EP3261064A1 - Authentication document - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an authentication document (100) for authenticating a document reader (101), comprising a document body (103), a light guide structure (107) formed in the document body (103), a light source (113) which is formed emitting first light (109) to the document reader (101), wherein the first light (109) is at least partially illuminable into the light guide structure (107), and a molecular layer (105) disposed on the document body (103) Molecular layer (105) is adapted to spectrally alter a second light (111) radiating into the optical waveguide structure (107), wherein the optical waveguide structure (107) is designed to spectrally the first light (109) with the spectrally altered second light (112) overlay to generate an overlay light (117) for the authentication of the document reader (101).

Description

The present invention relates to an authentication document and a document reader which can be authenticated with the authentication document.

A document such as an identification document or a banknote usually has a multiplicity of security features which prove the authenticity of the document and make it difficult to falsify the document. The security features usually have characteristic properties that can be checked during authentication of the document. The security features may include electronic circuitry that is read out upon authentication of the document.

To authenticate the document, for example, to verify the authenticity of the document, a document reader can be used. In this case, an authenticity of the document reader is usually required. An authentication of the document reader, in particular a mutual authentication of the document and the document reader, is not possible with most authentication methods.

In common authentication methods, data exchange between the document reader and the document usually takes place via contactless, digital communication protocols. In this case, digital encryption methods such as the transport layer security protocol and / or the RSA cryptosystem can be used. However, these digital encryption protocols can be decrypted by very powerful computer systems, such as quantum computers. Furthermore, in order to carry out the authentication methods, a processor, for example in the form of a computer chip, is usually required in the document, which additionally increases the manufacturing costs of the document.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an efficient concept for authenticating a document reader with an authentication document, which in particular does not require a processor or microchip in the authentication document.

This object is achieved by articles having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the figures, the description and the dependent claims.

According to a first aspect, the invention relates to an authentication document for authenticating a document reader having a document body, a light guide structure formed in the document body, a light source configured to emit a first light to the document reader, the first light at least partially in the optical waveguide structure is einstrahlbar, and a molecular layer, which is arranged on the document body, wherein the molecular layer is formed to spectrally alter a radiate into the optical waveguide second light, wherein the optical waveguide structure is formed, the first light with the spectrally altered second light spectrally overlay to create an overlay light for the authentication of the document reader. This provides the advantage that the document reader can be efficiently authenticated on the basis of the overlay light. The overlay light has, for example, a light color, which results from the spectral superimposition of the spectrally altered second light and the first light. A successful authentication of the document reading device takes place, for example, if the light color of the generated overlay light corresponds to an authentication light color, for example red, green or blue.

The authentication document may be an ID card or a smart card. The authentication document can also be one of the following identification documents: Identity document, such as identity card, passport, access control card, authorization card, company card, tax stamp or ticket, birth certificate, driver's license or vehicle pass, means of payment, for example a bank card or credit card. The authentication document may further comprise an electronically readable circuit, for example an RFID chip. The authentication document can be single-layered or multi-layered or paper and / or plastic-based. The authentication document may be constructed of plastic-based films which are bonded to a card body by means of gluing and / or laminating be joined together, wherein the films preferably have similar material properties.

Authentication of the document reader authenticates the document reader. Authentication of the document reader may include identifying the document reader and / or verifying the authenticity of the document reader.

The molecular layer may include or form a security feature of the authentication document. The molecular layer may further form a physically unclonable function (PUF). The molecular layer can spectrally alter the second light as it passes through the molecular layer in a unique and difficult to falsify or mimic manner. The spectral change of the second light may depend on a structure or a state, in particular an excited state, of the molecular layer. The spectral change of the second light may be due to light absorption in the molecular layer.

According to one embodiment, the molecular layer can be transilluminated with the second light radiating into the optical waveguide structure, wherein the molecular layer is designed to spectrally change the second light when the molecular layer is illuminated, in particular spectrally to change it by means of light absorption in the molecular layer. Thereby, the advantage is achieved that a light spectrum of the second light can be efficiently changed with the molecular layer, so that when the superposition of the spectrally altered second light with the first light, the overlay light is produced.

According to one embodiment, the authentication document has an electrode device, which can be acted upon by an electrical voltage in order to generate a stimulation field, wherein the molecular layer with the stimulation field can be put into an excitation state which at least partially determines the spectral change of the second light. As a result, the advantage is achieved that the spectral change of the second light can be controlled specifically via the excitation of the molecular layer.

