Aerosol-generating article with taggant

Abstract

There is provided an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article extends between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end to define an article length. The aerosol-generating article further includes an article width, and an article thickness, the article width being greater than the article thickness. The aerosol-generating article comprises a first external surface and a second external surface facing in substantially the opposite direction to the first external surface. The aerosol-generating article comprises a peripheral wall extending between the first external surface and the second external surface. The aerosol-generating article comprises at least one cavity located between the first external surface and the second external surface, and at least partially circumscribed by the peripheral wall. The aerosol-generating article comprises an airflow passage defined through the aerosol-generating article between an air inlet and an air outlet, the airflow passage extending through the at least one cavity. The aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating element located in the at least one cavity. The aerosol-generating article comprises at least one taggant provided on at least one of the first external surface and the peripheral wall.

Description

[0001] AEROSOL-GENERATING ARTICLE WITH TAGGANT

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0003] A typical aerosol-generating article may appear similar to a conventional cigarette. For example, such an aerosol-generating article may be substantially cylindrical and comprise an aerosol-generating substrate and other components such as a mouthpiece filter element and a cooling element, all arranged together in the form of a rod and wrapped in a cigarette paper. Dimensions of typical aerosol-generating articles are often similar to the dimensions of conventional cigarettes.

[0004] However, a significant portion of the aerosol-generating substrate in these cylindrical aerosolgenerating articles may not be sufficiently heated to form an aerosol during use. This is undesirable since the insufficiently heated portion of the aerosol-generating substrate contributes to the cost of manufacture and transport of the aerosol-generating article, but does not contribute to the aerosol delivered to an end user. This may be the case regardless of the way in which the aerosol-generating substrate is heated, for example regardless of whether a resistive or inductive heater is used and regardless of whether the aerosolgenerating substrate is heated from the inside or the outside. Moreover, the components of these cylindrical aerosol-generating articles normally need to have the same or very similar outer diameters so that they can be brought together, accurately positioned in co-axial alignment and wrapped in a cigarette paper. This can lead to increased cost and complexity of manufacture.

[0005] It is an aim of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating article, in which a greater portion of an aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article is sufficiently heated to form an aerosol during use. It is also an objective of the present disclosure to provide an aerosol-generating article that can be manufactured relatively efficiently and cheaply.

[0006] Specific aerosol-generating devices may be configured for use with specific aerosol-generating articles. For example, the temperature reached by the one or more electrical heater elements of an aerosolgenerating device may be configured to maximise aerosol generation in specific aerosol-generating substrates without leading to the generation of unpleasant flavours.

[0007] However, it is conceivable that a user may, inadvertently or otherwise, attempt to use an aerosolgenerating article with an aerosol-generating device where the device is not designed to be used with the article. For example, a user may attempt to use a conventional combustible cigarette, or a counterfeit aerosol-generating article in an aerosol-generating device. This may result in poor aerosol-generation and reduced user experience which may reflect badly on the aerosol-generating device. In addition, the use of aerosol-generating articles other than those intended may damage the aerosol-generating device.

[0008] Furthermore, it may be desirable for the one or more electrical heater elements of an aerosolgenerating device to reach different temperatures at different times (i.e. have a different heating profile) depending on the variety or flavour of aerosol-generating article used with the aerosol-generating device. Where this is the case, it would be desirable for the aerosol-generating device to be able to alter the temperature settings automatically without a user needing to enter any details manually.

[0009] Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system in which an aerosol-generating device is able to detect the presence of particular aerosol-generating articles. Where the aerosol-generating device does not recognise a particular aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating device may not activate the heater element to prevent a poor user experience. In addition, where the aerosol-generating device detects a particular recognised aerosol-generating article, it may run a particular heating profile configured specifically for use with that variety of aerosol-generating article.

[0010] In addition, it would be desirable to provide a system in which an aerosol-generating device is able to detect the presence of a particular aerosol-generating article reliably and even after several uses of the aerosol-generating system.

