Noncontact Anticounterfeiting Technology with Dual NIR-Responsive Photothermal Effect and Thermochromic Materials

In an era where counterfeiting poses a significant challenge across various industries, the development of advanced anticounterfeiting (ACF) technologies is critical. This study introduces noncontact anticounterfeiting (NCACF) system leveraging the unique properties of near-infrared (NIR) absorbing photothermal and thermochromic materials. The proposed system utilizes the wavelength-dependent photothermal effect of NIR dyes to activate color changes in thermochromic materials, enabling a dynamic range of color transitions visible under specific NIR irradiations. Through an in-depth analysis of the NIR dyes’ photothermal properties and their integration into various substrates, we demonstrate the system’s effectiveness in creating covert security features. The proposed NCACF enhances security measures by allowing authentication without physical handling, a crucial advantage in safeguarding products against counterfeiting. This research contributes significantly to the field of security materials, offering a sophisticated, reliable, and user-friendly solution to modern anticounterfeiting challenges. The potential of this NIR-based NCACF in various applications showcases a promising direction in the ongoing battle against counterfeit products.