The electrode device may include a first electrode and a second electrode. The electrodes may be disposed on two opposite sides of the molecular layer. Alternatively, a carrier layer of the molecular layer may be formed as one of the electrodes. The second electrode may be disposed adjacent to the molecular layer. Furthermore, the carrier layer of the molecular layer may also comprise both electrodes.

The stimulation field can be an electrical stimulation field which arises when the voltage between the two electrodes is applied. The stimulation field may further be an electrostatic stimulation field, a magnetic stimulation field or an electromagnetic stimulation field.

The electrical voltage can be generated by the document reader, in particular a communication interface of the document reader, which is electrically connectable to the electrode device. The electrical voltage may have a voltage value, in particular a voltage amplitude. The excited state of the molecular layer may depend on the voltage value.

According to one embodiment, the molecular layer has a plurality of polymer chains or oriented molecules which are arranged on a carrier layer and are each chemically or physically bound to the carrier layer with one end. Thereby, the advantage is achieved that a molecular layer can be created, which is particularly difficult to copy or fake. Further, a molecular layer composed of orientable molecules or polymer chains can be efficiently put into an excited state with the stimulation field.

The oriented molecules and / or polymer chains can be anchored with one end to the carrier layer. The oriented molecules and / or polymer chains can be randomly arranged on the carrier layer.

The carrier layer may be transparent or partially transparent. The optical waveguide structure can be illuminated by the transparent or partially transparent carrier layer with the first light. The carrier layer may be a metal layer, in particular a gold or silver layer, a conductive oxide layer, a dielectric layer, a plastic layer, in particular a polycarbonate layer, or a semiconductor layer.

According to one embodiment, the oriented molecules or polymer chains can be deflected from a rest position in response to the stimulation field, the spectral change of the second light being determined at least in part by the deflection of the oriented molecules or polymer chains. This provides the advantage that the excitation of the oriented molecules or polymer chains and thus the spectral change of the second light can be controlled via the stimulation field.

The light spectrum of the second light may be affected by the deflection of the polymer chains or oriented molecules in a characteristic manner. For example, the deflected oriented molecules or polymer chains have a characteristic absorption spectrum, which depends on the deflection and thus on the stimulation field or the applied electrical voltage. When the molecular layer is illuminated, the light spectrum of the second light can be changed due to the characteristic absorption in the excited molecular layer.

In this case, the absorption spectrum of the molecular layer in the excited state can depend on a multiplicity of factors, in particular the type of molecules or polymer chains, the length of the molecules or polymer chains and the density or distribution of the plurality of molecules or polymer chains on the carrier layer. Due to the large number of molecules or polymer chains on the support layer, this can result in a unique and difficult to copy absorption spectrum, which represents a characteristic property of the molecular layer and changes the light spectrum of the second light.

According to one embodiment, the light source comprises at least one LED and / or laser diode. This provides the advantage that the first light can be generated efficiently.

According to one embodiment, the light source is configured to generate the first light in a random light spectrum. As a result, the advantage is achieved that the authentication of the document reader is particularly forgery-proof.

In order to obtain the superposition light in the correct light color when superimposing the first light with the second light, the spectrally altered second light must have a light spectrum that is complementary to the light spectrum of the first light. However, if the light spectrum of the first light is a random light spectrum, then the light spectrum of the second light must be changed spectrally anew each time an authentication process takes place, in particular by means of putting the molecular layer into a new excited state. This makes the authentication of the document reader by means of light overlay in the authentication document particularly forgery-proof.

The light source may include a random number generator or be connectable to a random number generator. The random generator can generate a random current and / or voltage signal with which the light source can be driven in order to generate the first light in the random light spectrum.

According to one embodiment, the optical waveguide structure has an optical output, wherein the optical waveguide structure is configured to emit the overlaying light from the optical output. As a result, the advantage is achieved that the overlay light for authentication of the document reader can be provided.

According to one embodiment, the optical output is formed as a transparent or partially transparent window in the document body.

According to one embodiment, the light guide structure is formed as a cavity in the document body. The optical waveguide structure may form a beam path in the document body, which runs as far as possible parallel to a surface of the document body, and which is open to an underside of the molecular or carrier layer, to the light source and to the optical output.

