Xerox has invented invisible ink! This is pretty cool.

It was announced this week that Xerox has developed an invisible ink that fluoresces under ultraviolet light and can be used by most commercial printers. Developed by the Xerox Innovation Group, the invisible ink is created by using a special combination of toners that creates the effect by using inks that react with the fluorescent agents paper manufacturers use to make their paper seem brighter.

What is the benefit of this?

Well, a four color digital printer can print anything it normally would, but could also print an individual identifier on each document using a fluorescent identifier. The best news is that it would seem there is no need for new printers, just new toner cartridges that hold the updated toner powder.

This technology has immediately been compared to that which is used to print currency (watch out!). High denomination bills are printed with a fluorescent coloring, but the equipment used to print money is very expensive. This technology allows for users to use it at a relatively low cost.

The ramifications of this are big. Let Pacific Ink know what you think.