Identification of objects using plasmon resonant particles

US8759116B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• David Schultz · Savage, US
• Jack J. Mock · Durham, US
• David R. Smith · Durham, US
• Sheldon Schultz · Village of La Jolla, US
• Thomas J. Silva · Golden, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 17, 2012
• Grant date: Jun 24, 2014
• Expiry date: Oct 17, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S436/805
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for identifying an object having a pattern of plasmon resonant particles (PREs) distributed in or on the object are disclosed. In the method, a field containing the pattern is illuminated, and one or more spectral emission characteristics of the light-scattering particles in the field are detected. From this data, an image of positions and spectral characteristic values in the field is constructed, allowing PREs with a selected spectral signature to be discriminated from other light-scattering entities, to provide information about the field. The image may be compared to a database of reference images to identify or validate the object.