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WO2001028006A2 - Black light sources and methods for excitation of fluorescence - Google Patents

Black light sources and methods for excitation of fluorescence Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001028006A2
WO2001028006A2 PCT/US2000/041101 US0041101W WO0128006A2 WO 2001028006 A2 WO2001028006 A2 WO 2001028006A2 US 0041101 W US0041101 W US 0041101W WO 0128006 A2 WO0128006 A2 WO 0128006A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ultraviolet
emitting source
source
emitting
led
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/041101
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2001028006A3 (en
Inventor
Louis H. Liang
D. B. Krug Kruger
Donald L. Wray
Original Assignee
Angstrom Technologies, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Angstrom Technologies, Inc. filed Critical Angstrom Technologies, Inc.
Priority to AU19633/01A priority Critical patent/AU1963301A/en
Publication of WO2001028006A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001028006A2/en
Publication of WO2001028006A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001028006A3/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07D—HANDLING OF COINS OR VALUABLE PAPERS, e.g. TESTING, SORTING BY DENOMINATIONS, COUNTING, DISPENSING, CHANGING OR DEPOSITING
    • G07D7/00—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency
    • G07D7/06—Testing specially adapted to determine the identity or genuineness of valuable papers or for segregating those which are unacceptable, e.g. banknotes that are alien to a currency using wave or particle radiation
    • G07D7/12—Visible light, infrared or ultraviolet radiation
    • G07D7/128—Viewing devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10544—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum
    • G06K7/10821—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices
    • G06K7/10881—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation by scanning of the records by radiation in the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum further details of bar or optical code scanning devices constructional details of hand-held scanners

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to sources of ultraviolet light and more specifically to apparatus and methods using the ultraviolet light sources for excitation of fluorescence, especially in authentication or quality control.
  • UV-emitting black lights are commonly available, ranging from 8-foot fluorescent tubes to Radio Shack or Coleman handheld models using F4T5BLB black light tubes and the small "Money Detector" by New Concept Technology Company of Kowloon, Hong Kong. They are typically broad band UV lights using a ballast or equivalent circuitry as an energizing device. Such conventional black lights often have significant emission in the visible portion of the spectrum. They are typically not energy-efficient, particularly during start-up. These black lights are not suitable for heavy field usage because of the high current drain. These black lights also take some time to reach full brightness after the switch is turned on. Different manufacturers often produce black lights with different spectral characteristics, and sometimes even a particular manufacturer produces black lights of a single model with various spectral characteristics, making such sources difficult to use for accurate authentication based on discrimination of the fluorescent colors.
  • the slow response of fluorescent tube type of UV lights also is not efficient for low speed strobing because the lights might have to be totally turned off and restarted in low speed strobing.
  • the slow warm up behavior thus makes them unsuitable for strobe lighting.
  • the frequent on/off cycle used in strobing also significantly reduces the useful life of both the conventional black light and its ballast.
  • UV excitation source that is intense (bright), narrow band, easily focused or diffused, easily strobed, conveniently filtered, and energy-efficient.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a circuit used in apparatus made in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 2a shows a graph of spectral characteristics of an ultraviolet source suitable for apparatus made in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 2b shows a graph of directivity of an ultraviolet source suitable for apparatus made in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 3 shows a graph of spectral characteristics of a conventional "black light” ultraviolet source (prior art);
  • FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of apparatus made in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of apparatus made in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of apparatus made in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 7 shows a schematic circuit diagram for a preferred embodiment of apparatus made in accordance with the invention.
  • UV light-emitting diodes LED's
  • other narrow-band UV light a novel high performance excitation UV source is made to meet various requirements that are not easily met with conventional broad band "black light” UV sources, such as Moolim Model F4T5BLB available from Hosfelt Electronics, Inc. of Steubenville, Ohio or Electronic Goldmine of Scottsville, AZ or Model BF325-UV1 available from JKL Components Corporation of Pacoima, California.
