Abstract: Provided is a laminated body in which a print layer is provided downstream of a laser color development layer without lowering quality. A card is provided with an offset print layer laminated on a base material, a buffer layer laminated on the offset print layer and having translucency, and a laser color development layer laminated on the buffer layer. The buffer layer minimizes scratches on the offset print layer that occur with the heat generation of the laser color development layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of protecting value documents and value commercial goods against counterfeit and illegal reproduction. In particular, the present invention provides processes for producing optical effect layers (OELs) comprising non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable particles and comprising a motif made of at least two areas made of a single applied and cured layer, said motif being obtained by using a selective curing performed by irradiation with an actinic radiation LED source (x41) comprising an array of individually addressable actinic radiation emitters.

Abstract: Provided is a selective transfer method including depositing a thin film on a substrate; patterning the thin film using a laser or a tool to acquire a thin film of a target pattern; masking the thin film of the target pattern; selectively controlling a surface wettability through surface treatment of the masked thin film; delaminating the thin film of the target pattern by dipping a surface of the thin film with a wettability changed in response to a completion of the selective surface treatment into a liquid material and by applying a crack opening force capable of delaminating an interface between the thin film and the substrate; and immersing a target substrate into the liquid material when the thin film of the target pattern is floating in the liquid material and then scoop-up transferring the floating thin film of the target pattern.

Abstract: An article is authenticated by providing a magnetic security mark in the form of an optically-passive randomly-generated nanoscale magnetic pattern. The pattern is pre-imaged and this reference image is uploaded to a secure database along with an identifier for the article such as a serial number. A user of the article verifies its authenticity by scanning it magnetically to obtain a scanned image of the magnetic pattern. The serial number is used to retrieve the previously uploaded reference image which is compared to the scanned image. If the images match, the article's authenticity is confirmed. A single article may have multiple magnetic security marks, each unique, placed at predetermined, non-uniform locations. The magnetic patterns are generated using thin film deposition of yttrium iron garnet. In one embodiment the article is a physical key having additional security features, such as mechanical features and a radio-frequency identification chip.

Abstract: A temperature-indicator product comprising a visual indicator comprising a thermochromic colour-memory composition and comprising an electron-donating colouring organic compound (A), an electron-accepting colouring organic compound (B) and reaction medium compound (C). The visual indicator comprises a first portion comprising a first thermochromic colour-change composition in its lower temperature state and a second portion comprising a second thermochromic colour-change composition in its higher temperature state. The product is useful as a tamper-evident indicator or as a freeze indicator.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device and a method of fabricating a photosensitive optoelectronic device includes depositing a first organic semiconductor material on a first electrode to form a continuous first layer; depositing a layer of a second organic semiconductor material on the first layer to form a discontinuous second layer, portions of the first layer remaining exposed; and depositing the first organic semiconductor material on the second layer to form a discontinuous third layer, portions of at least the second layer remaining exposed. The depositing of the first and second organic semiconductor materials are alternated a number of times until a final layer of the second organic material is added to form a continuous layer. A second electrode is deposited over this final layer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of the protection of security documents, such as for example banknotes and identity documents against counterfeit and illegal reproduction. In particular, the present disclosure provides processes for producing optical effect layers (OELs) on a substrate and OELs obtained thereof, said process including two magnetic orientation steps: a step of exposing a coating composition having platelet-shaped magnetic or magnetisable pigment particles to a dynamic magnetic field of a first magnetic-field-generating device so as to bi-axially orient at least a part of the platelet-shaped magnetic or magnetisable pigment particles, and a step of exposing the coating composition to a static magnetic field of a second magnetic-field-generating device, thereby mono-axially re-orienting at least a part of the platelet-shaped magnetic or magnetisable pigment particles.

Abstract: A scanning laser having a wavelength compatible with a coating binder so as to cure it as the laser scans and irradiates the coating on a moving web. A system and method for curing flakes by providing a scanning laser which scans across a moving coated substrate in a magnetic field allows images to be formed as magnetically aligned flakes are cured into a fixed position. The images have regions of cured aligned flakes. The scanning laser cures the magnetically aligned flakes within it region it irradiates. Alternatively an array of lasers can be used wherein individual lasers can be switched on and off to fix irradiated coating as a moving web is moved at a high speed.