According to one embodiment, the optical waveguide structure comprises at least one mirror element for spectrally superimposing the first light with the second light.

As a result, the advantage is achieved that an efficient superposition of the first light and the second light can take place. The mirror elements may further be arranged to direct the resulting beat light onto the optical output.

According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a document reader for an authentication document, wherein the authentication document comprises a document body, a molecular layer disposed on the document body, and a light guide structure formed in the document body, wherein the molecular layer is formed, an in spectrally modifying the light guide structure radiating second light, wherein the authentication document further comprises a light source, which is designed to emit a first light to the document reader, wherein the first light is at least partially einstrahlbar in the light guide structure, wherein the light guide structure is formed, the spectrally altered spectrally superimpose second light with the first light to produce a superposition light, based on which the document reader is authenticated. The document reading apparatus includes a light sensor configured to receive the first light emitted from the authentication document, the light sensor configured to detect a light spectrum of the first light, a processor configured to generate a voltage value of an electric voltage based on the light source detecting a detected light spectrum of the first light, a communication interface, which is electrically connectable and configured with the authentication document to generate the voltage with the voltage value and apply the authentication document with the generated electrical voltage, and a lighting device, which is formed, the second To radiate light through the molecular layer into the optical waveguide structure of the authentication document to spectrally change the second light and to spectrally transmit the spectrally altered second light with the first light in the optical waveguide structure erlagern. Thereby, the advantage is achieved that a document reader is created, which can be authenticated with an authentication document. The authentication document may be an authentication document according to the first aspect of the invention.

Authentication of the document reader authenticates the document reader. The authentication of the document reader can be an identification of the document reader and / or a verification of the authenticity or authenticity of the document reader.

The communication interface of the document reader may include a voltage source, in particular a DC or an AC voltage source, for generating the electrical voltage. The electrical voltage may have a voltage value, in particular a voltage amplitude. The voltage source can be electrically connectable to the authentication document, in particular to electrodes of the authentication document. The communication interface may further comprise a wireless interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface or a WLAN interface, or an RFID reader.

The processor may be implemented as a microprocessor in the document reader. The processor may also be integrated into a data processing device, such as a computer or a laptop, which is connected to the document reader.

According to one embodiment, the processor is configured to detect a light spectrum of the second light emitted by the light source, wherein the processor is configured to determine the voltage value of the electric voltage on the basis of the light spectrum of the second light and the light spectrum of the first light, wherein the Communication interface is configured to apply the detected voltage value to the authentication document to generate a stimulation field, which places the molecular layer in an excited state, wherein the excited state determines the spectral change of the second light at least partially. As a result, the advantage is achieved that a suitable voltage value of the electrical voltage can be determined. With the voltage value determined, the molecular layer can be set to an excitation state, which changes the light spectrum of the second light when the molecular layer is irradiated such that the superposition of the spectrally altered second light and the first light results in the superposition light in the correct light color. The document reader can be successfully authenticated if the light color of the overlay light corresponds to an authentication light color, such as red, green, or blue.

The processor may be connected to the illumination device to detect the light spectrum of the second light emitted by the illumination device. Furthermore, the light spectrum of the second light may be stored in a memory of the document reader to which the processor is connectable.

According to one embodiment, the illumination device comprises at least one light source, in particular an LED and / or a laser diode. This provides the advantage that the second light can be generated efficiently.

According to one embodiment, the light sensor has at least one photodiode or a photodiode layer or a transistor layer. This provides the advantage that the first light can be detected efficiently.

According to one embodiment, the light sensor comprises a spectrometer device, which is designed to detect the light spectrum of the first light. This provides the advantage that the first light spectrum can be detected efficiently.

According to one embodiment, the spectrometer device comprises a prism spectrometer, a grating spectrometer, a Fourier transform spectrometer or a laser spectrometer. The spectrometer device can be designed as a microspectrometer and integrated into the document reader.

The invention can be implemented in software and / or hardware.

Fig.1

eine schematische Darstellung eines Authentifikationsdokuments zum Authentifizieren eines Dokumentenlesegeräts;

Fig. 2a

eine schematische Darstellung einer Molekularschicht, welche durch eine Vielzahl von auslenkbaren Molekülen gebildet ist, im Ruhezustand;

Fig. 2b

eine schematische Darstellung der Molekularschicht aus Fig. 2a nach Anlegen eines Stimulationsfeldes; und

Fig.3

ein Flussidagramm eines Verfahrens zum Authentifizieren eines Dokumentenlesegeräts.