  • a similar broad band "black light” source may be available from Ushio Inc. of Tokyo, Japan (Ushio America of Cypress, CA).
  • the small size of the LED allows special arrangement in arrays that can either broaden the field of illumination or focus the array intensely on narrow spots.
  • optical narrow band pass filters further enables specific spectral responses of certain high quality UV fluorescent chemicals such as the Angstrom SC254, SC25, SC138, etc, to exhibit unique colors, under excitation, that are not achievable using conventional broad band ultraviolet-emitting sources.
  • These and other fluorescent materials are available from Angstrom Technologies, Inc. of Erlanger, KY.
  • the invention allows easy implementation of either "self-modulated” strobe lighting or synchronized strobing with an external trigger.
  • strobing is often used to mean modulation between on and off states at a frequency discernible by humans, but here the term is used in its more general sense, meaning modulating at any frequency. Strobing is often highly desirable in conjunction with visual inspection of articles moving at relatively high speed during processing, such as in printing, bottling, subassembly of components, etc. The high intensity and low current drain required are especially suitable for field mobile applications.
  • FIG. 1 An ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) or ultraviolet-light-emitting laser diode is used as the light source 20.
  • UV-LED ultraviolet-light-emitting diode
  • a suitable type of diode source 20 is an LED such as the Nichia DS1 - DS3 available from Nichia Corporation of Anan, Tokushima, Japan (Nichia America Corporation of Mountville, PA). The LED draws less than 20 milliamperes (mA) on a continuous-drain basis.
  • the spectral characteristic curve 30 is shown in FIG. 2, which illustrates the narrow band of wavelengths from a preferred UV-LED, the model NSHU590E, also available from Nichia Corporation.
  • the UV-LED model NSHU550E or the violet laser diode, model NLHV500A, both also available from Nichia Corporation may be used.
  • the broad band spectral characteristic curve 35 of a conventional black light source is shown in FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred arrangement having several diode sources 20 arranged in a hexagonal-close-packed array 40 disposed at one end of a case 50 containing suitable circuitry, such as that of FIG. 1, with an ON/OFF switch 60 accessible to the user.
  • the diode sources 20 are preferably arranged in a linear array 70, as shown FIG. 5.
  • a diffuser 80 is attached to the front end of the black light assembly, as in FIG. 6. Diffuser 80 may be attached by a "slip- on" attachment 85.
  • an optical band pass filter 90 is attached to the front end of the black light assembly in place of the diffuser 80.
  • the Angstrom SC254 fluorescent substance which exhibits red color under broadband UV light, exhibits a purple color under irradiation by the Nichia LED.
  • the fluorescent colors could be further modified uniquely. Therefore, with a narrow band UV black light it is possible to authenticate an UV fluorescent chemical visually and more precisely, in the first order, without needing the more expensive UV scanners such as the Angstrom Omni 2000 or 5000 series detectors.
  • FIG. 7 shows an example circuit for a strobing black light using an array of 20 UV-LED's 20.
  • the circuit of FIG. 7 is replaced with a conventional slave circuit that is controlled by the master machine, such as a printing press.
  • a fully integrated and battery powered and self modulating luminous signal detector consists of an integral excitation source, UV or IR for example, a focusing feedback sensor, such as an IR or ultrasonic sensor, and a signal detection system arranged in such a way that when the detection switch is activated and the focusing sensor detects that the pre-determined distance is in range, the detection circuit is activated.
  • the integrated light source for example, consists of a single UV-LED or an array of UV- LED 's to irradiate the desired target.
  • the detection circuitry processes the received signal, compares it to the pre-determined parameters, and gives a signal to indicate passing or failing or gives a digital read out.
  • Example 2 Embodiment incorporating UV-LED's in sports equipment
  • a moving object such as bowling ball, hockey puck, or other similar sports article, is made of transparent or translucent materials blended with various fluorescent or luminous chemicals such as Angstrom SC4, which is green, SC5, which is blue, SC6, which is yellow, SC25, which is red, etc.
