Truth in the Blood: LSU Vein-Matching Scanner Boosts Identity Security
March 20, 2026
Biometric identity verification is widespread, but most methods are neither entirely secure nor secret. People leave fingerprints everywhere. It's easy to find high-resolution photos of a person's face or eyes on social media. In the last decade, millions of biometric records have been permanently breached because, unlike a compromised password, there's no changing your biometrics.
However, LSU has created a biometric authentication system that is as accurate as retinal or fingerprint scans and more secure.
A lab mockup of the photoplethysmography device using off-the-shelf components. The commercial version of the technology would be built into a smartwatch's software.
The system uses a machine learning algorithm and photoplethysmography (PPG), the same technology that allows smartwatches to track heart rate. By shining an infrared light on a person’s finger or wrist, PPG can track changes in blood flow.
“Everyone’s blood flow patterns are unique. They are also more difficult to fake than retinal scans or fingerprints,” said LSU Electrical Engineering Professor Hsiao-Chun Wu. “In addition, PPG signals are easy and inexpensive to capture.”
Wu and co-inventors Limeng Pu and Jin-Woo Choi, former LSU faculty members, successfully tested their invention in the lab with a wearable prototype they made for less than $50.
Their goal is to license the invention to a smartwatch maker like Apple or Samsung. Those firms could easily add the LSU algorithm to a microchip, Wu said. The technology could also secure smartphones, laptops, buildings and laboratories.
License this invention
LSU, through its Office of Innovation & Technology Commercialization (ITC), is seeking partners to help bring the discovery to market. For licensing inquiries, contact techlicensing@lsu.edu
The U.S. biometric authentication market had an estimated value of $7 billion to $15 billion in 2025. Some forecasts show the market could reach $60 billion in 10 years.
The LSU system offers another advantage. It can continuously track users in real time and share that data online. For example, the system could tell if an unauthorized person uses a worker’s laptop.
Wu said the system can also be used in hospitals to prevent patients in memory care, pediatric and mental health wards from wandering into dangerous areas.
“This is a remarkable breakthrough and shows how LSU is working to address real-world security challenges,” said Robert Twilley, vice chancellor of research and economic development at LSU. “Our researchers are driving innovation that helps society while boosting economic development.”
Wu and the research team worked with the LSU Office of Innovation & Technology Commercialization (ITC) to protect their discovery.
“We are eager to help our faculty members pursue commercialization avenues for their discoveries,” said Daniel Felch, ITC senior commercialization officer.