New counterfeit detection system unveiled

FORT BELVOIR, Va., Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Research into the use of botanical DNA markings to prevent counterfeit equipment parts from entering the U.S. military supply chain is under way.

The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency reports that the Altera Corp., a California microcircuit manufacturer, and Applied DNA Sciences of New York, demonstrated the concept last year in a DLA-sponsored pilot program.

"In this limited demonstration, we wanted to show that microchips could be marked during the production process, which includes high heat and other stressors, and that those marks could later be read," said Chris Metz, director of the Technical and Quality Policy Division for DLA Logistics Operations.

"Microelectronics is where a lot of counterfeit issues have been occurring. It's also where, if things go wrong, they could really impact system performance and lives, because microelectronics are used in everything from cars and airplanes to weapons systems."

In the pilot program, Altera manufactured and marked microchips with botanical DNA. The DNA was embedded in ink developed by APDN that was used to mark the products. The authenticating markings are detected by a hand-held device.

Successful testing has prompted a second phase of the development program and DLA is working with the two companies and independent distributor STM Corp. to determine the feasibility of using the process throughout the supply chain for microcircuits.

APDN invented the use of botanical DNA for authentication. STM is a distributor which regularly checks products it distributes to detect fakes and which intends to use the system developed beginning next month.