  • an illuminator such as the new black- light source of the present invention is embedded.
  • the on-off switch is replaced with a mercury switch (which may be made directional) or a directional accelerometer switch, which will be automatically switched on or off when moving in certain directions.
  • the UV-LED will irradiate the blended fluorescent materials and make them glow so that the moving article becomes visible in a dimmed ambience.
  • the circuitry can be further enhanced by introducing strobing circuitry to modulate the UV-LED intermittently or in a predetermined manner that is discernible by participants in the sport.
  • the present invention is useful in many applications that use fluorescent substances for authentication of articles such as currency, checks, passports, and other documents and articles of value, or for quality control.
  • the invention may be used for authentication of articles in many applications in the authentication of theatre tickets, promotional premiums such as prize coupons, toys, and in mobile field applications or in a brightly-lighted environment.
  • Yet another application example is the detection of articles or package seals that have been tampered with. Many applications are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
  • the ultraviolet source may be used for quality control, and sports or entertainment as well as for authentication.
  • the description of the embodiments of the present invention is given above for the understanding of the present invention. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is capable of various modifications, rearrangements, and substitutions that will now become apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.
  • optical arrangement or excitation source switching can be varied to utilize the methods of conventional "blink comparators" wherein the feature of interest is made to blink on and off to ensure the user's attention.
  • functionally equivalent elements and materials may be substituted for those used in the embodiments as shown herein.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Image Input (AREA)
  • Investigating, Analyzing Materials By Fluorescence Or Luminescence (AREA)

Abstract

A high-performance ultraviolet excitation source is made with one or more ultraviolet-emitting LED's or ultraviolet-emitting laser diodes, which may be modulated at various frequencies for strobing or synchronous detection. The source may optionally include one or more visible-light LED's, such as white-light LED's, for detection of visual features of an article under examination. Methods and apparatus using the ultraviolet source for authentication, quality control, and sports or entertainment are described.

Description

Title of Invention
Black Light Sources and Methods for Excitation of Fluorescence
Technical Field
This invention relates generally to sources of ultraviolet light and more specifically to apparatus and methods using the ultraviolet light sources for excitation of fluorescence, especially in authentication or quality control.
Background of Invention
UV-emitting black lights are commonly available, ranging from 8-foot fluorescent tubes to Radio Shack or Coleman handheld models using F4T5BLB black light tubes and the small "Money Detector" by New Concept Technology Company of Kowloon, Hong Kong. They are typically broad band UV lights using a ballast or equivalent circuitry as an energizing device. Such conventional black lights often have significant emission in the visible portion of the spectrum. They are typically not energy-efficient, particularly during start-up. These black lights are not suitable for heavy field usage because of the high current drain. These black lights also take some time to reach full brightness after the switch is turned on. Different manufacturers often produce black lights with different spectral characteristics, and sometimes even a particular manufacturer produces black lights of a single model with various spectral characteristics, making such sources difficult to use for accurate authentication based on discrimination of the fluorescent colors.
The slow response of fluorescent tube type of UV lights also is not efficient for low speed strobing because the lights might have to be totally turned off and restarted in low speed strobing. The slow warm up behavior thus makes them unsuitable for strobe lighting. The frequent on/off cycle used in strobing also significantly reduces the useful life of both the conventional black light and its ballast.
Furthermore, it is difficult to focus UV light from a long cylindrical light source to a small area or point. The diffused UV light often is not bright enough in a bright ambient light environment to be effective. Hence, the usefulness in field and mobile applications of conventional black light bulbs is rather limited and requires cumbersome shielding from the ambient light.
