Articles containing non-visible identifying marks formed from nanomaterials and methods utilizing the same

Abstract

Identifying marks are often used for authentication and tracking purposes with various types of articles, but they can sometimes be subject to replication or removal by an outside entity, such as a person or group having malicious intent. Carbon nanotubes and other carbon nanomaterials can be used to form identifying marks that are not visible to the naked eye, thereby making the marks more difficult for an outside entity to tamper with. Various articles can include an identifying mark that is not visible to the naked eye, the identifying mark containing a nanomaterial that includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes with a registered distribution of chiralities. The registered distribution of chiralities can be further tailored to increase the level of security provided by the mark.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.