Nanoscale variations in the structure and composition of an object are an enticing basis for verifying its identity, due to the physical complexity of attempting to reproduce such a system. The biggest practical challenge for nanoscale authentication lies in producing a system that can be assessed with a facile measurement. Here, a system is presented in which InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) are randomly distributed on a surface of an aluminium-coated substrate with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs). Variations in the local arrangement of the QDs and NPs is shown to lead to interactions between them, which can suppress or enhance fluorescence from the QDs. This position-dependent interaction can be mapped, allowing intensity, emission dynamics, and/or wavelength variations to be used to uniquely identify a specific sample at the nanoscale with a far-field optical measurement. This demonstration could pave the way to producing robust anti-counterfeiting devices.

由于尝试重现这种系统的物理复杂性，对象结构和组成的纳米级变化是验证其身份的诱人基础。纳米认证的最大实际挑战在于生产一种可以通过简便的测量方法进行评估的系统。在这里，提出了一种系统，其中InP / ZnS量子点（QD）随机分布在带有金纳米颗粒（Au NPs）的铝涂层衬底的表面上。QD和NP的局部排列的变化显示出导致它们之间的相互作用，这可以抑制或增强来自QD的荧光。这种与位置有关的相互作用可以被映射，从而允许强度，发射动态，和/或波长变化可用于通过远场光学测量在纳米尺度上唯一识别特定样品。该演示可以为生产坚固的防伪设备铺平道路。