[0011] Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a system in which an aerosol-generating device is able to detect the presence of a particular aerosol-generating article reliably even if there are inconsistencies in how the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device. For example, it would be desirable if the aerosol-generating device is able to detect the presence of a particular aerosol-generating article reliably regardless of the orientation of the aerosol-generating article. It would be desirable to achieve this without substantially altering the appearance of the aerosol-generating article, and while keeping the cost to a minimum.

[0012] According to the present disclosure there is provided an aerosol-generating article. The aerosolgenerating article may be for use with an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol. The aerosolgenerating article may extend between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end to define an article length. The aerosol-generating article may further include an article width. The aerosol-generating article may further include an article thickness. The article width may be greater than the article thickness. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first external surface and a second external surface facing in substantially the opposite direction to the first external surface. The aerosol-generating article may comprise a peripheral wall extending between the first external surface and the second external surface. The aerosol-generating article may comprise at least one cavity located between the first external surface and the second external surface, and at least partially circumscribed by the peripheral wall. The aerosolgenerating article may comprise an airflow passage defined through the aerosol-generating article between an air inlet and an air outlet, the airflow passage extending through the at least one cavity. The aerosolgenerating article may comprise an aerosol-generating element located in the at least one cavity. The aerosol-generating article may comprise at least one taggant provided on at least one of the first external surface and the peripheral wall.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article is for use with an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating article extends between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end to define an article length. The aerosol-generating article further includes an article width. The aerosol-generating article further includes an article thickness. The article width is greater than the article thickness. The aerosol-generating article comprises a first external surface and a second external surface facing in substantially the opposite direction to the first external surface. The aerosol-generating article comprises a peripheral wall extending between the first external surface and the second external surface. The aerosolgenerating article comprises at least one cavity located between the first external surface and the second external surface, and at least partially circumscribed by the peripheral wall. The aerosol-generating article comprises an airflow passage defined through the aerosol-generating article between an air inlet and an air outlet, the airflow passage extending through the at least one cavity. The aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating element located in the at least one cavity. The aerosol-generating article comprises at least one taggant provided on at least one of the first external surface and the peripheral wall. In general, the provision of a taggant on the aerosol-generating article may allow the aerosolgenerating article to be detected and identified by an aerosol-generating device which includes a suitable detector. This identification may, for example, advantageously be used to verify the authenticity of the aerosol-generating article or to determine the appropriate heating profile for the aerosol-generating article.

[0014] More specifically, the use of a taggant on aerosol-generating articles which include a first external surface and a second external surface facing in substantially the opposite direction to the first external surface, and a peripheral wall extending between the first external surface and the second external surface may provide an advantage compared to using taggant on other aerosol-generating articles. Typical aerosolgenerating articles of the prior art are generally cylindrical in shape, similar to conventional cigarettes. Due to the cylindrical shape, the aerosol-generating articles of the prior art include full rotational symmetry about their longitudinal axis. As a result, any taggant applied to the surface of these articles would need to extend around the entire circumference of the aerosol-generating article to ensure it can be read by a detector in an aerosol-generating device when it is inserted in any orientation. This may require a band of taggant material circumscribing the aerosol-generating article.

[0015] By contrast, the structure of the aerosol-generating article of the present invention has fewer orders of rotational symmetry about the longitudinal axis. As a result, the aerosol-generating article may only be inserted into the aerosol-generating device in a limited number of different ways. For example, the aerosolgenerating article of the present invention may only be inserted into the aerosol-generating device in two orientations. As a result, if a taggant is provided, it does not need to be provided in a continuous band circumscribing the aerosol-generating article. Instead, the at least one taggant may be provided in a discrete number of patches. The number of patches of taggant may correspond to the number of orders of rotational symmetry of the aerosol-generating article. As a result, the aerosol-generating article of the present invention may be readily identified while using less taggant than would be required to reliably identify aerosol-generating articles of the prior art. This may advantageously reduce the cost of manufacture and reduce the impact on the appearance of the aerosol-generating article.