Further embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:

Fig.1

a schematic representation of an authentication document for authenticating a document reader;

Fig. 2a

a schematic representation of a molecular layer, which is formed by a plurality of deflectable molecules, in the resting state;

Fig. 2b

a schematic representation of the molecular layer Fig. 2a after applying a stimulation field; and

Figure 3

a Flussidagramm of a method for authenticating a document reader.

Fig. 1 FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of an authentication document 100 for authenticating a document reader 101 according to an embodiment.

The authentication document 100 comprises a document body 103, a light guide structure 107 which is formed in the document body 103, a light source 113 which is designed to emit a first light 109 to the document reader 101, wherein the first light 109 at least partially into the light guide structure 107 einstrahlbar and a molecular layer 105 disposed on the document body 103, wherein the molecular layer 105 is configured to spectrally alter a second light 111 incident in the light guide structure 107, the light guide structure 107 being formed to change the first light 109 spectrally spectrally superimposed on second light 111 to produce an overlay light 117 for authenticating the document reader 101.

The overlay light 117 has, for example, a light color, which results from the spectral superimposition of the spectrally altered second light 111 and the first light 109. A successful authentication of the document reading device 101 takes place, for example, if the light color of the generated overlay light 117 corresponds to an authentication light color, for example red, green or blue.

The authentication document 100 may be an ID card or a smart card. The authentication document 100 can also be one of the following identification documents: Identity document, such as identity card, passport, access control card, authorization card, company card, tax stamp or ticket, birth certificate, driver's license or motor vehicle pass, payment means, for example a bank card or credit card. The authentication document 100 may further comprise an electronically readable circuit, for example an RFID chip. The authentication document 100 may be single or multi-layered or paper and / or be plastic-based. The authentication document 100 may be constructed of plastic-based films, which are joined together to form a card body by means of gluing and / or lamination, the films preferably having similar material properties.

By authenticating the document reader 101, the document reader 101 is authenticated. The authentication of the document reader 101 may include an identification of the document reader 101 and / or a verification of the authenticity of the document reader 101.

The molecular layer 105 may include or form a security feature of the authentication document 100. The molecular layer 105 may further form a physically unclonable function (PUF). The molecular layer 105 may spectrally alter the second light 111 upon irradiation of the molecular layer 105 in a unique and difficult to falsify or mimic manner. The spectral change of the second light 111 may depend on a structure or state, in particular an excited state, of the molecular layer 105. The spectral change of the second light 111 may occur due to light absorption in the molecular layer 105.

The molecular layer 105 may comprise a plurality of polymer chains or oriented molecules. The polymer chains or oriented molecules can be arranged on a carrier layer 121, which is formed on or in the authentication document 100. The polymer chains or oriented molecules can each be chemically or physically bound or anchored to the carrier layer 121 with one end. The oriented molecules and / or polymer chains may also be arranged randomly on the carrier layer 121.

The carrier layer 121 may be transparent or partially transparent. The optical waveguide structure 107 can be illuminated by the transparent or partially transparent carrier layer 121 with the first light 109. The carrier layer 121 may be a metal layer, in particular a gold or silver layer, a conductive oxide layer, a dielectric layer, a plastic layer, in particular a polycarbonate layer, or a semiconductor layer.

According to one embodiment, the authentication document 100 has an in Fig. 1 not shown electrode device, which can be acted upon by an electrical voltage. When the electrode device is subjected to the electrical voltage, a stimulation field can be generated. The stimulation field may place the molecular layer 105 in an excited state. This excitation state of the molecular layer 105 may at least partially cause, affect or set the spectral change of the second light when the molecular layer 105 is irradiated.

The electrode device may include a first electrode and a second electrode. The electrodes may be disposed on two opposite sides of the molecular layer 105. Alternatively, a carrier layer 121 of the molecular layer 105 may be formed as one of the two electrodes. The second electrode may be disposed adjacent to the molecular layer 105. Furthermore, the carrier layer 121 of the molecular layer 105 may also comprise both electrodes.

The stimulation field can be an electrical stimulation field, which arises when the electrical voltage is applied between the two electrodes. The stimulation field may further be an electrostatic stimulation field, a magnetic stimulation field or an electromagnetic stimulation field.

