Information storage media and method
AssigneeBattelle Memorial Institute
InventorsSteven D. Miller, George W. Endres
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Abstract
Disclosed is a method for storing and retrieving information. More specifically, the present invention is a method for forming predetermined patterns, or data structures, using materials which exhibit enhanced absorption of light at certain wavelengths or, when interrogated with a light having a first wavelength, provide a luminescent response at a second wavelength. These materials may exhibit this response to light inherently, or may be made to exhibit this response by treating the materials with ionizing radiation.
Claims67
An interrogable data structure comprising a plurality of regions of an activated material interspersed with a plurality of non-activated regions, said activated material formed into a predetermined pattern capable of absorbing a portion of an interrogating light containing a first wavelength between about 400 nanometers and about 1000 nanometers, and having a luminescent response at a second wavelength between about 600 nanometers and about 1600 nanometers.
An interrogable data structure comprising an activatable material activated by exposure to ionizing radiation thereby rendering said activated material capable of absorbing a portion of an interrogating light, wherein said activatable material is formed into a predetermined pattern and the activated material is provided on a substrate having substantially the same appearance as the activated material.
An interrogable data structure comprising an activatable material activated by exposure to ionizing radiation thereby rendering said activated material capable of absorbing a portion of an interrogating light, wherein said activatable material is formed into a predetermined pattern and the activated material is provided on a substrate having substantially the same index of refraction as the activated material.
An interrogable data structure comprising an activatable material activated by exposure to ionizing radiation thereby rendering said activated material capable of absorbing a portion of an interrogating light, wherein said activatable material is formed into a predetermined pattern and the efficiency of light absorption in regions of the activated material is varied to form a grey scale.
An interrogable data structure comprising an activatable material activated by exposure to ionizing radiation thereby rendering said activated material capable of absorbing a portion of an interrogating light, wherein said activatable material is formed into a predetermined pattern and the activated material is provided in a composite material.
A method for creating an interrogable data structure comprising the steps of:
- a) providing an activatable material,
- b) exposing a region of said activatable material to ionizing radiation in a predetermined pattern thereby activating said region and forming said interrogable data structure in the activatable material capable of absorbing a portion of an interrogating light containing a first wavelength band between about 400 nanometers and about 1000 nanometers and having a luminescent response at a second wavelength band between about 600 nanometers and about 1600 nanometers.
method for creating an interrogable data structure comprising the steps of:
- a) providing an activatable material capable of absorbing a portion of an interrogating light containing a first wavelength between about 400 nanometers and about 1000 nanometers, and having a luminescent response at a second wavelength between about 600 nanometers and about 1600 nanometers,
- b) forming said activatable material in a predetermined pattern thereby forming said interrogable data structure;
- and
- c) activating said activatable materials.
A method for creating an interrogable data structure comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a composite material containing an activated material capable of absorbing a portion of an interrogating light containing a first wavelength between about 400 nanometers and about 1000 nanometers, and having a luminescent response at a second wavelength between about 600 nanometers and about 1600 nanometers;
- and
- b) forming said activated material into a predetermined pattern thereby forming said interrogable data structure.
A method for creating an interrogable data structure comprising the steps of:
- a) providing an activatable material provided in a composite material,
- b) exposing a region of said activatable material to ionizing radiation in a predetermined pattern thereby activating said region and forming said interrogable data structure in the activatable material capable of absorbing a portion of an interrogating light.
A method for creating an interrogable data structure comprising the steps of:
- a) providing an activatable material in a composite material, said activatable material capable of absorbing a portion of an interrogating light,
- b) forming said activatable material in a predetermined pattern thereby forming said interrogable data structure;
- and
- c) activating said plurality of regions of the activatable material.
A method for creating an interrogable data structure comprising the steps of:
- a) activating an activatable material provided in a composite material by exposing said activatable material to ionizing radiation thereby rendering said activated material capable of absorbing a portion of an interrogating light,
- b) forming said activated material into a predetermined pattern thereby forming said interrogable data structure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.