Therefore, it is desirable to have a new UV excitation source that is intense (bright), narrow band, easily focused or diffused, easily strobed, conveniently filtered, and energy-efficient.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a circuit used in apparatus made in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2a shows a graph of spectral characteristics of an ultraviolet source suitable for apparatus made in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2b shows a graph of directivity of an ultraviolet source suitable for apparatus made in accordance with the invention; FIG. 3 shows a graph of spectral characteristics of a conventional "black light" ultraviolet source (prior art);
FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of apparatus made in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of apparatus made in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of a third embodiment of apparatus made in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 7 shows a schematic circuit diagram for a preferred embodiment of apparatus made in accordance with the invention.
Summary of Invention
Using ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (LED's) or other narrow-band UV light, a novel high performance excitation UV source is made to meet various requirements that are not easily met with conventional broad band "black light" UV sources, such as Moolim Model F4T5BLB available from Hosfelt Electronics, Inc. of Steubenville, Ohio or Electronic Goldmine of Scottsville, AZ or Model BF325-UV1 available from JKL Components Corporation of Pacoima, California.. A similar broad band "black light" source may be available from Ushio Inc. of Tokyo, Japan (Ushio America of Cypress, CA).
Furthermore, the small size of the LED allows special arrangement in arrays that can either broaden the field of illumination or focus the array intensely on narrow spots. The introduction of optical narrow band pass filters further enables specific spectral responses of certain high quality UV fluorescent chemicals such as the Angstrom SC254, SC25, SC138, etc, to exhibit unique colors, under excitation, that are not achievable using conventional broad band ultraviolet-emitting sources. These and other fluorescent materials are available from Angstrom Technologies, Inc. of Erlanger, KY.
Additionally, the invention allows easy implementation of either "self-modulated" strobe lighting or synchronized strobing with an external trigger. The term "strobing" is often used to mean modulation between on and off states at a frequency discernible by humans, but here the term is used in its more general sense, meaning modulating at any frequency. Strobing is often highly desirable in conjunction with visual inspection of articles moving at relatively high speed during processing, such as in printing, bottling, subassembly of components, etc. The high intensity and low current drain required are especially suitable for field mobile applications.
Best modes for realizing the invention
The circuitry for a simple embodiment of the invention 10 is shown in FIG. 1. An ultraviolet (UV) light-emitting diode (LED) or ultraviolet-light-emitting laser diode is used as the light source 20. For simplicity, the term "UV-LED" is used throughout this specification and the appended claims to mean either an ultraviolet -light-emitting diode or ultraviolet-light-emitting laser diode. A suitable type of diode source 20 is an LED such as the Nichia DS1 - DS3 available from Nichia Corporation of Anan, Tokushima, Japan (Nichia America Corporation of Mountville, PA). The LED draws less than 20 milliamperes (mA) on a continuous-drain basis. The spectral characteristic curve 30 is shown in FIG. 2, which illustrates the narrow band of wavelengths from a preferred UV-LED, the model NSHU590E, also available from Nichia Corporation. For some applications, the UV-LED model NSHU550E or the violet laser diode, model NLHV500A, both also available from Nichia Corporation, may be used. In contrast, the broad band spectral characteristic curve 35 of a conventional black light source (prior art) is shown in FIG. 3.
For concentrated light, several LED's are arranged in a cluster array to improve illumination of a focused area. Such a cluster arrangement is shown in FIG. 4, which illustrates a preferred arrangement having several diode sources 20 arranged in a hexagonal-close-packed array 40 disposed at one end of a case 50 containing suitable circuitry, such as that of FIG. 1, with an ON/OFF switch 60 accessible to the user.
For a wide area illumination, the diode sources 20 are preferably arranged in a linear array 70, as shown FIG. 5. For further diffusion, a diffuser 80 is attached to the front end of the black light assembly, as in FIG. 6. Diffuser 80 may be attached by a "slip- on" attachment 85.
