits optical readout of the media; (b) applying a coating layer to the non-flat surface layer to smooth the non-flat surface and to enable optical readout of the media; and, after an initiation of a readout period, (c) removing the coating layer so as to expose the non-flat readout surface layer, thereby inhibiting optical readout of the media. Preferably, the coating layer is substantially index matched to the readout surface layer. The step of removing includes at least one of evaporating or subliming a component material of the coating layer A method is also disclosed for discouraging tampering with a readout-limiting mechanism by (a) providing the media with at least one layer that embodies the readout-limiting mechanism; (b) providing a textured surface that forms part of a layer that underlies the at least one layer, where the textured surface inhibits optical readout of the media; and (c) applying a coating layer over the textured surface to smooth the textured surface and to enable optical readout of the media, wherein removal of the coating layer exposes the textured surface thereby inhibiting optical readout of the media.

Growing community of inventors

Providence, RI, United States of America

Andrei Smuk