Novel Pigment Approaches in Optically Variable Security Inks Including Polarizing Cholesteric Liquid Crystal (CLC) Polymers

Optically variable pigment technologies for markings and inks have increased in use as overt protection methods for document and product security. These technologies use optical reflective effects including interference technologies that create angular dependent color changes. Novel developments in different inorganic and organic pigments offer potentially new optical performance for both overt and covert security applications. These developments may lead to unique signature pigment formats that can verify origin and authenticity. Cholesteric Liquid Crystal (CLC) pigment approaches utilize both angular dependent “color flop” and the unique polarization properties to potentially develop markings with both overt and covert detection mechanisms. Continuous improvement in these technologies may lead to new visible and non-visible applications that when integrated with the graphic design will provide novel protection and graphic impact.