Apparatus and method for object authentication using taggant material

A method for authenticating an object comprising:

• applying a taggant material to the object;
• exciting the taggant material with light emitted by an excitation source;
• detecting light emission of the excited taggant material;
• and
• analyzing the detected light emission, comparing the detected light emission profile with data stored in a database that stores data related to the excitation-emission properties of the taggant material and related to an identity of the object, and thereby verifying the identity of the object;
• wherein:
• the step of applying the taggant material to the object comprises mixing the taggant material into the raw material of the object, integrating the taggant material with a portion of the object, or attaching the taggant material to the object with an adhesive material.

An apparatus for authenticating an object, the object being applied with a taggant material, the apparatus comprising:

• a database storing data related to the excitation-emission properties of the taggant material and to an identity of the object;
• an excitation source for emitting light for exciting the taggant material;
• an emission detection device for detecting light emission of the excited taggant material;
• a plurality of light delivery optical fibers for delivering light emitted by the excitation source to the taggant material;
• a light collection optical fiber for collecting light emitted by the excited taggant material and delivering the collected emission to the emission detection device;
• a processing unit for analyzing the detected light emission, comparing the detected light emission profile with data stored in the database, and thereby verifying the identity of the object;
• and
• an output device connected to the processing unit, the output device being configured for outputting the result of the authentication to a user;
• wherein:
• the light delivery optical fibers and the light collection optical fiber are bundled together to form a probe.