Fluorescence of selected polymer banknotes

Abstract

In this paper, selected polymer banknotes from Great Britain, Hong Kong, Mexico and Russia are investigated. First, a UV lamp is used to visualise fluorescent radiation of the banknotes, and the banknotes are photographed. Subsequently, selected parts of the banknotes are further analysed by steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy. For each banknote, the part containing the fluorescent dye is compared with the part without the security feature. The results demonstrate the properties of the fluorescent dyes, which are used as a security feature for polymer banknotes. These properties can be further used to detect counterfeits.