Abstract: There is disclosed an authentication device (10) for authenticating a luminescent security mark, the device comprising: an illumination source (30) configured to irradiate the security mark with a pulse of excitation radiation so as to cause the security mark to emit luminescent radiation that decays with time; a radiation detector configured to detect the luminescent radiation emitted by the security mark; and an optical waveguide (22) positioned relative to the illumination source (30) and the radiation detector and configured so as to guide by internal reflection both excitation radiation emitted from the illumination source towards the security mark, and luminescent radiation emitted by the security mark towards the radiation detector.

Abstract: There is disclosed an authentication device (10) for authenticating a luminescent security mark, the device comprising: an illumination source (30) configured to irradiate the security mark with a pulse of excitation radiation so as to cause the security mark to emit luminescent radiation that decays with time; a radiation detector configured to detect the luminescent radiation emitted by the security mark; and an optical waveguide (22) positioned relative to the illumination source (30) and the radiation detector and configured so as to guide by internal reflection both excitation radiation emitted from the illumination source towards the security mark, and luminescent radiation emitted by the security mark towards the radiation detector.

Abstract: A container made of double faced corrugated board incorporates a tear tape (10,27) for opening it which is secured to the inside surface of walls (1,2,3,4,22) of the container. The tear tape is arranged to be pulled through one or more lines of weakness (14,23) formed in the outside of the board in alignment with the tear tape, the one or more lines of weakness not extending through the board.