For ultra-narrow spectral output, an optical band pass filter 90 is attached to the front end of the black light assembly in place of the diffuser 80. This gives unique frequency shift for the fluorescent chemical of interest and enhances reliability of the authentication. For example, the Angstrom SC254 fluorescent substance, which exhibits red color under broadband UV light, exhibits a purple color under irradiation by the Nichia LED. With additional filtering, the fluorescent colors could be further modified uniquely. Therefore, with a narrow band UV black light it is possible to authenticate an UV fluorescent chemical visually and more precisely, in the first order, without needing the more expensive UV scanners such as the Angstrom Omni 2000 or 5000 series detectors.
For strobing, it is necessary to control the speed and duty cycle of illumination by the UV-LED(s). FIG. 7 shows an example circuit for a strobing black light using an array of 20 UV-LED's 20. For synchronized strobing (e.g., for monitoring a process such as a printing process), the circuit of FIG. 7 is replaced with a conventional slave circuit that is controlled by the master machine, such as a printing press.
The characteristics of the UV-LED source make possible a number of other embodiments, which are described as examples in the following sections. Example 1 - Fully Integrated Mobile Luminous Signal Detector
There are many handheld fluorescent, phosphorescent, IR and other luminous signal detectors in the market place. Examples are Angstrom Omni 4000 Handheld UV Scanner and the UV Laminators. Problems with many of these handheld detectors include the current requirement and lack of consistently accurate focusing. The conventional UV light source draws high current making mobile application impractical because of the need to carry a large battery pack. There is a lack of a precise and automated mechanism to determine if the luminous target is in the pre- determined focus range of the detector. Since many authentication applications, such as event tickets, currency, designer garments, etc. require mobile operation in the field, it is therefore highly desirable to have an automated authenticator that is auto- focusing, has low battery drain, and is capable of operating in a bright ambient light environment. A fully integrated and battery powered and self modulating luminous signal detector consists of an integral excitation source, UV or IR for example, a focusing feedback sensor, such as an IR or ultrasonic sensor, and a signal detection system arranged in such a way that when the detection switch is activated and the focusing sensor detects that the pre-determined distance is in range, the detection circuit is activated. The integrated light source, for example, consists of a single UV-LED or an array of UV- LED 's to irradiate the desired target. The detection circuitry processes the received signal, compares it to the pre-determined parameters, and gives a signal to indicate passing or failing or gives a digital read out.
Example 2 - Embodiment incorporating UV-LED's in sports equipment
It has been popular in the last few years for "midnight" bowling in certain places where the bowling alley and bowling balls are painted/coated with luminous materials that will glow under UV black light. There are other leisure or novelty games, such as paint balls or laser tag, which are played in a darkened ambient environment with moving objects. Some of the moving objects are similarly coated/painted with luminous materials to enhance the ambiance. A way to further increase the novelty and ambiance is to make the moving object self- illuminating. A moving object, such as bowling ball, hockey puck, or other similar sports article, is made of transparent or translucent materials blended with various fluorescent or luminous chemicals such as Angstrom SC4, which is green, SC5, which is blue, SC6, which is yellow, SC25, which is red, etc. Within the moving object, an illuminator, such as the new black- light source of the present invention is embedded. The on-off switch is replaced with a mercury switch (which may be made directional) or a directional accelerometer switch, which will be automatically switched on or off when moving in certain directions. The UV-LED will irradiate the blended fluorescent materials and make them glow so that the moving article becomes visible in a dimmed ambiance.
The circuitry can be further enhanced by introducing strobing circuitry to modulate the UV-LED intermittently or in a predetermined manner that is discernible by participants in the sport.
