Product Authentication using Nanoimprinting Lithography (NIL)

A unique Nano Imprinting Lithography (NIL) technology, based on a polymeric replication method, to battle counterfeiting
• Extremely difficult to copy or forge
• Inexpensive implementation (tag printing)
Tag printing: Imprint on the brand product a set of nanometer scale patterns that are invisible to the naked eye (and most microscopes)
Authentication: “Read” and analyze the tag using an appropriate device. Such tag can be unique per product or even per item (similar to serial number); A simple hand-held scanner is used for reading and verifying the pattern. A single mold supports imprinting pf many patterns, making the system robust, cost-effective and reliable.
The Need
Current anti-counterfeiting measures employ solutions that are based on technologies such as holograms, RFID, special inks, watermarks, etc. These measures employ either low resolution structures that can be relatively easily replicated and counterfeited, or are costly and difficult to use.
The market requires an inexpensive and simple solution that implements a nearly impossible replication. The desired security tagging requirements include:
• Extremely difficult to forge
• Simple detection
• Technology realization is relatively inexpensive
Currently available technologies do not adequately fill these needs.

Potential Applications
Tagging products such as auto parts, electronic parts, and medicines to prevent forging and copying are all examples of the need for sophisticated security and authentication measures that are difficult to imitate or forge.

Advantages
Nano-imprinting presents a huge barrier for the potential forger, while the production and authentication process remain cost-effective. The stamping is compatible with a large variety of substrates (metal, plastic, glass, fabric) and is conducive to mass production. The technology is up/down-gradable depending on the desired level of security. Customers will include pharmaceuticals manufacturers, brand-name manufacturers and possibly scrip or currency printers among others.

Stage of Development
Prototype sample stamps have been prepared with nano-scale dimensions and have been tested on a lab scale. Hundreds of stamping cycles were performed, with no degradation seen in the stamp quality.

Patents
US patent granted No. 8,678,284;
A continuation application in the US is being filed US2014-0175171-A1

Project manager

Oren Calfon
VP Business Development, ICT

Project researchers

Jacob Scheuer
T.A.U Tel Aviv University, Engineering
Physical Electronics