[0016] As used herein, the term “taggant” refers to a chemical or physical marker added to a component, the presence of which may be detected by a suitable detector enabling the component to be identified. Physical taggants can take many different forms but are typically microscopic in size, included at low levels, and simple to detect. The at least one taggant may comprise uniquely encoded material. The at least one taggant may comprise a photoluminescent material.

[0017] The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of between 10 microseconds and 2000 microseconds after photoexcitation of the photoluminescent material.

[0018] As used herein, the term “emission half-life” is used herein to refer to the time taken for an intensity of radiation emission by the photoluminescent material to decay by half after the photoluminescent material has been irradiated by a source of radiation and after the source of radiation has been removed or switched off.

[0019] Providing a photoluminescent material having a known emission half-life may advantageously allow the at least one taggant to be used to identify the aerosol-generating article by an aerosol-generating device. Advantageously, an aerosol-generating device may be configured to operate in different ways depending on the particular aerosol-generating article recognised by the aerosol-generating device.

[0020] Advantageously, a taggant comprising a photoluminescent material may be more difficult to copy during the production of counterfeit aerosol-generating articles when compared to known systems comprising identifiable ink patterns. For example, it may be impossible to produce a counterfeit article without determining at least one of the particular photoluminescent material, one or more wavelengths of radiation at which the photoluminescent material may be excited, and one or more wavelengths at which the photoluminescent material may emit radiation.

[0021] Advantageously, providing a photoluminescent material having an emission half-life of between about 10 microseconds and about 2000 microseconds may facilitate fast identification of the aerosol- generating article by an aerosol-generating device.

[0022] Advantageously, an emission half-life of between about 10 microseconds and about 2000 microseconds may be sufficiently long to facilitate consistent and accurate determination of the half-life by an aerosol-generating device. In embodiments in which the photoluminescent material exhibits photoluminescence at one or more infrared wavelengths, an emission half-life of between about 10 microseconds and about 2000 microseconds may be sufficiently long to distinguish the at least one taggant from other material used in the aerosol-generating article that may emit infrared radiation for several milliseconds after exposure to an infrared source.

[0023] The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 60 microseconds.

[0024] The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 70 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 80 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 90 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 100 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 110 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 120 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 130 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 140 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 150 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 160 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 170 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 180 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 190 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of at least about 200 microseconds.

[0025] The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 1200 microseconds.

[0026] The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 1100 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 1000 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 900 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 800 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 700 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 600 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 500 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 400 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 300 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 280 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 260 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 250 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 240 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 230 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 220 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 210 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of less than about 200 microseconds.

[0027] The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of between about 100 microseconds and about 800 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of between about 100 microseconds and about 500 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of between about 100 microseconds and about 300 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of between about 120 microseconds and about 250 microseconds. The photoluminescent material may have an emission half-life of between about 160 microseconds and about 200 microseconds.

[0028] Preferably, the photoluminescent material is excitable by infrared radiation.

[0029] Advantageously, infrared radiation may be more easily transmitted through materials used to form the aerosol-generating article compared to other wavelengths of radiation. For example, in embodiments in which the at least one taggant is provided on an inner surface of a wrapper, infrared radiation may be transmitted through the wrapper to excite the photoluminescent material.

[0030] Advantageously, infrared radiation is relatively safe for the user of the aerosol-generating article.

[0031] The photoluminescent material may be excitable by infrared radiation within a wavelength range of between about 700 nanometres and about 1050 nanometres.

[0032] Preferably, the photoluminescent material exhibits photoluminescence in the infrared range. In other words, preferably the photoluminescent material emits infrared radiation. The photoluminescent material may exhibit photoluminescence across a range of wavelengths. Preferably, the photoluminescent material has a peak emission at a wavelength in the infrared range. The photoluminescent material may have a single peak emission. Preferably, the single peak emission occurs at a wavelength in the infrared range. The photoluminescent material may exhibit photoluminescence within a wavelength range of between about 700 nanometres and about 1 100 nanometres. The photoluminescent material may have a peak emission at a wavelength of between about 700 nanometres and about 1100 nanometres.

