Banknote security features backed by nano optic technology are considered to be one of the most advanced, secure OVD’s (Optically Variable Devices) in the currency industry today. QUANTUM stripe™ from Authentix’ patented nano optic platform is now fully proven for volume manufacturing and available to the currency market, marking a major inflection point for the industry. With the manufacturing process validated and capacity secured, we have moved from innovation to full market impact. This sets a new benchmark for the currency industry and ensures Central Bank customers can access our cutting-edge technology at significant scale.
Why do banknote security features need superior technology?
Counterfeit Resilience
Modern banknotes are in a constant race with counterfeiters. As technology becomes more accessible and more sophisticated, the tools available to criminals improve too. That’s why central banks must keep innovating – they look for technologies that are extremely counterfeit resilient. QUANTUM stripe’s nano-scale origination, proprietary algorithms, specialized manufacturing and materials are not and never have been commercially available. Hence, it is extremely difficult to reproduce, setting a very high barrier to entry. Stronger security features help maintain trust in a nation’s currency, especially for global trade.
Simplicity
Public verification needs to stay simple. Nano Optic security features are easy to authenticate due to their smooth, always on, intuitive animated effects. Combining micro and nanostructures augments the optical effects of both, controlling the light at all scales: macro, micro and nano. This creates unambiguous and consistent plasmonic color without inks or dyes. QUANTUM stripe’s 3D stereo depth, multi color effects, and fluid movement significantly enhances public verification by giving end users something intuitive and unmistakable to experience. Authentication becomes inherent, easier, and faster, while providing an ultimate barrier to illicit replication. As counterfeiters learn to mimic legacy features, new ones must replace them to secure public confidence in cash.
Durability and lifespan improvements
Innovation in new materials and substrates make banknotes last longer and harder to counterfeit. QUANTUM stripe’s encapsulated structures enable overprinting, post print varnish and superior resistance to dirt. Extensive trialing and testing have been carried out on various substrates and application equipment giving confidence for real world application and adoption. In summary, our work with central banks, substrate producers and banknote printers has shown that QUANTUM security features can be seamlessly introduced to enhance a new banknote series or create an upgrade path in existing banknotes. The stripe’s robustness has been validated by third party testers, along with our own stringent durability testing at Authentix and Kurz.
Why QUANTUM stripe a low-risk implementation option
Choosing QUANTUM stripe for your next denomination or banknote series is low risk and high reward – although a completely new technology platform with superior counterfeit resilience, the innovation is underpinned by integration and industrialization.
Following successful technical validation for scaled manufacturing of the QUANTUM stripe nano optic feature, our focus turns to meeting the growing global demand and supporting issuing authorities stay ahead of the counterfeiter. Authentix breakthrough nano optic innovation is backed by world-class production capacity, ensuring reliable, high-volume supply for banknote customers.
From a design perspective, we offer one of the most customizable and only true multi color animated features, that has been engineered to apply more like a traditional feature i.e. no machinery adaptations, no special processing and within existing print or substrate manufacturers capabilities. To make it easier for Central Banks, these features can be applied on all substrates with unmodified industry equipment. It is truly fully customisable for ultimate design integration.
While the origination technology behind QUANTUM security features is extremely cutting edge, the technology has been engineered for integration into existing workflows, and to be applied more in line with traditional features in the market. The origination puts all of the technology on a single layer, so there is no need for laminating and alignment as is required for micro-optics. With an ultra-thin form factor of less than 10 microns, application to any substrate, paper, polymer, hybrids, is straight forward and secure.
On every metric you can measure, QUANTUM stripe is best in class- at the forefront of future innovation. Contact Authentix today to request a design workshop, get a sneak peek of our upcoming animated housenote, or learn more about incorporating Nano Optics into your next banknote series.