Laser printing of plasmonic colour photos within secure ID documents

The Canadian Bank Note (CBN) is interested in a laser printing solution to create high resolution colour images in the bulk of ID documents. One approach the CBN will investigate in collaboration with the University of Ottawa is to use plasmonic nanoparticles that will generate colours upon laser irradiation. These nanoparticles will be embedded in a polymer matrix and irradiated with a laser to create colours. The interns will work on the nanoparticle fabrication with the goal being to produce various sizes and shapes of nanoparticles and characterize them using electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques. These nanoparticles will then be embedded in the polymer, laser printed, and the resulting colours characterized in collaboration with the other students involved in the NSERC-Alliance part of this project. This laser colour printing technique will enable CBN to establish global leadership in emerging standards for picture ID used by government and private organisations.

Faculty Supervisor:

Arnaud Weck;Pierre Berini

Student:

Partner:

Canadian Bank Note Company Ltd

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Ottawa

Program: