New counterfeit detection system uses quantum physics and smartphone software

Each year, the counterfeit industry around the world forges products that are worth nearly $500 billion. The medicine industry seems to be suffering the most from counterfeiting, as over $200 billion is lost yearly in this sector alone, putting human lives in danger and even resulting in many deaths. Even if producers tag their goods with sophisticated holograms, counterfeiters always find a way to forge everything. Enter the scientists from Lancaster University, who believe that they found a way to rid us of any type of counterfeit by using advanced quantum tech and a simple smartphone app.

The Lancaster University scientists claim that their anti-counterfeiting solution can be applied to any sort of product. The solution consists of atomic-scale IDs based on irregularities found in graphene. A set of quantum properties amplify these irregularities, making it possible to “fingerprint” any object. This unique graphene-based QR code can be scanned with a proprietary smartphone app developed by Quantum Base and matched with the manufacturer’s product database. Scientists also claim that the graphene irregularities are impossible to reproduce due to quantum field fluctuations.

This technology will be presented at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition this year, while commercial applications can be expected to be available in the first half of 2018.

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