According to one embodiment, the electrical voltage is generated by the document reader 101. The electrical voltage may have a voltage value, in particular a voltage amplitude. The excitation state and the optical property of the molecular layer 105 defined by the excited state may depend on the voltage value.

The oriented molecules or polymer chains of the molecular layer 105 may be deflectable from a rest position in response to the stimulation field. The spectral change of the second light 111, in particular the light spectrum of the second light 111 after irradiating the molecular layer 105 in the excited state, can be at least partially determined by the deflection of the oriented molecules or polymer chains.

For example, the light spectrum of the second light 111 is affected by the deflection of the polymer chains or oriented molecules in a characteristic manner. The deflected oriented molecules or polymer chains can have a characteristic absorption spectrum, which depends on the deflection and thus on the stimulation field or the applied electrical voltage. Upon irradiation of the molecular layer 105, the light spectrum of the second light 111 may be changed due to the characteristic absorption in the excited molecular layer 105.

According to one embodiment, the absorption spectrum of the molecular layer 105 in the excited state depends on a variety of factors, in particular the type of molecules or polymer chains, the length of the molecules or polymer chains and the density or distribution of the plurality of molecules or polymer chains on the carrier layer 121 Due to the large number of molecules or polymer chains on the carrier layer 121, this can result in a unique and difficult to copy absorption spectrum, which represents a characteristic property of the molecular layer 105 and alters the light spectrum of the second light 111.

The light source 113 of the authentication document 100 may include at least one LED and / or laser diode for emitting the first light 109.

The light source 113 may further be configured to generate the first light 109 in a random light spectrum. In order to obtain the superposition light 117 in the correct light color when superimposing the first light 109 with the second light 111, the second light 111 to the spectrally altered second light 112 must be modified in order to produce a light spectrum complementary to the light spectrum of the first light 109 , The modification of the light spectrum of the second light 111 to the second light spectrum of the changed second light 112 is ensured by the absorption of the molecular layer 105. However, if the light spectrum of the first light 109 is random, the light spectrum of the second light 112 must be changed spectrally anew each time an authentication process is performed, in particular by means of In this way, the authentication of the document reading device 101 becomes particularly tamper-proof for the molecular layer 105 in a new excited state and / or by varying the light spectrum of the second light 111.

The light source 113 may include a random number generator or be connectable to a random number generator. The random number generator can generate a random current and / or voltage signal with which the light source 113 can be driven in order to generate the first light 109 in the random light spectrum.

The optical waveguide structure 107 can be formed as a hollow space in the document body 103 and can comprise a beam path in the document body 103, which extends as far as possible parallel to a surface of the document body 103.

The optical waveguide structure 107 may have an optical output 119. The overlay light 117 may be emitted from the optical output 119.

The beam path of the optical waveguide structure 107 may be opened to an underside of the molecular layer 105 or carrier layer 121, to the light source 113 and to the optical output 119. Thus, an irradiation of the second light 111 and the first light 109 in the beam path, and a radiation of the overlay light 117 is made possible from the beam path.

The optical output 119 may be formed as a transparent or partially transparent window in the document body 103.

The light guide structure 107 may further include a plurality of mirror elements 115. The mirror elements 115 can be arranged in the optical waveguide structure 107, in particular in the beam path of the optical waveguide structure 107, in such a way that they guide the irradiated first and second light 109, 111 into the beam path, where the first light 109 and the modified second light 112 superimpose spectrally and form the overlay light 117.

The mirror elements 115 in the optical waveguide structure 107 can also be designed to guide the overlay light 117 to the optical output 119.

Fig. 1 further comprises a schematic representation of the document reader 101, which is authenticatable with the authentication document 100, according to one embodiment.

The document reader 101 includes a light sensor 123 configured to receive the first light 109 emitted from the authentication document 100, the light sensor 123 configured to detect a light spectrum of the first light 109, a processor 125 configured to have a voltage value an electrical voltage based on the detected light spectrum of the first light, a communication interface 127 which is electrically connectable and adapted to the authentication document 100 to generate the voltage with the voltage value and the authentication document 100 with the generated electrical voltage for generating the Stimulate a stimulation field, and a lighting device 129, which is configured to irradiate the second light 111 through the molecular layer 105 in the light guide structure 107 of the authentication document 100 to the first light 109 with the modified second To superimpose light 112 in the light guide structure 107 spectrally.

