Dendritic structures and tags
The disclosure features dendritic tags, and methods and systems for fabricating and using such tags. The methods can include obtaining at least one image of a dendritic tag attached to an article, analyzing the at least one image to identify a set of features associated with the dendritic tag, and comparing the set of features to stored information to identify the article.
1. An article comprising:
a paper substrate; and
a dendritic structure grown on the paper substrate,
wherein the dendritic structure comprises:
at least one metallic material; and
a plurality of members extending away from a common point of the dendritic structure to form a stochastically branched arrangement of the members, wherein regions of the dendritic structure are stochastically self-similar to the entire dendritic structure.
2. The article of claim 1 , further comprising a protective layer applied to a surface of the paper substrate and over the dendritic structure, wherein the protective layer contacts at least a portion of the dendritic structure.
3. The article of claim 1 , wherein the at least one metallic material comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of silver, copper, zinc, gold, iron, and tin.
4. The article of claim 1 , wherein the paper substrate comprises ions of the at least one metallic material.
5. The article of claim 1 , wherein the paper substrate is formed from a plasticized paper material.
6. The article of claim 1 , wherein the paper substrate is a unit of currency.
7. The article of claim 1 , wherein the paper substrate is a negotiable financial instrument.
8. The article of claim 1 , wherein the paper substrate is a contract.
9. The article of claim 1 , wherein the paper substrate is an identification document.
10. The article of claim 1 , wherein the paper substrate is a product label.
11. The article of claim 1 , wherein the paper substrate is a controlled document.
12. The article of claim 2 , wherein the protective layer comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of cyanoacrylate, polymethylmethacrylate, polysiloxane, silicon dioxide, and silicon nitride.
13. The article of claim 2 , wherein the dendritic structure is electrodeposited on the paper substrate.
14. An article comprising:
a substrate; and
a dendritic structure electrodeposited on the substrate,
wherein the dendritic structure comprises:
at least one metallic material; and
a plurality of members extending away from a common point of the dendritic structure to form a stochastically branched arrangement of the members, wherein regions of the dendritic structure are stochastically self-similar to the entire dendritic structure.
15. The article of claim 14 , further comprising a protective layer applied to a surface of the substrate and over the dendritic structure, wherein the protective layer contacts at least a portion of the dendritic structure.
16. An article comprising:
a single dendritic structure, wherein the dendritic structure comprises at least one metallic material; and
a paper substrate supporting the single dendritic structure,
wherein the single dendritic structure comprises a plurality of members extending away from a common point of the dendritic structure to form a stochastically branched arrangement of the members, and regions of the dendritic structure are stochastically self-similar to the entire dendritic structure.
17. The article of claim 16 , wherein the paper substrate comprises one of a plasticized paper material, a unit of currency, a negotiable financial instrument, a contract, an identification document, a product label, and a controlled document.
18. The article of claim 16 , further comprising a fluorescent agent attached to the single dendritic structure.