Verification of a biometric identification

An identity verification system comprising:

• a combination of indicia that represents measurable characteristics mapped into a characteristic signature, wherein the measurable characteristics comprise a luminescent characteristic and a biometric characteristic, wherein the biometric characteristic is integrated with the luminescent characteristic to create a unique verification image;
• and
• an indicia detector for detecting the characteristic signature and verifying authenticity of the characteristic signature,
• wherein the combination of indicia comprises colloidal nanoparticles having a characteristic emission spectrum comprising a plurality of lines at characteristic wavelengths with characteristic intensity ratio, wherein the indicia detector detects the characteristic emission spectrum.