Abstract: An apparatus may be provided for determining a signature from an article in a reading volume of the apparatus. The apparatus can comprise a source operable to generate a coherent beam and a beam directing member operable to direct the coherent beam into the reading volume. The apparatus may also comprise a detector arrangement for collecting signals created by scatter of the coherent beam within the reading volume, wherein different ones of the signals relate to scatter from different parts of the reading volume, the detector arrangement having a numerical aperture greater than a predetermined minimum and a processor operable to determine a signature for an article in the reading volume from the collected signals. Use of such apparatus can be repeated whenever required to test authenticity of the article.

Abstract: An apparatus may be provided for determining a signature from an article in a reading volume of the apparatus. The apparatus can comprise a source operable to generate a coherent beam and a beam directing member operable to direct the coherent beam into the reading volume. The apparatus may also comprise a detector arrangement for collecting signals created by scatter of the coherent beam within the reading volume, wherein different ones of the signals relate to scatter from different parts of the reading volume, the detector arrangement having a numerical aperture greater than a predetermined minimum and a processor operable to determine a signature for an article in the reading volume from the collected signals. Use of such apparatus can be repeated whenever required to test authenticity of the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a signature from an article in a reading volume of the apparatus. The apparatus can comprise a source operable to generate a coherent beam and a beam directing member operable to direct the coherent beam into the reading volume. The apparatus may also comprise a detector arrangement for collecting signals created by scatter of the coherent beam within the reading volume, wherein different ones of the signals relate to scatter from different parts of the reading volume, the detector arrangement having a numerical aperture greater than a predetermined minimum and a processor operable to determine a signature for an article in the reading volume from the collected signals. Use of such apparatus can be repeated whenever required to test authenticity of the article.

Abstract: A system for obtaining a signature from a scan area on the surface of an article comprises: a signature generator that generates the signature from scattered coherent radiation detected from a plurality of points on the surface and includes a scan head comprising a coherent radiation source and photodetectors; a camera for capturing an image of the surface; a comparator that compares the captured image with a reference image to determine the location and orientation of the scan area; and a drive assembly that positions the scan head appropriately for generating a signature from the scan area in response to the determination of the location and orientation of the scan area.