A Quantum Leap for Meta Materials

Meta Materials, under its former name of Nanotech Security Corporation, has been a pioneer in banknote OVD technology for the past decade with innovations in micro-, nano- and now plasmonic structures.

In its recent webinar ‘Producing the World’s First Fully Plasmonic 3D Animated Banknote Security Feature’, Vice President for Technology and Innovation, Clint Landrock, explained the motivation behind Meta’s KolourOptik® Stripe and its toolkit of customisable authentication effects with 3D parallax (see CN July 2023) 

Now, the company has announced the production qualification and launch of QUANTUM™ stripe, a new banknote security product based on the KolourOptik® technology. According to Meta, QUANTUM stripe delivers a combination of movement, 3D stereoscopic depth, and multicolour effects in an ultra-thin form factor, providing enhanced security and an engaging authentication experience.

‘QUANTUM stripe represents a significant milestone in banknote security, offering a unique combination of visual cues that are easy to authenticate but extremely challenging to replicate,’ said Alan Newman, Chief Product Officer for Authentication, Managing Director Banknote & Authentication Division at Meta.

‘META® nano-optic technology is at the forefront of innovation for the banknote industry,’ said Clint Landrock, claiming that ‘QUANTUM stripe is the world’s first fully nano-optic banknote security product and will usher in a new era of security for the banknote industry.’

‘This is the first release from a portfolio of products, with which we intend to bring nano-optic technology to the banknote, ID and brand markets,’ he added.

The QUANTUM stripe is readily integrated into banknotes with industry-standard processes and equipment. Moreover, it is manufactured using clean, renewable hydroelectric energy within Meta’s high-security production facility, ensuring sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Meta has now completed the production qualification of QUANTUM stripe, demonstrating its industrial application and exceptional durability. The company has conducted industry standard tests including chemical resistance, crumpling, and abrasion performance tests, independently validated by third party labs, Ugra and UnderCurrency. Meta is now ready to accept orders from industry partners and customers interested in implementing this new banknote security solution.

One of the partners in the performance testing of QUANTUM stripe was the Swiss manufacturer of substrates for banknotes – Landqart.

‘Landqart has a long history of working with Meta, and we were very pleased to work with them on this project to demonstrate the industrial application of QUANTUM stripe. The results of the application work, and the corresponding durability tests, were very positive, and we look forward to seeing the product in the market circulating on notes very soon,’ said Richard Perera, Director of Marketing Services at Landqart.