Abstract: A method is provided for freezing the orientation of orientable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles by irradiation hardening the coating layer comprising the orientable magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles through the substrate carrying the coating layer. This method can be used in the protection of security documents, such as for example banknotes and identity documents, against counterfeit and illegal reproduction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a multilayer body (100, 200, 300, 400), as well as a multilayer body (100, 200, 300, 400) produced thereby. A single- or multi-layered first decorative ply (3) is applied to a carrier ply with a first (11) and a second (12) side. A metal layer (5) is applied to the side of the first decorative ply (3) facing away from the carrier ply and structured such that the metal layer (5) is provided with a first layer thickness in one or more first zones (8) and is provided with a second layer thickness different from the first layer thickness in one or more second zones (9), wherein in particular the second layer thickness is equal to zero. A single- or multi-layered second decorative ply (7) is applied to the side of the metal layer (5) facing away from the first decorative ply (3) and structured using the metal layer (5) as mask such that the first (3) or second (7) decorative ply is at least partially removed in the first (8) or second (9) zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of the protection of value documents and value commercial goods against counterfeit and illegal reproduction. In particular, the present invention relates to security threads or stripes comprising a holographic metallic layer; a first transparent substrate; a second transparent substrate; a first hardened coating and a second hardened coating, wherein a first plurality of non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles of the first hardened coating are oriented so as to follow a convex curvature and wherein the second plurality of non-spherical magnetic or magnetizable pigment particles of the second hardened coating are oriented so as to follow a concave curvature so as to form a plural rolling bar effect.

Abstract: A timepiece includes a dial plate, and a solar battery which is disposed on a rear side of the dial plate. The dial plate is provided with grooves or ridges. The grooves or the ridges have portions where inclination angles with regard to a normal line of the dial plate are different, and due to this, light which is transmitted through the dial plate is incident from a plurality of directions with angles which are different with regard to the solar battery.

Abstract: A cleaning agent for a silicon wafer (a first cleaning agent) contains at least a water-based cleaning liquid and a water-repellent cleaning liquid for providing at least a recessed portion of an uneven pattern with water repellency during a cleaning process. The water-based cleaning liquid is a liquid in which a water-repellent compound having a reactive moiety chemically bondable to Si element in the silicon wafer and a hydrophobic group, and an organic solvent including at least an alcoholic solvent are mixed and contained. With this cleaning agent, the cleaning process which tends to induce a pattern collapse can be improved.

Abstract: A security device for authenticating bank notes, documents and other items, comprises a luminescent material for producing luminescent radiation of first and second wavelengths. The security device includes an optically variable structure for controlling emission of luminescent radiation of at least one of the first and second wavelengths from the security device, the security device being arranged to permit, from an area of the optically variable structure, emission of luminescence of the first and second wavelengths from the security device. The optically variable structure causes the relative emissivity of the security device for luminescent radiation of the first and second wavelengths to change with a change in emission angle, so that the security device produces an angle-dependent color shift in the emitted luminescent radiation.

Abstract: A recording medium having improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) capabilities includes a cap layer over the recording layer, where the cap layer has a magnetic damping constant greater than 0.03, such as by using a FeHo cap layer. One mechanism for increasing the SNR is by reducing the switching field distribution. Such a medium is particularly useful in the context of heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR).

Abstract: A tamper evident document, a process of preparing the tamper evident document, and a tamper evident ink. The tamper evident document includes a paper substrate having a face for providing information, and a tamper evident ink applied on the face of the paper substrate. The tamper evident ink includes (i) microcapsules having a cross-linked polymer shell and a core surrounded by the shell; and (ii) developer particles. The cores of the microcapsules include at least one color former dissolved in a carrier oil. If information on the tamper evident document is altered by force or pressure (e.g., by scraping with a knife), the microcapsules rupture and the color former reacts with the developer particles to provide a visual indication of tampering (e.g., appearance of color or color change) on the face of the document.

