Anti-Counterfeiting Near-Field Chipless RIFD Tags Based on Laser-Induced Graphene on Cork

Abstract

This work presents non-cloneable RFID tags to protect products like wine, liquor, and oil from counterfeiting. The tags have a unique spectral response created by combining their shape and sheet resistance, using layers of conductive material. A laser-induced graphene (LIG) layer is formed on a cork substrate and then is electroplated to improve conductivity. Two prototype scanners that read the tags’ electromagnetic signatures are presented, which are compatible with wine bottles and cork stoppers of different sizes. The first prototype relies on rotating the object during measurements, whereas the second uses four switched microstrip transmission lines as probes. Initial tests with complex logo images show the feasibility of this technology.