Optically resonant subwavelength films for tamper-indicating tags and seals

Kyle J. Alvine; Jonathan D. Suter; Bruce E. Bernacki; Wendy D. Bennett

doi:10.1117/12.2177160

23 May 2015 Optically resonant subwavelength films for tamper-indicating tags and seals

Kyle J. Alvine, Jonathan D. Suter, Bruce E. Bernacki, Wendy D. Bennett

Proceedings Volume 9456, Sensors, and Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) Technologies for Homeland Security, Defense, and Law Enforcement XIV; 94560C (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2177160
Event: SPIE Defense + Security, 2015, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

We present the design, modeling and performance of a proof-of-concept tamper indicating approach that exploits newlydeveloped subwavelength-patterned films. These films have a nanostructure-dependent resonant optical reflection that is wavelength, angle, and polarization dependent. As such, they can be tailored to fabricate overlay transparent films for tamper indication and authentication of sensitive or controlled materials not possible with currently-known technologies. An additional advantage is that the unique optical signature is dictated by the geometry and fabrication process of the nanostructures in the film, rather than on the material used. The essential structure unit in the subwavelength resonant coating is a nanoscale Open-Ring Resonator (ORR). This building block is fabricated by coating a dielectric nanoscale template with metal to form a hemispherical shell-like structure. This curved metallic shell structure has a cross-section with an intrinsic capacitance and inductance and is thus the optical equivalent to the well-known “LC” circuit where the capacitance and inductance are determined by the nanoshell dimensions. For structures with sub 100 nm scale, this resonance occurs in the visible electromagnetic spectrum, and in the IR for larger shells. Tampering of the film would be visible though misalignment of the angle-sensitive features in the film. It is additionally possible to add in intrinsic oxidation and strain sensitive matrix materials to further complicate tamper repair and counterfeiting. Cursory standoff readout would be relatively simple using a combination of a near-infrared (or visible) LED flashlight and polarizer or passively using room lighting illumination and a dispersive detector.

Citation Download Citation

Kyle J. Alvine, Jonathan D. Suter, Bruce E. Bernacki, and Wendy D. Bennett "Optically resonant subwavelength films for tamper-indicating tags and seals", Proc. SPIE 9456, Sensors, and Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C3I) Technologies for Homeland Security, Defense, and Law Enforcement XIV, 94560C (23 May 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2177160

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