Abstract: A water-based inkjet ink for tampering prevention which readily allows detection of evidence of tampering by visual inspection using a variety of organic solvents on the written content of a printed article for financial securities or the like, a method for inkjet printing using the same, and a printed article. The water-based inkjet ink for tampering detection contains at least one type of disperse or oil-soluble dye which includes no cyano groups or azo groups, at least one type of dispersing agent, at least one type of water-soluble organic solvent and water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a marking on an item or substrate, which marking is based on a chiral nematic (also called cholesteric) liquid crystal precursor composition. Prior to curing the chiral liquid crystal precursor composition in the chiral liquid crystal state at least one optical property exhibited by the composition is modified by two modifying agents of different types in at least one area of the item or substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a multilayer element (100), and also to a multilayer element (100) produced by said method. On and/or in a carrier ply (1) a decorative ply (3) is formed. The decorative ply (3) has a first region (8) and a second region (9). Viewed perpendicular to the plane of the carrier ply (1), the decorative ply (3) has in the first region (8) a first transmittance and in the second region (9) a second transmittance greater in comparison to the first transmittance. A layer (5) to be structured and a photoactivatable resist layer are disposed on the first side (11) of the carrier ply (1). On exposure of the resist layer through the decorative ply (3), the decorative ply (3) serves as an exposure mask. The at least one layer (5) to be structured and the resist layer are structured in register to one another by means of structuring operations synchronized with one another.

Abstract: An identification document which includes anti-counterfeiting features to provide tamper evidence in response to counterfeiting attempts includes an image receiving area having one or more fixed or variable items of information. In one embodiment, a pattern of material is embedded into the image receiving layer in the vicinity of the one or more fixed or variable items of information in a predetermined configuration. The embedded pattern is comprised of a solvent insoluble material such that attempted delamination of the document using solvents results in visually detectable tampering.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heating article (1) comprising a substrate (2) of which one of the surfaces (21) is equipped with a design (4), in the form of a coating layer with at least one pattern (41, 42), which comprises a thermochromic pigment composition with at least one SC thermochromic pigment that is lipid-sensitive under heat. According to the invention, the thermochromic pigment composition includes at least one thermostable pigment and composite pigment grains (43), which each include a core (430) including the semiconducting thermochromic pigment, and a solid, transparent and continuous envelope (431), formed by a mineral or organomineral material. The thermochromic pigment composition shows a reversible change in color in a thermal color-change area with an amplitude of no more than 40° C. within the range of variation of said temperature T1 of use.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an ink set which makes it possible to obtain recorded images that have a broad color reproduction range and a high saturation, as well as glossiness without conspicuous graininess caused by dot expression, and which in particular makes it possible to achieve an extreme suppression of graininess caused by dot expression in cases where the ink set is used on media that have a coating layer, and to obtain recorded images with extremely superior coloring characteristics in cases where the ink set is used on ordinary paper. The present invention provides an ink set comprising at least a yellow ink (Y), magenta ink (M), cyan ink (C) and red ink (R), wherein the L* values in the CIE-stipulated Lab display system of aqueous solutions of the respective inks diluted 1000 times by weight are in the following ranges: (Y): at least 89 but no more than 94, (M): at least 76 but no more than 93, (C): at least 74 and no more than 87, (R): at least 55 and no more than 74.

