A substrate can include at least two scintillator materials that are mixed at a predetermined ratio. In an embodiment, the scintillator materials can have a decay time difference of at least 50% when exposed to a same radiation source. In another embodiment, the scintillator materials can have a maximum emission wavelength difference of at least 25 nm when exposed to a same radiation source. At least one of the scintillator materials has a decay time of at most 10 s. A system can include the substrate and a logic element configured to determine an identity represented by the substrate. A method can include generating an electronic pulse in response to the substrate being exposed to a radiation source; and analyzing the electronic pulse to determine an identity represented by the substrate.

A substrate can include at least two scintillator materials that are mixed at a predetermined ratio. In an embodiment, the scintillator materials can have a decay time difference of at least 50% when exposed to a same radiation source. In another embodiment, the scintillator materials can have a maximum emission wavelength difference of at least 25 nm when exposed to a same radiation source. At least one of the scintillator materials has a decay time of at most 10 s. A system can include the substrate and a logic element configured to determine an identity represented by the substrate. A method can include generating an electronic pulse in response to the substrate being exposed to a radiation source; and analyzing the electronic pulse to determine an identity represented by the substrate.

The present invention describes methods and apparatuses for creating superposition shape images by superposed base and revealing layers of lenslet gratings. The superposition shape images form a message recognizable by a human observer or by an image acquisition and computing device such as a smartphone. The superposition shape images may be created by different superposition techniques ranging from 1D moir, 2D moir and level-line moir superposition techniques to lenticular image and phase shift superposition techniques. Moir superposition techniques enable creating superposition shape images at different apparent depth levels. Applications comprise the protection of documents and valuable articles against counterfeits, the creation of eye-catching advertisements as well as the decoration of buildings and exhibitions.

The present invention describes methods and apparatuses for creating superposition shape images by superposed base and revealing layers of lenslet gratings. The superposition shape images form a message recognizable by a human observer or by an image acquisition and computing device such as a smartphone. The superposition shape images may be created by different superposition techniques ranging from 1D moir, 2D moir and level-line moir superposition techniques to lenticular image and phase shift superposition techniques. Moir superposition techniques enable creating superposition shape images at different apparent depth levels. Applications comprise the protection of documents and valuable articles against counterfeits, the creation of eye-catching advertisements as well as the decoration of buildings and exhibitions.

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for applying a ghost image to an identification document that include the actions of obtaining a first image of an object. Identifying a first portion of the first image that corresponds with the object and a second portion of the first image that does not correspond with the object. Generating a second image by converting the first image to a negative image, and removing the second portion of the first image that does not correspond to the object. Generating a halftone image from the second image. Causing optically variable media to be applied to the identification document based on the halftone image. The optically variable media has a first appearance when viewed from in reflected light at a first angle and a second, different appearance when viewed in reflected light at a second, different angle.

A visibly transparent, homogeneous UV-blocking cellulose nanocrystal/lignin nanocomposite film and a method of making the same. The film is made by dispersing cellulose nanocrystals and lignin in an aqueous, alkaline solution to yield a dispersion; casting the dispersion onto a substrate; and evaporating the aqueous, alkaline solution to yield a homogeneous, visibly transparent film that at least partially absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

A visibly transparent, homogeneous UV-blocking cellulose nanocrystal/lignin nanocomposite film and a method of making the same. The film is made by dispersing cellulose nanocrystals and lignin in an aqueous, alkaline solution to yield a dispersion; casting the dispersion onto a substrate; and evaporating the aqueous, alkaline solution to yield a homogeneous, visibly transparent film that at least partially absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Paper substrates which incorporate covert marking pigments (CMPs) which are one or more infrared (IR) anti-Stokes pigments. Also, processes for incorporating such CMPs into a paper substrate other than by a printing technique, such as, for example, by using a size press or spraying, as well as processes for identifying the presence of such CMPs incorporated into a paper substrate sheet with an infrared (IR) pigment sensor of, for example, a copier or printer for the purpose of adjusting the quantity of printer pigment deposited on a paper substrate sheet or to determine whether the paper substrate sheet is an authentic or counterfeit document.

Paper substrates which incorporate covert marking pigments (CMPs) which are one or more infrared (IR) anti-Stokes pigments. Also, processes for incorporating such CMPs into a paper substrate other than by a printing technique, such as, for example, by using a size press or spraying, as well as processes for identifying the presence of such CMPs incorporated into a paper substrate sheet with an infrared (IR) pigment sensor of, for example, a copier or printer for the purpose of adjusting the quantity of printer pigment deposited on a paper substrate sheet or to determine whether the paper substrate sheet is an authentic or counterfeit document.

A feature substance is provided for securing the authenticity of documents of value, having at least one luminescent substance in particle form and nanoparticles enveloping the surfaces of the luminescent substance particles at least partially, wherein the properties of the feature substance result from the interaction of the properties of the luminescent substance and of the nanoparticles. The invention furthermore relates to a method for producing the feature substance, a method for securing the authenticity of a security element or document of value using a feature substance, as well as security elements and documents of value with authenticity features on the basis of the feature substance.