The communication interface 127 of the document reader 101 may include a voltage source, in particular a DC or an AC voltage source, for generating the electrical voltage. The electrical voltage may have a voltage value, in particular a voltage amplitude. The voltage source can be electrically connectable to the authentication document 100, in particular to electrodes of the authentication document 100. The communication interface 127 may further comprise a wireless interface, in particular a Bluetooth interface or a WLAN interface, or an RFID reader.

The processor 125 may be implemented as a microprocessor in the document reader 101. The processor is designed to work on an analog, digital or optical basis. The processor 125 may further be integrated into a data processing device, such as a computer or a laptop, which is connected to the document reader 101.

The processor 125 may further be configured to detect a light spectrum of the second light 111. For this purpose, the processor 125 can be connected to the lighting device 129 in terms of communication technology. Further, the light spectrum of the second light 111 may be stored in a memory of the document reader 101 to which the processor 125 is connectable.

The processor 125 may further be configured to determine the voltage value of the voltage based on the light spectrum of the first light 109 and the light spectrum of the second light 111.

The communication interface 127 may be configured to apply the determined voltage value to the authentication document 100 in order to set the molecular layer 105 in the excited state. With the determined voltage value, the molecular layer 105 can be set to an excitation state which changes the light spectrum of the second light 111 when the molecular layer 105 is irradiated such that, when the spectrally altered second light 112 and the first light 109 are superimposed, the superposition light 117 is in the correct light color is produced. The document reader 101 can be successfully authenticated if the light color of the overlay light 117 corresponds to an authentication light color, for example red, green or blue.

The illumination device 129 may comprise at least one light source, in particular an LED and / or a laser diode.

The light sensor 123 may comprise at least one photodiode or a photodiode layer or a transistor layer.

The light sensor 123 may further include a spectrometer device configured to detect the light spectrum of the first light 109. The spectrometer device may be a prism spectrometer, a grating spectrometer, a Fourier transform spectrometer or a laser spectrometer. The spectrometer device can be designed as a microspectrometer and integrated into the document reader 101.

Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b 12 show a schematic representation of the molecular layer 105, which is formed by a large number of deflectable molecules 201, according to an embodiment in the resting state and after application of the stimulation field.

The deflectable molecules 201 may form elongated polymer chains, and / or may be arranged as a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on the carrier layer 121.

The deflectable molecules 201 may be electrically charged. The deflectable molecules 201 may also be mechanically flexible or rigid. In particular, the mechanical flexibility of the deflectable molecules 201 may depend on their length, pendant steric groups, aromatic rings or spiro-structural elements and / or their electrical charge. The deflectable molecules 201 may comprise synthetic molecules, for example alkyl chains with further functional groups, or biomolecules, for example DNA. The deflectable molecules 201 may be formed as electrical monopolies, dipoles or quadrupoles.

The deflectable molecules 201 may be anchored to the carrier layer 121 by means of covalent bonds, ionic bonds, van der Waals bonds, hydrogen bonds, or adsorption. Furthermore, the deflectable molecules 201 may comprise linker molecules, in particular thiols, which are arranged at one end of the deflectable molecules 201 and which anchor the respective molecules 201 on the carrier layer 121. The end of the deflectable molecules 201 not anchored on the carrier layer 121 can, as in FIG Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b shown projecting from the carrier layer 121.

The deflectable molecules 201 are located in Fig. 2a in a rest position, for example, because the authentication document 100 is supplied with no electrical voltage (U = 0 V). For example, the deflectable molecules 201 in the rest position are perpendicular to the carrier layer 121 due to mutual repulsion of the similarly charged molecules 201.

Fig. 2b shows the molecular layer 105 Fig. 2a by applying the stimulation field according to an embodiment.

The stimulation field is in Fig. 2b by applying the electrical voltage U = U _L to the carrier layer 121, which forms a second electrode, and generates a first electrode, not shown. The stimulation field is, for example, an electric field between the two electrodes.

The deflectable molecules 201, which carry, for example, a negative electrical charge, are in Fig. 2b in response to the application of the electrical voltage (U = U _L ) or the generation of the stimulation field from the rest position deflected.

The excitation state of the molecular layer 105 can be determined by this deflection of the deflectable molecules 201 from the rest position. In this case, the deflection of the molecules 201 may characteristically change the absorption properties of the molecular layer 105, in particular an absorption spectrum of the molecular layer 105. The change in the absorption properties can be directly related to the deflection of the molecules 201 and the applied voltage.

