Scientists from QinetiQ North America and the University of Exeter plan to develop new anti-counterfeit and radio-frequency technologies, based on physical sciences research in the field of tailored electromagnetic materials made by studying the wings of butterflies. By understanding how the wing surfaces control light to produce iridescence, the team will apply the same physics to control infrared, microwave or radio-wave radiation to develop new anti-counterfeit technology, radio-frequency identification technology, Wi-Fi efficiency and security applications. The initial product targets are in the markets of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and anti-counterfeiting measures (ACF). The research plans to develop enhanced security to prevent unqualified, untested, products such as medicines, car and aircraft parts, software, media and toys from reaching the consumer.
Butterflies Offer a Hand (or Wing) in Curbing Counterfeiting
