1. A method for processing a banknote, comprising: providing a banknote having at least one photonically active security feature, the banknote being moved along a conveyance path; illuminating the at least one security feature with light from a stimulus source; identifying a location of the at least one security feature by detecting an emission from the security feature; characterizing a size or shape of the security feature and targeting said security feature if said security feature meets a threshold size or shape; directing an excitation source at the targeted security feature; illuminating the targeted security feature with light from the excitation source; and detecting a further emission from the photonically active security feature in response to the light from the excitation source.