Inducing a movement, in particular a collective movement, a molecular layer on a surface by means of an electric field and the macroscopic detection of this movement is, for example, in Lahann, Joerg, et al. "A reversibly switching surface." Science 299 (5605), p. 371-374, 2003 disclosed.

According to one embodiment, the electrical voltage which can be applied to the authentication document 100 for generating the stimulation field is designed as a DC voltage or as an AC voltage. The generated stimulation field may be a DC field or an AC field in response to the nature of the electrical voltage. If the stimulation field is a constant field, the deflectable molecules 201 can remain in the deflected state until the stimulation field is deactivated again after the stimulation field has been applied. If, on the other hand, the stimulation field is an alternating field, the deflectable molecules 201 can be excited by the alternating field for oscillating, in particular for collective oscillation, on the carrier layer 121. In this case, the excited state of the molecules 201 is determined by the molecular vibration.

The molecular layer 105, in particular the deflectable molecules 201, may further comprise an electrical moment, in particular an electric dipole or quadrupole moment, or a magnetic moment, in particular a magnetic dipole or quadrupole moment.

In one embodiment, the stimulation field effects a change in the electrical or magnetic moments of the molecular layer 105. The change in the electrical or magnetic moments can determine the characteristic change in the absorption properties of the molecular layer 105.

Further, the change in the electrical or magnetic moments of the molecular layer 105 may cause a characteristic change in a dielectric function of the molecular layer 105. For example, the dielectric function of the molecular layer 105 depends on the orientation of the deflectable molecules 201.

In one embodiment, the application of the stimulation field causes phonon excitation in the molecular layer 105.

Fig. 3 FIG. 12 shows a flowchart of a method 300 for authenticating the document reader 101 according to one embodiment.

The method 300 comprises emitting 301 the first light 109 from the authentication document 100, wherein the first light 109 has a light spectrum E _K (λ), detecting the light spectrum, particularly with the light sensor 123 of the document reader 101, determining 305 a of the light spectrum Light spectrum F (λ) 112, which in the superposition with the light spectrum E _K (λ) of the first light, the overlay light 117 results. The method step 305 of determining the required light spectrum further comprises determining the voltage value of the electrical voltage U _K which, when applied to the authentication document 100, places the molecular layer 105 in an excited state, wherein the molecular layer 105 in the excited state irradiates the second light 111 as it is irradiated molecular layer 105 changed spectrally such that it the required light spectrum F having (λ, U _K) 112th The method 300 further comprises switching 307 the molecular layer 105 by applying the electrical voltage U _K to the Voltage value to set the molecular layer 105 in the excited state, generating 309 a light having the required light spectrum F (λ, U _K ) by irradiating the molecular layer 105 with the second light 111. The method 300 further comprises interfering 311 and superimposing, respectively of the spectrally altered second light 112 having the light spectrum F (λ) and the first light 109 having the light spectrum E _K (λ) to produce the overlay light 117. Finally, the method 300 comprises successfully authenticating 313 the document reader 101 if the light color of the overlay light 117 corresponds to the authentication light color, for example red, green or blue, or unsuccessfully authenticating 315 the document reader 101 if the light color of the overlay light 117 does not correspond to the authentication light color. The light color of the overlay light 117 may be defined by a light spectrum Z (λ) of the overlay light 117.

According to one embodiment, the authentication method 300 does not include a digitized encryption method, whereby the present method 300 can not be deciphered with the aid of quantum computers, in contrast to, for example, RSA cryptosystems.

According to one embodiment, the document reader 101 can also be used to authenticate the authentication document 100. In this case, the document reader 101 authenticates the authentication document 100, for example, by means of the molecular layer 105, which may be a security feature for the authentication of the authentication document 100.