Industrial Applicability
The present invention is useful in many applications that use fluorescent substances for authentication of articles such as currency, checks, passports, and other documents and articles of value, or for quality control. The invention may be used for authentication of articles in many applications in the authentication of theatre tickets, promotional premiums such as prize coupons, toys, and in mobile field applications or in a brightly-lighted environment. Yet another application example is the detection of articles or package seals that have been tampered with. Many applications are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,642,526; 5,414,258; 5,418,855; 5,548,106; 5,574,790; 5,605,738; 5,666,417; 5,714,291; 5,719,948; 5,867,586; and 5,923,024, the entire disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The ultraviolet source may be used for quality control, and sports or entertainment as well as for authentication. The description of the embodiments of the present invention is given above for the understanding of the present invention. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but is capable of various modifications, rearrangements, and substitutions that will now become apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the optical arrangement or excitation source switching can be varied to utilize the methods of conventional "blink comparators" wherein the feature of interest is made to blink on and off to ensure the user's attention. Functionally equivalent elements and materials may be substituted for those used in the embodiments as shown herein.
Therefore it is intended that the following claims cover all such modifications and adaptations as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
What is claimed is:

Claims

1. An ultraviolet-emitting source comprising at least one narrow band ultraviolet- emitting LED.
2. An ultraviolet-emitting source comprising a multiplicity of ultraviolet-emitting LED's arranged in an array to form a cluster having increased output of UV light compared to a single LED.
3. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in claim 2, wherein said LED's are disposed in a hexagonal-close-packed array.
4. An ultraviolet-emitting source comprising a multiplicity of ultraviolet-emitting LED's disposed in a linear array.
5. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in any of claims 1- 4, further comprising an optical lens for focusing the UV light output.
6. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in any of claims 1- 5, further comprising a diffusing element for diffusing the UV light output.
7. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in any of claims 1- 6, further comprising a band pass filter for altering the spectral emission.
8. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in any of claims 1- 7, further comprising circuitry means for modulating said source to provide strobing.
9. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in claim 8, wherein said source is self- modulating.
10. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in any of claims 1- 8, wherein said ultraviolet- emitting source is used with a master machine, and said ultraviolet-emitting source is synchronized with said master machine for strobing in at least partial synchronism with said master machine.
11. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in any of claims 1- 9, wherein said ultraviolet- emitting source is disposed within an article used in a sport for illuminating said article.
12. An ultraviolet-emitting source as claim 11, wherein said ultraviolet-emitting source is adapted to be turned on and off by the motion of said article.
13. An ultraviolet-emitting source as claim 12, wherein said ultraviolet-emitting source is adapted to be turned on and off by rolling of said article.
14. An ultraviolet-emitting source as claim 12, wherein said ultraviolet-emitting source is adapted to be turned on and off by sliding of said article.
15. An ultraviolet-emitting source as claim 12, wherein said article is a transparent or translucent bowling ball.
16. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in any of claims 1- 8, wherein said ultraviolet- emitting source is supported by a housing.
17. An ultraviolet-emitting source as claim 16, wherein said housing has a shape and size of a credit card.
18. An ultraviolet-emitting source as claim 16, wherein said housing has a shape and size of a pen.
19. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in any of claims 1- 8 for use in authenticating both visible (watermarks) and invisible (ultraviolet fluorescent) features of an article under examination, said source further comprising at least one white-light LED.
20. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in any of claims 1- 8, wherein said ultraviolet- emitting source is integrated into a fluorescence detector.
21. An ultraviolet-emitting source as claim 20, wherein said fluorescence detector is a handheld scanner.
22. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in any of claims 1- 8 and 20 -21, wherein said ultraviolet handheld ultraviolet-emitting source further comprises a detachable narrow band optical filter, and/or a focusing lens, and/or a diffusing lens.
23. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in any of claims 1, 5 - 8, and 20 - 22, comprising more than one invisible light source.
24. An ultraviolet-emitting source as in any of claims 1- 20 and 22 - 23, said source being at least partially contained in a hand-held apparatus.
PCT/US2000/041101 1999-10-12 2000-10-10 Black light sources and methods for excitation of fluorescence WO2001028006A2 (en)

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US10180248B2 (en) 2015-09-02 2019-01-15 ProPhotonix Limited LED lamp with sensing capabilities
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