An Unclonable Optical Security Label for Object Authentication (ARD/290)

Object authentication is important to protect against fake products, identity fraud and online hacking. Recently, there is a global growing demand on using optical label to enhance the security of object authentication in retail industries for luxury goods and emerging metaverse related physical non-fungible token (NFT) applications as it is effective against print counterfeiting. However, current optical labels are not appropriate for luxury products from cost perspective and also lacking of uniqueness and hence struggling to prevent counterfeiting out of circulation. That is because existing optical labelling object authentication technology employs an expensive master stamp to transfer nano-structured features via imprinting so large quantity volume are required to reduce capital cost and thus is lacking of label uniqueness for high level of security. In this project, a novel optical security label with a semi-covert polarization encrypted image content combined with an unclonable unique natural random covert feature is proposed for physical NFT or other luxury products. It mainly involves two steps: i) design and fabricate a polarization encrypted object authentication optical label using liquid crystal polymer via optical programmable masking system; ii) generate natural random microscopic features using fluorescent material to provide an unique identification code. It is anticipated the proposed label design will enhance the security, flexibility & authenticity in luxury goods & physical NFT, providing a leading multilevel authentication solution to industries to protect their products and brands.