Labels based on physical unclonable functions (PUFs) have been proven to be some of the most effective anticounterfeiting strategies. However, it is still challenging to develop PUF-based anticounterfeiting labels with low prices, simple manufacturing, and easy authentication. Herein, photochromic PUF labels are fabricated by randomly dispersing highly crystalline carbon nitride (HCCN) particles in poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc). The color of the PVAc/HCCN films originating from photochromism is used as the first layer of safety, which is verified by the naked eye. The pattern of the randomly distributed HCCN particles within the photochromic area (i.e., the PUF) is used as the second layer of security. The PUF can be read out by any smartphone equipped with a portable objective and then automatically authenticated by computer vision technology. We further prove the accurate and feasible authentication of the prepared PUFs and their application potentials.
Physical unclonable function (PUF) labels play a key role in anticounterfeiting applications using unique inherent randomness of physical patterns. In this study, we developed a colorful plasmonic anticounterfeiting label with immense encoding capacity using randomly distributed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) bearing three distinct sizes on the surface of the silica film deposited silicon wafer. The colloidal AgNPs can scatter different far-field scattering light in the visible wavelength region, hinging on their nanoscale size. By conversion of the colorful plasmonic PUF labels into RGB codes, a superior encoding capacity (≥8 7396 ) can be achieved. We have demonstrated that the users can identify the label authenticity using an artificial intelligence algorithm no matter the different exposure time, brightness, contrast of light source, and even small accidental cracks/scrapes applied on the colorful plasmonic PUF labels. These features provide more feasibility for the practical application of colorful plasmonic PUF anticounterfeiting labels. Overall, the developed low-cost and colorful plasmonic PUF label system with easy encoding, quick decoding process, ultra-high coding capacity, and high tolerance toward defects demonstrates a milestone for PUF labels in realworld applications.
Luminescent anti-counterfeiting is one of the extensively used strategies to combat the growing serious global forgery issue in modern society. Although many luminescent security labels have been developed, majority of...
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