Xerox Deters Fraud With Fluorescent Writing

Xerox, Rochester, N.Y., offers digital printers an easy method for creating personalized fluorescent marks on documents, such as licenses and checks, using the same equipment found in most print shops.

The innovative security printing method uses a special combination of toners to create the secure imprint. Prints from a four-color printer selectively expose the fluorescent properties found within white paper, making it possible to embed personalized printing, hidden security marks and codes that are only visible when exposed to ultraviolet light.

“What amazes people is we can create fluorescent writing on a digital printer without using fluorescent ink,” said Reiner Eschbach, a research fellow in the Xerox Innovation Group, and co-inventor of the patented process with principal color scientist Raja Bala.

Paper manufacturers put fluorescent brightening agents in paper to make it appear “white.” Eschbach and Bala discovered certain combinations of toner that selectively allow the paper’s fluorescence to shine through when exposed to ultraviolet light. Based on this insight, Xerox developed a technology that uses the contrast to “write” fluorescent letters and numbers.

There are no extra costs for special inks or additional steps required during printing. Users can embed the security feature as a normal part of their printing process.