Nanotech in your money? One day, nanoparticles could help thwart counterfeiters.

September 14, 2012 07:14 PM EST By: Jennifer Rocha

Scientists at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology develop quick response (QR) code that could be used for authentication purposes.

The QR code is a square made out of black and white pixels that can be scanned by a smartphone, which then links to an Internet address.

QR codes are currently being used by companies who want to provide additional information about a product or service.  But the university researchers, under the guidance of the study’s lead author Jeevan Meruga, want to take the technology one step further and use it for authentication.  The novel QR code uses blue and green fluorescent ink, and can be sprayed onto a surface.  The object is invisible until illuminated by a near-infrared laser.  While the technique to apply it to paper money bills, for example, is simple, the team still needs to do further testing and also complete a more detailed cost analysis.

 

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