Application of laser processing technology in the anti-counterfeiting field

Laser processing technology has shown significant potential in the field of anti-counterfeiting due to its high precision, programmability, and non-contact material modification capabilities. This paper systematically reviews the photothermal, photochemical, and photophysical mechanisms of the interaction between lasers and materials, analyzes the technical characteristics of fiber, ultraviolet, ultrafast, and other lasers, and expounds on the principles and implementation methods of mainstream processes such as laser marking, micromachining, internal processing, and holographic anti-counterfeiting. On this basis, a multi-level anti-counterfeiting strategy framework from macro visual identification to micro instrument verification is constructed, and the specific applications of this framework on various substrates such as metals, polymers, papers, glass, ceramics, and emerging functional materials are discussed. Finally, the current technical and industrialization challenges are summarized, and the future development trends of the integration of laser processing technology with intelligent and functional materials as well as green manufacturing are prospected, aiming to provide references for the research and application of laser anti-counterfeiting technology based on material modification and structural manufacturing.