Abstract: A device, a method for marking a substrate (14) with a plasma generator (5) and a corresponding marking are disclosed. A plasma jet (11) is directed onto the substrate (14) and is superimposed with a powder jet (12). In a powder dosing and dispersing unit (7), a powder (20) and a marker substance (30) in powder form are mixed. The marking forms an adhesive layer (15) of the powder (20) material in which a marker substance (30) is homogeneously distributed and permanently embedded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a personalisable support comprising anti-forgery devices which are provided in order to indicate every attempt of fraudulent personalization. The support comprises a body (2) which is on one side equipped with personalization data (6,7) which are obtained by carbonization of the base material by means of a laser beam. The anti-forgery devices (8), which totally or partly cover these personalization data, draw a pattern (90, 80) along which bubbles (9) are created whose density (d1-d5) varies depending on the degree of carbonization of the areas (61-65) which are covered by the pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an anti-counterfeiting film and process for preparation thereof. The anti-counterfeiting film comprises a directional retroreflective layer (1), an optical-angle-based color-changing information layer (2), a reflective layer (3) and a support layer (4) which are combined in this turn. The support layer (4) is made of a polymer resin material, the reflective layer (3) is made of a material with high reflectivity and has a thickness of nanoscale, the information layer (2) is made of an optical-angle-based color-changing chiral polymer material having a helical structure or made of an optical-angle-based color-changing cellulose material. The optical-angle-based color-changing chiral polymer material having a helical structure is a condensation product of a chiral compound and a compound with functional group. The optical-angle-based color-changing cellulose material is composed of a cellulose derivative and a polymerisable monomer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel security feature in the form of a luminescent marking for integration in a recording material. The security feature comprises a radiation layer (21) with luminescent components and a masking layer (2) with cavity pigments at least partly masking the radiation layer. The pigments in the masking layer (2) are fused by locally defined heal treatment into the form of a marking. The invention particularly relates to a heat-sensitive recording material comprising, in a preferred embodiment, at least one substrate (10), a heat-sensitive recording layer (30), an intermediate layer (21), between the substrate and the heat-sensitive recording layer in the form of a radiation layer with luminescent components and a masking layer with cavity pigments (2), the pigments of the masking layer (2) being fused in the form of a marking by locally defined fusion.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to a chiral liquid crystal state, applying to at least one area of the precursor composition a modifying composition, if necessary, heating the at least one area to bring same to a modified liquid crystal state, and subsequently curing and/or polymerizing the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to a bring same to a chiral liquid crystal state, locally applying at least one modifying agent to modify the chiral liquid crystal state, and curing and/or polymerization the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a first chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to bring same to a first chiral liquid crystal state, applying to at least one area of the first composition a second chiral liquid crystal precursor composition, heating the at least one area to bring same to a second chiral liquid crystal state, and subsequently curing and/or polymerizing the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to a first chiral liquid crystal state, applying to at least one area of the precursor composition a chiral dopant composition, heating the at least one area to bring same to a second chiral liquid crystal state, and subsequently curing and/or polymerizing the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: Fibers having a plurality of colored regions printed on front and rear sides of said fiber are disclosed, wherein the colors are visible only under ultra-violet light. The regions may be in the form of stripes or may be arranged in a pseudo-random pattern. The regions may be differently colored. Such fibers can be incorporated into paper products as a form of counterfeit protection.

Abstract: Moisture activated invisible stencil technology is created by applying a moisture blocking agent in accordance with an artwork is applied to a base substrate. The base substrate is preferably fabricated of a moisture absorbing material. When the object is subjected to moisture, moisture wets to the exposed portion of the base substrate and is repelled in the areas where the moisture blocking agent is applied thereon. The wetted portion of the base substrate changes in shade or color to expose the concealed image. The moisture activated invisible stencil technology can be applied for simple aesthetic applications or advanced for applications to identify wet objects. The advanced applications can include warnings for wet roadways, pool decks, umbrellas, etc.

Abstract: The invention concerns a security element (1) and a value-bearing document safeguarded by such a security element. The security element (1) includes a strip-form multi-layer body (10) with a carrier film (11) and at least one decorative layer (12), as well as a first and a second adhesive layer (14, 15). The first adhesive layer (14) is provided on a first surface of the multi-layer body (10). The second adhesive layer (15) is provided on an opposite second surface of the multi-layer body. The security element has two or more first regions (21) in which the first adhesive layer (14) respectively covers the first surface of the multi-layer body and two or more second regions (22) in which the second but not the first surface of the multi-layer body is respectively covered by the second and the first adhesive layer respectively and in which a surface structure is respectively formed in the first surface. First and second regions (21, 22) are in this case arranged in mutually juxtaposed adjacent relationship.

