A novel approach for wine anti-counterfeiting using laser-induced graphene chipless RFID tags on cork

New research introduces novel, non-cloneable chipless RFID tags designed for authentication, offering a solution to protect product brands, such as wine, liquor, oil, and other liquid products, from counterfeit practices.

A unique spectral response of the embedded tag, created by depositing various conductive layers, can be achieved by combining its shape and sheet resistance. To accomplish this, a laser-induced graphene (LIG) layer is formed on a cork substrate (used as a graphene precursor), followed by an electroplating process to enhance conductivity.

The research paper presents a prototype scanner, designed to characterize the electromagnetic signature of the tags, compatible variable-sized wine bottles and cork stoppers. Preliminary results obtained with complex logo images demonstrate the feasibility of this technology.