Quantum dots could be bad news for counterfeiting

NCT:

Specks of semiconductors called quantum dots, could soon spread around the world, around us, and perhaps, even inside of us.

A few billionths of a meter in diameter, or 5,000 to the width of a human hair, quantum dots glow fluorescently in a variety of colors. Once strictly a lab curiosity, they can reveal molecular processes inside cells, detect dangerous chemicals and improve the efficiency of solar power systems.

Pioneering work on quantum dots is being performed at Carlsbad-based Life Technologies, at UC San Diego and other local biotech companies and non-profit research institutes.

On Monday, Life Technologies, one of San Diego County's biggest biotech companies, and Palo Alto-based Nanosys announced a partnership to use quantum dots to fight counterfeiting.

The potential market is huge, with the annual trade in counterfeit goods as much as $1 trillion by some estimates.

Under the partnership, the companies would work with manufacturers to place counterfeit-proof markers in electronics, currency, arts and even drug labels. said Vicky Singer, global head of out-licensing at Life Technologies.

...
My prediction is that counterfeit quantum dots will be the next small big thing.

I do like the concept and think it can have applications beyond tracing counterfeit goods. How about US currency for example? That would be bad news for the North Koreans, who have devoted time energy and money into counterfeiting.

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