Sintered, translucent ceramic microbeads, preferably alumina, titania,
zirconia, yttria, zirconium phosphate, or yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) are doped
with one or more optically active species. The beads may be added to substances
such as explosives in order to create a distinctive optical signature that identifies
a manufacturer, lot number, etc. in the event of the need for forensic analysis.
Because the beads have a generally spherical surface, the radius of curvature provides
an additional distinguishing characteristic by which a particular sample may be
identified. The beads could also be formulated into paints if needed to create
distinctive optical signatures for camouflage, decoys, or other countermeasures
and could also be applied as a dust to track the movement of personnel, vehicles, etc.