[0033] The photoluminescent material may exhibit photoluminescence within a wavelength range of between about 950 nanometres and about 1050 nanometres. The photoluminescent material may have a peak emission at a wavelength of between about 950 nanometres and about 1050 nanometres.

[0034] Preferably, the photoluminescent material comprises a phosphorescent material. The skilled person can select suitable materials based on an emission half-life, excitation wavelength and emission wavelength of the materials.

[0035] The at least one taggant may correspond to the type of aerosol-generating article. For example, the at least one taggant may correspond to the type of aerosol-generating material received within the cavity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0036] The at least one taggant may be provided on the first external surface. This may advantageously provide a large stable surface on which a sufficient amount of taggant may be located.

[0037] The first external surface may have any shape. The first external surface may be a planar surface. Providing the at least one taggant on a planar surface may simplify the detection of the at least one taggant compared to placing the at least one taggant on a curved surface since all of the at least one taggant will be a similar distance from the detector. This provision may also advantageously simplify the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article since applying the at least one taggant to a planar surface may be more straightforward than applying it to a curved surface.

[0038] The second external surface may be a planar surface, and may be parallel to the first external surface. Providing both a planar first and second external surface which are parallel to each other may advantageously ensure that aerosol-generating article only has two order of rotational symmetry about its longitudinal axis. This may advantageously ensure that the amount of taggant needed to reliably identify aerosol-generating article may be kept to a minimum.

[0039] The at least one taggant may be located anywhere on the first external surface.

[0040] The at least one taggant may not overlie the aerosol-generating element.

[0041] As used herein, the term “overlie” means that at least a portion of a first component overlaps at least a portion of a second component when viewed in a direction perpendicular to both the article length and the article width.

[0042] The at least one taggant may not overlie the at least one cavity.

[0043] The provision that the at least one taggant does not overlie the aerosol-generating element or the at least one cavity may keep the at least one taggant distant from the portion of the aerosol-generating article which is heated during use. This may advantageously prevent or limit any damage to the at least one taggant which may occur due to the heating of the at least one taggant. This may be particularly important where the aerosol-generating device to be used with the aerosol-generating article comprises a planar heater which, in use, substantially overlies at least one of the at least one cavity and the aerosolgenerating element. Preventing the at least one taggant from overlying at least one of the aerosolgenerating element or the at least one cavity may advantageously prevent the at least one taggant from being positioned between heater and the at least one cavity or the aerosol-generating element during use. This may advantageously prevent the at least one taggant from becoming damaged by the heat from the heater during use.

[0044] The at least one taggant may be located at least 1 millimetre from the at least one cavity. In other words, the cavity and the at least one taggant are separated by at least 1 millimetre at their closest point when viewed in a direction perpendicular to both the article length and the article width.

[0045] This may advantageously prevent the at least one taggant from becoming damaged by the heat from the heater during use.

[0046] The at least one taggant may be located at least 2 millimetres, at least 3 millimetres, at least 5 millimetres, at least 8 millimetres, or at least 10 millimetres from the at least one cavity.

[0047] The at least one taggant may be equidistant between the first longitudinal end of the aerosolgenerating article and the second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0048] Where this is the case, the at least one taggant may overlie the at least one cavity. Alternatively, the at least one taggant may not overlie the at least one cavity as described above.

[0049] Providing the at least one taggant equidistant between the first longitudinal end of the aerosolgenerating article and the second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article may mean that the at least one taggant is located in the same place on the aerosol-generating article regardless of the rotational orientation of the aerosol-generating article about an axis aligned with the thickness of the article. This may mean that the at least one taggant may still be reliably detected by a detector of an aerosol-generating device regardless of whether the first longitudinal end or the second longitudinal end of the aerosolgenerating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device first.