According to one embodiment, a mutual authentication of the document reader 101 and the authentication document 100 can take place, in which, in particular, the document reader 101 is authenticated by the authentication document 100 and the authentication document 100 by the document reader 101. This mutual authentication can be done in the context of a common authentication method.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

authentication document

101

Document reader

103

document body

105

molecular layer

107

Optical fiber structure

109

first light

111

second light

112

spectrally altered second light

113

light source

115

mirror element

117

Overlay light

119

optical output

121

backing

123

light sensor

125

processor

127

Communication Interface

129

lighting device

201

deflectable molecules

300

Method for authenticating a document reader

301

Emit

303

detected

305

Determine

307

switch

309

to generate

311

interfere

313

successful authentication

315

unsuccessful authentication

Claims (15)

Authentication document (100) for authenticating a document reader (101), comprising: a document body (103); a light guide structure (107) formed in the document body (103); a light source (113) which is designed to emit a first light (109) to the document reading device (101), wherein the first light (109) can be irradiated at least partially into the light guide structure (107); and a molecular layer (105) disposed on the document body (103), the molecular layer (105) being configured to spectrally alter a second light (111) incident on the light guide structure (107); wherein the optical fiber structure (107) is adapted to spectrally superimpose the first light (109) with the spectrally altered second light (112) to produce an overlay light (117) for authenticating the document reader (101). The authentication document (100) of claim 1, wherein the molecular layer (105) is transilluminable with the second light (111) radiating into the light guide structure (107), wherein the molecular layer (105) is formed, the second light (111) when the molecular layer is transilluminated (105) to change spectrally, in particular by means of light absorption in the molecular layer (105) spectrally to change. The authentication document (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the authentication document (100) comprises an electrode device which can be acted upon by an electrical voltage to generate a stimulation field, wherein the molecular layer (105) is set to an excitation state with the stimulation field determines the spectral change of the second light (111) at least partially. The authentication document (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the molecular layer (105) comprises a plurality of polymer chains or oriented molecules disposed on a support layer (121) and each chemically or physically bonded to the support layer (121) at one end. The authentication document (100) of claims 3 and 4, wherein the oriented molecules or polymer chains are deflectable from a rest position in response to the stimulation field, wherein the spectral variation of the second light (111) is at least partially determined by the displacement of the oriented molecules or polymer chains. Authentication document (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (113) comprises at least one LED and / or laser diode. The authentication document (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the light source (113) is configured to generate the first light (109) in a random light spectrum. The authentication document (100) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the optical fiber structure (107) has an optical output (119), the optical fiber structure (107) configured to emit the overlay light (117) from the optical output (119). The authentication document (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical waveguide structure (107) is formed as a cavity in the document body (103). The authentication document (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the optical waveguide structure (107) comprises at least one mirror element (115) for spectrally superimposing the first light (109) with the second light (112). A document reader (101) for an authentication document (100), wherein the authentication document (100) includes a document body (103), a light guide structure (107) formed in the document body (103), a light source (113) is configured to emit a first light (109) to the document reading device (101), wherein the first light (109) at least partially into the light guide structure (107) can be irradiated, and a molecular layer (105) which on the document body (103) arranged wherein the molecular layer (105) is designed to spectrally alter a second light (111) radiating into the optical waveguide structure (107), wherein the optical waveguide structure (107) is formed, the first light (109) having the spectrally altered second Spectrally superimpose light (112) to produce an overlay light (117) for authenticating the document reader (101), the document reader (101) having the following features: a light sensor configured to receive the first light emitted from the authentication document, the light sensor configured to detect a light spectrum of the first light; a processor (125) configured to determine a voltage value of an electric voltage based on the detected light spectrum of the first light (109); a communication interface (127) which is electrically connectable and adapted to the authentication document (100) to generate the voltage with the voltage value and to apply the generated electrical voltage to the authentication document (100); and a lighting device (129) configured to irradiate the second light (111) through the molecular layer (105) into the light guide structure (107) of the authentication document (100) to spectrally alter the second light (111) and the second spectrally altered one To spectrally superimpose light (112) with the first light (109) in the light guide structure (107). The document reader (101) of claim 11, wherein the processor (125) is configured to detect a light spectrum of the second light (111) emitted from the light source (113), the processor (125) being configured to measure the voltage value of the electrical voltage the basis of the light spectrum of the second light (111) and the light spectrum of the first light (109), wherein the Communication interface (127) is adapted to apply the detected voltage value to the authentication document (100) to generate a stimulation field, which places the molecular layer (105) in an excited state, wherein the excited state, the spectral change of the second light (111) at least partially sets. Document reader (101) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the illumination device (129) comprises at least one light source, in particular an LED and / or a laser diode. Document reader (101) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the light sensor (123) has at least one photodiode or a photodiode layer or a transistor layer. The document reader (101) according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the light sensor (123) comprises a spectrometer device configured to detect the light spectrum of the first light (109).

Images