JDSU sees hike in currencies using anti-counterfeiting SPARK

JDS Uniphase says it has doubled the number of currencies using its next generation anti-counterfeiting technology in the past year.

At an analyst day last week, JDS executives said 38 countries are using SPARK to protect their currencies, up from 17 one-year ago. JDS views the use of SPARK by the recently redesigned €5 note as particularly significant.

"It's the lowest value note in the series, and it has adopted the latest generation technology. And what's relevant about that is that today, the Euro only uses OVI on a €50 note and higher," Luke Scrivanich, general manager of optical security and performance products at JDS, said.

OVI is the technology SPARK supersedes. South Africa previously used OVI for its three biggest bank notes, but has now incorporated SPARK into these bills. OVI is now used for the two lower denominations. SPARK is an optically variable pigment orientated by magnets for overt security.

JDS is looking to expand its anti-counterfeiting business beyond currency, with pharmaceuticals a possible target. Additional technology is needed to grow the pharmaceutical business, and an acquisition is one possibility.