[0050] The at least one taggant may be aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0051] Aligning the at least one taggant with the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article may mean that the at least one taggant is located is the same place on the aerosol-generating article regardless of the rotational orientation of the aerosol-generating article about an axis aligned with the thickness of the article. In addition, this arrangement may also mean that the at least one taggant is located in the same place on the aerosol-generating article regardless of the rotational orientation of the aerosolgenerating article about an axis aligned with the length of the article.

[0052] This may advantageously mean that the same portion of taggant may be read by the same detector regardless of the orientation of the aerosol-generating article. This may mean that the minimum amount of taggant may be used to reliably identify the aerosol-generating article.

[0053] The at least one taggant may be provided on the peripheral wall. This may advantageously keep the first external surface and the second external surface free from the at least one taggant. This may free up space on the larger external surfaces for branding and instructions to be read by the consumer.

[0054] The peripheral wall may comprise at least one planar surface. The at least one taggant may be provided on the at least one planar surface of the peripheral wall. Providing the at least one taggant on a planar surface may simplify the detection of the at least one taggant compared to placing the at least one taggant on a curved surface since all of the at least one taggant will be a similar distance from the detector. This provision may also advantageously simplify the manufacture of the aerosol-generating article since applying the at least one taggant to a planar surface may be more straightforward than applying it to a curved surface.

[0055] The at least one taggant may include a first taggant.

[0056] The first taggant may extend no further than 10 millimetres from the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article. In other words, the entirety of the first taggant may be within 10 millimetres from the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article when viewed in a direction perpendicular to both the article length and the article width. The first taggant may be located on the first external surface of the aerosol-generating article. In this way, the first taggant may be located on first external surface and near the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0057] The first taggant may be at least 1 millimetre from the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0058] The aerosol-generating article may further comprise at least one coloured identifier provided on at least one of the first external surface and the peripheral wall.

[0059] The provision of a coloured identifier in addition to the at least one taggant may advantageously provide increased security where there is a need to verify the authenticity of the aerosol-generating article. The provision of two different identification features may make it more difficult to make counterfeit articles which will work with the aerosol-generating devices for use with the aerosol-generating article of the present invention. The provision of a coloured identifier in addition the at least one taggant may also advantageously allow for more different types of aerosol-generating article to be distinguished. For example, one of a number of different coloured identifiers may be combined with one of a number of different taggants to provide a large number of combinations which may be assigned to different aerosol-generating articles. The specific combination of the at least one taggant and the at least one coloured identifier may correspond to the type of aerosol-generating article. For example, the specific combination of the at least one taggant and the at least one coloured identifier may correspond to the type of aerosol-generating material received within the cavity of the aerosol-generating article.

[0060] The at least one coloured identifier may be any colour. For example, the at least one coloured identifier may be at least one of red, green, blue, orange, black, or white.

[0061] The at least one coloured identifier may extend over the full outer surface of the aerosol-generating article such that the substantially the entire surface of the aerosol-generating article has a colour.

[0062] The at least one coloured identifier may be provided on the first external surface. This may advantageously provide a large stable surface on which a sufficient area of coloured identifier may be located.

[0063] The at least one coloured identifier may be longitudinally aligned with the at least one taggant. This may advantageously mean that the electronics in the aerosol-generating device associated with identifying the at least one taggant and the electronics in the aerosol-generating device associated with identifying the at least one coloured identifier may be located close to each other. This may also allow the same detector to detect both the type of taggant and the colour of the coloured identifier as the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device and each of the at least one taggant and at least one coloured identifier pass the detector.

[0064] The at least one coloured identifier may have any shape. For example, the at least one coloured identifier may comprise one or more of coloured spots, patches, dots, bars, squares, or any other coloured shape.

