Systems and markers using magnetic or spin resonance phenomena

Abstract

Both an antipilferage marker and a system therefor is provided that uses magnetic spin resonance phenomena to generate unique and identifiable signals. The marker generally comprises a substrate which supports a material that generates and identifiable signal as a result of either nuclear magnetic resonance, nuclear quadrupole, electron spin resonance, electron paramagnetic resonance, ferromagnetic resonance, ferrimagnetic resonance, antiferrimagnetic resonance, domain wall resonance or spin wave resonance or spin-echoes. A magnetic material is further provided on the substrate for applying a magnetic field to the resonant material. In the system of the invention, a microwave or radio frequency source emits electromagnetic radiation which is absorbed by the resonant material which in turn reemits electromagnetic radiation having a specific and readily detectable frequency signature.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.