Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and methods for the identification or authentication of liquid products by the addition of an anti-Stokes marker. The invention features an apparatus and method for the identification of a liquid, dynamic or static, that includes adding an anti-Stokes luminescent marker compound to the liquid followed by exposing the compound to a light source of a known wavelength or known wavelengths and then detecting one or more shorter wavelength emissions from the marker, where the identity of the liquid is confirmed by the emission wavelength or wavelengths that are detected and quantified. The irradiating source of light includes, but is not limited to, a laser and other conventional light sources.

Abstract: Devices and methods for identification, authentication, and quantification of one or more covert markers in a material are disclosed. A device includes a microfluidic cell, a liquid transfer system, and a detector system and is an integrated unit providing an automated, in-line process for identifying one or more materials containing at least one latent marker that may transform into an active form. The microfluidic cell is for receiving a material containing a latent marker and has at least one inlet for receiving one or more liquids and one or more outlets through which liquids exit. The liquid transfer system is operably connected to the microfluidic cell and delivers liquids to the microfluidic cell. The detector system is proximate to the outlets for detecting the active form of the marker. With the device, a number of independent processing and analytic steps are combined onto a single, portable unit.