A team at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology has created a tiny version of the quick response code (QR code) that could be used to spot counterfeit money. To accomplish this the team comprises a QR code from nanoparticles and combined with blue and green fluorescent ink. The code itself is not limited to just paper money; it can be sprayed onto several different surfaces like, paper, plastic film, office tape, and glass using an aerosol jet printer. The code is invisible to the naked eye until it’s illuminated by a near-infrared laser. The QR code pops up and boom!, you know if you have a counterfeit or not.

“We have done significant wear tests, and all indications are that the ink is very durable,” said Kellar to AFP in an email exchange. However, he did admit that in time forgers could spoof this as well. Kellar said this new technology would raise the bar to prevent counterfeiters. According to scientists, the technique is simple and not too time consuming. They also point out that near-infrared lasers are cheap and easy to operate. The user would only need protective eyewear. I wonder if you would whip out a wicked laser to find the hidden code. Of course, you would probably end up lighting the bill on fire and burning the cornea of anyone watching.

We spend probably hundreds of millions of dollars a year reinventing our paper money. I can’t wait until everything just works off of credits, and cars flying. Wow! I’ve been watching too much Batman Beyond.

Source: Engadget, Ubergizmo

James Martinez

James likes racing games, puzzle games, and building computers. By day he works as a systems administrator, by night he is a writer. He likes to be comical and open to new ideas and technology.

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