Surfaces have built-in "fingerprints" (July 2005) - News - PhysicsWeb: "The surfaces of most paper documents, plastic cards and cardboard packages contain unique 'fingerprints' that could be used to combat fraud, according to physicists in the UK. The fingerprint is contained in microscopic imperfections on the surface and can be read by a portable laser scanner. The results could eventually eliminate the need for expensive security measures -- such holograms, chips and special inks -- on passports, identity cards and pharmaceutical packaging "