Spectrally-encoded labeling and reading

A spectrally-encoded label comprising a spectrally-selective reflective optical element having a label spectral signature, wherein:

• the label spectral signature is determined according to a spectral-encoding scheme so as to represent predetermined label information within the spectral encoding scheme;
• the label is arranged so as to emit output light in response to input light selected by the label spectral signature of the reflective optical element;
• and
• the spectrally-selective reflective optical element includes at least one optical interference filter or at least one diffraction grating arranged so as to reflect a portion of the input light as the output light according to the label spectral signature.

A spectrally-encoded label comprising:

• a spectrally-selective transmissive optical element having a label spectral signature;
• at least one optical detector positioned for detecting input light transmitted through the spectrally-selective transmissive optical element;
• and
• at least one light source for emitting output light in response to detected input light,
• wherein the label spectral signature is determined according to a spectral-encoding scheme so as to represent predetermined label information within the spectral encoding scheme.

A spectrally-encoded label system, comprising:

• at least one spectrally-encoded label, the label comprising a spectrally-selective optical element having a label spectral signature;
• an optical detector sensitive to output light emitted from the label;
• and
• a decoder operatively coupled to the detector for extracting the label information from detected output light according to the spectral encoding scheme,
• wherein:
• the label spectral signature is determined according to a spectral-encoding scheme so as to represent predetermined label information within the spectral encoding scheme;
• and
• the label emits the output light in response to input light selected by the label spectral signature of the optical element,
• wherein:
• the label comprises a spectrally-selective reflective optical element comprising at least one optical interference filter or at least one diffraction grating arranged so as to reflect the output light according to the label spectral signature;
• or
• the label comprises a spectrally-selective transmissive optical element and a broadband emitting optical element arranged so as to emit the output light in response to input light transmitted by the spectrally-selective transmissive optical element according to the label spectral signature.