Products & Technology

Smart has pioneered a unique form of sensor technology. Invented by Professor Chris Lowe’s Department at the Institute of Biotechnology, Cambridge University, the sensor is optically programmable.

In the holograms that we have all become used to on our credit cards, bank notes, etc. the structure (diffraction grating) that creates the hologram is embossed onto the surface of a metal foil. With Smart's technology the structure is in the volume of a polymer film and is arranged like the pages of a book (a volume hologram). Chemical primers are embedded into the film to create a specific sensor. This can then be integrated into any number of formats and when exposed to stimuli such as moisture, water, chemicals or even body fluids the sensor will react changing colour and image. It is this change that is unique to what we do and it allows end users to verify a product, establish authenticity, or make a medical diagnosis.

Crucially, the SHOPS™ technology provides many advantages to companies currently using conventional holograms. Conventional holograms do not react to stimuli. They are inert and have become generic, which means they are easy to copy.

In summary, what are the advantages of our SHOPS™ technology?

• They are virtually impossible to reverse engineer or replicate
• Results are fast and real-time
• They are ‘format-flexible’ to meet individual requirements – they can be integrated into packaging labels, fibre optic catheters, or sub-dermal implants, for example
• They do not require a power source
• They are scaleable
• The manufacturing process is easily integrated into existing supply chains
• They are multiplexable, which means that one sensor can be engineered to react to several different stimuli

At Smart, we focus on creating products that meet our partners’ needs. The multi-application nature of the technology we’ve developed has resulted in a robust and diverse product pipeline segmented into first, second and third generation product development.