Abstract: This invention relates to an article (1) including a substrate (2) including two opposite faces (21, 22), and a sol-gel coating (3) covering at least one of the faces (21, 22) of said substrate (2), in which said sol-gel coating (3) is in the form of a continuous film of a material including a matrix formed by at least one metal polyalkoxylate and at least 5% by weight with respect to the total weight of the coating (3) of at least one metal oxide dispersed in said matrix. According to the invention, the sol-gel coating (3) is coated with a functional design (4) including at least one optically non-transparent chemical substance. This invention also relates to a process for producing an article.

Abstract: Fibers (2, 14) having a plurality of colored regions printed on front and rear sides of said fiber are disclosed, wherein the colors are visible only under ultra-violet light. The regions may be in the form of stripes (4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) or may be arranged is a pseudo-random pattern (16, 18, 20, 22, 24). The regions may be differently colored. Such fibers can be incorporated into paper products as a form of counterfeit protection.

Abstract: Provided is an actinic-ray- or radiation-sensitive resin composition, including a resin comprising a repeating unit (A), the a repeating unit (A) containing a structural moiety (S1) that when acted on by an acid, is decomposed to thereby generate an alkali-soluble group and a structural moiety (S2) that when acted on by an alkali developer, is decomposed to thereby increase its rate of dissolution in the alkali developer, and a repeating unit (B) that when exposed to actinic rays or radiation, generates an acid.

Abstract: Provided is a resist composition, including (A) a resin that when acted on by an acid, is decomposed to thereby increase its solubility in an alkali developer, (B) a compound that when exposed to actinic rays or radiation, generates an acid, the compound being any of those of general formulae (I) and (II) below, (C) a resin containing at least either a fluorine atom or a silicon atom, and (D) a mixed solvent containing a first solvent and a second solvent, at least either the first solvent or the second solvent exhibiting a normal boiling point of 200° C. or higher.

Abstract: Pasty ink for the engraved steel die printing process, having a viscosity value above 3 Pa·s, preferably above 5 Pa·s at 40° C., and comprising an infrared absorbing material, wherein said infrared absorbing material is a transition element compound whose IR-absorption is a consequence of electronic transitions within the d-shell of transition element atoms or ions.

Abstract: An article surface ornamental structure that is easy to work and able to form a decorative pattern of an optional design and a high-grade feeling produced thanks to the metallic luster and, if necessary, to form a third dimensional decorative pattern. A metal-coated layer is formed by depositing a metal material with metallic luster on a surface of a base material. The metal-coated layer is at least partly provided with a separation part, in which the based material has its surface exposed to create an ornamental pattern thanks to a difference between the outer appearance of the base material and the metallic luster of the remaining metal-coated layer. With the base material and the metal-coated layer exposed, respectively, each of their surfaces is coated with a clear-coating layer made of synthetic resin material having transmittancy in order to protect the surface of the ornamental pattern.

Abstract: A water-based drawing surface and a toy employing same are disclosed. The drawing surface includes a plastic substrate layer and a fabric layer adhered to the plastic substrate layer. A substantially water-resistant layer is applied to the fabric layer, and an ink layer is applied to the substantially water-resistant layer. The ink layer includes ink imprinted thereon, the ink being water-soluble when initially applied to the substantially water-resistant layer and insoluble after the ink has dried on the substantially water-resistant layer. When water is applied to the ink layer after the ink has dried thereon, the ink layer darkens in the shape of the water applied thereto. The ink is preferably screen-printing ink and it is preferably hand brushed onto the fabric layer.

Abstract: A three-ply product includes a particle board core assembled with a patterned vulcanized fiber sheet or layer on each surface. One of the vulcanized fiber sheets may have a preprinted decorative pattern provided thereon. The other vulcanized fiber sheet may also be decorative, or merely a plain sheet of vulcanized fiber. The product is useful for woodworking applications, and may be processed (i.e., stained, sanded, lacquered, etc.) like a natural wood product. Unlike prior vulcanized fiber processes, the process of making the vulcanized fiber sheets preprints a pattern, in a preprinting process, on the top sheets of cellulose paper plies.

