We have found that almost all paper documents, plastic cards and product packaging contain a unique physical identity code formed from microscopic imperfections in the surface. This covert 'fingerprint' is intrinsic and virtually impossible to modify controllably. It can be rapidly read using a low-cost portable laser scanner. Most forms of document and branded-product fraud could be rendered obsolete by use of this code.

1. Blackett Physics Laboratory, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BW, UK
2. Durham University Physics Department, Rochester Building, Durham DH1 3LE, UK
3. Department of Engineering Materials, Sir Robert Hadfield Building, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK

Correspondence to: Russell P. Cowburn¹ Email: r.cowburn@imperial.ac.uk

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