Infrared (IR) Active Pigments

IR upconverter (anti-Stokes) pigments

Upconverter pigments, also known as anti-Stokes pigments, are a type of luminescent material that convert low-energy photons, such as those in the infrared spectrum, into higher-energy photons, such as those in the visible spectrum. This process is known as up conversion.

 

The upconverters can be used as hidden security features in a wide range of applications, from optical detection using simple tools to metrological detection using the smallest amount of material.

 

Their unique make them ideal for creating innovative and highly secure features for a wide range of applications, including banknotes, passports, ID cards, and product packaging. These pigments can be incorporated into various inks, including offset, gravure, and flexography, allowing for seamless integration into security printing applications.

VIS-IR converter pigments

IR-emitting color authentication is a security feature that uses pigments that emit infrared (IR) light when they are exposed to visible light. This means that they are invisible to the naked eye, but they can be detected with special equipment, such as handheld detectors or NIR cameras. This makes them an effective way to protect against counterfeiting and fraud.

 

The IR light emitted by the product is specific to the type of pigment used, which allows for the authentication of genuine products and the detection of counterfeits.

 

IR luminescence with visual light excitation can be easily hidden in color prints or substrates. VIS-IR luminescence pigments at a glance:

• Level 2 features

• Very high luminance

• Different excitation wavelengths possible

• Emission spectra can be differentiated