Abstract: A liquid crystal polymer marking is obtainable by a process that comprises applying a chiral liquid crystal precursor composition onto a substrate, heating the composition to a first chiral liquid crystal state, applying to at least one area of the precursor composition a chiral dopant composition, heating the at least one area to bring same to a second chiral liquid crystal state, and subsequently curing and/or polymerizing the resultant product. This abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a material which shows anisotropic properties when interacting with electromagnetic radiation of suitable wavelength or with an electric, magnetic or electromagnetic field, said material comprising a component which comprises particles, said component being capable of interacting with said radiation or field to effect, or contribute to, said anisotropic material properties, said particles being spatially moveable under the influence of the said, or a different, radiation or field.

Abstract: A document may include a non-magnetic substrate, a first colorant mixture printed as a first image upon the substrate, the first colorant mixture including a magnetic ink, and a second colorant mixture printed as a second image upon the substrate in substantially close spatial proximity to the printed first colorant mixture. The second colorant mixture may consist essentially of one or more non-magnetic inks and exhibit properties of both low visual contrast and high magnetic contrast against the first colorant mixture, such that the resultant printed substrate does not reveal the first image to the human eye, but will reveal the first image to a magnetic image reader.

Abstract: An identification medium is optimized for displaying visible and excitable indicia. The medium includes a substrate having a color change layer, such as a direct thermal layer, and a patterned excitable layer placed over the color change layer. The color change layer produces the visible indicia. The excitable layer produces the excitable indicia. The excitable indicia is not easily readable under ambient light but becomes more easily readable under directed radiation, i.e., UV or IR light.

Abstract: An identification document which includes anti-counterfeiting features to provide tamper evidence in response to counterfeiting attempts includes an image receiving area having one or more fixed or variable items of information. In one embodiment, a pattern of material is embedded into the image receiving layer in the vicinity of the one or more fixed or variable items of information in a predetermined configuration. The embedded pattern is comprised of a solvent insoluble material such that attempted delamination of the document using solvents results in visually detectable tampering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a personalisable support comprising anti-forgery devices which are provided in order to indicate every attempt of fraudulent personalisation. The support comprises a body (2) which is on one side equipped with personalisation data (6,7) which are obtained by carbonisation of the base material by means of a laser beam. The anti-forgery devices (8), which totally or partly cover these personalisation data, draw a pattern (90, 80) along which bubbles (9) are created whose density (d1-d5) varies depending on the degree of carbonisation of the areas (61-65) which are covered by the pattern.

Abstract: Polymer composite films were prepared by solvent casting suspensions of quantum dots (QDs) in cellulose triacetate (CTA) solution. The films were robust and possessed the optical properties characteristic of QDs. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of the films revealed that the QDs were well dispersed within the CTA film matrix. The selective alkaline hydrolysis of QD/CTA films in 0.1N NaOH over 24 hours resulted in the surface conversion of CTA to regenerated cellulose. Optical properties of the films were probed both before and after the hydrolysis reaction using fluorescence spectroscopy, and were found generally unaltered. The cellulose surfaces of the alkaline treated films allow for facile incorporation of the films into paper sheets.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for including a double layer security mark in digital document data defining an image of a document to be printed and in the printed document, itself. A fluorescence mark region including a fluorescence mark is defined using first and second metameric colorant mixtures. Variation in colorant spatial coverage between the first and second metameric colorant mixtures results in colorant-free areas that define the fluorescence mark due to substrate fluorescence under UV illumination. The fluorescence mark region is modified to define a double layer fluorescence mark region including the fluorescence mark and also including at least one visible light object defined by a third colorant mixture. The third colorant mixture is added to the fluorescence mark region by masking the colorant-free areas of the fluorescence mark region to prevent writing of the third colorant mixture data to the colorant-free areas so as not to disturb the colorant-free areas.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward fluorescent inks and markers comprising carbon nanotubes. The present invention is also directed toward methods of making such inks and markers and to methods of using such inks and markers, especially for security applications (e.g., anti-counterfeiting). Such inks and markers rely on the unique fluorescent properties of semiconducting carbon nanotubes.