Systems and methods for component identification

A method of forming of an item made from at least one component so that the authenticity of the item can later be verified, the method comprising:

• selecting a component of the item that is formed of at least one element;
• mixing one or more identifiable additives having an atomic level characteristic different from the at least one element, with the at least one element to create a mixture;
• forming the component with the mixture;
• performing an atomic level test on at least a portion of the component to determine the atomic level characteristic of the component;
• and
• recording the results of the test;
• wherein the one or more identifiable additives are neutron capturing or neutron scattering elements;
• wherein the atomic level test is neutron spectroscopy and is performed after the item is bombarded by neutrons.

A method of verifying the authenticity of an item made from at least one element, the method comprising:

• receiving the results of an a first atomic level test on the item, the item having had one or more identifiable additives having an atomic level characteristic different from the at least one element introduced therein;
• performing a second atomic level test on the item to determine the atomic level characteristic of the item;
• and
• comparing results of the first and second atomic level tests to determine the authenticity of the item;
• wherein the one or more identifiable additives are unstable isotopes or one or more metastable isotope with a characteristic fraction of events emitting gamma rays of a specific energy.

A method of verifying the authenticity of an item made from at least one element, the method comprising:

• receiving the results of an a first atomic level test on the item, the item having had one or more identifiable additives having an atomic level characteristic different from the at least one element introduced therein;
• performing a second atomic level test on the item to determine the atomic level characteristic of the item;
• and
• comparing results of the first and second atomic level tests to determine the authenticity of the item;
• wherein the one or more identifiable additives are neutron capturing or neutron scattering elements;
• wherein the first and second atomic level tests are spectrum analysis;
• wherein the spectrum analysis of the first and second atomic level tests are is performed after the item is bombarded by neutrons.