[0065] The at least one coloured identifier may comprise a coloured stripe which extends in a transverse direction across the first external surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0066] This may advantageously allow for the at least one coloured identifier to be detected even if there is some misalignment between the aerosol-generating article and the detector.

[0067] The at least one taggant may comprise a first taggant. The longitudinal distance between the at least one coloured identifier and the longitudinal end may be greater than the distance between the first taggant and the first longitudinal end. The longitudinal distance between the at least one coloured identifier and the first longitudinal end may be less than the distance between the first taggant and the first longitudinal end.

[0068] The at least one coloured identifier may comprise a plurality of individual coloured identifiers, each individual coloured identifier having a different colour. This may advantageously allow for a greater number of different aerosol-generating articles to be identified since a plurality of different coloured identifiers may provide a larger number of colour combinations.

[0069] The at least one coloured identifier may comprise at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 8, at least 10, or at least 20 individual coloured identifiers.

[0070] The at least one coloured identifier may be equidistant between the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article and the second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0071] Providing the at least one coloured identifier equidistant between the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article and the second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article may mean that the at least one coloured identifier is located in the same place on the aerosol-generating article regardless of the rotational orientation of the aerosol-generating article about an axis aligned with the thickness of the article. This may mean that the at least one coloured identifier may still be reliably detected by a detector of an aerosol-generating device regardless of whether the first longitudinal end or the second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device first.

[0072] The at least one coloured identifier may be provided on the peripheral wall. This may advantageously keep the first external surface and the second external surface free from the at least one coloured identifier. This may free up space on the larger external surfaces for branding and instructions to be read by the consumer.

[0073] The at least one taggant may include a first taggant. The at least one taggant may include a second taggant. The second taggant may be provided on at least one of the first external surface, the second external surface, and the peripheral wall.

[0074] The second taggant may be provided on the first external surface. The second taggant may be provided on the second external surface. The second taggant may be provided on the peripheral wall.

[0075] The second taggant may be the same as the first taggant.

[0076] The second taggant may be located on the second external surface. The second taggant may be located in the same longitudinal and transverse position on the second external surface as the first taggant is located on the first external surface. The second taggant may be located in a position which is rotationally symmetrical 180 degrees about an axis aligned with the thickness of the aerosol-generating article to the location of the first taggant. In this way, the first aerosol-generating article may have rotational symmetry about an axis aligned with the length of the article. This may advantageously allow the aerosol-generating article to be detected regardless of which orientation about an axis aligned with the length of the article the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

[0077] The second taggant may be located on the first external surface. The second taggant may be located in the same position on the first external surface relative to the second longitudinal end as the first taggant is located on the first external surface relative to the first longitudinal end. The second taggant may be located in a position which is rotationally symmetrical 180 degrees about an axis aligned with the length of the aerosol-generating article to the location of the first taggant. In this way, the first aerosol-generating article may have rotational symmetry about an axis aligned with the thickness of the article. This may advantageously allow the aerosol-generating article to be detected regardless of which orientation about an axis aligned with the thickness of the article the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosolgenerating device.

[0078] The first taggant may be equidistant between the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article and the second longitudinal end on the first external surface of the aerosol-generating article. The second taggant may be equidistant between the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article and the second longitudinal end on the second external surface of the aerosol-generating article. In this way, the first aerosol-generating article may have rotational symmetry about an axis aligned with the thickness of the article and an axis aligned with the length of the article. This may advantageously allow the aerosolgenerating article to be detected regardless of which orientation the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

[0079] The aerosol-generating article may include a first, a second, a third, and a fourth taggant. The first and second taggants may be located on the first external surface. The second taggant may be located in the same position on the first external surface relative to the second longitudinal end as the first taggant is located on the first external surface relative to the first longitudinal end. The third and fourth taggants may be located on the second external surface. The positions of the third and fourth taggants on the second external surface may correspond to the positions of the first and second taggants on the first external surface. In this way, the first aerosol-generating article may have rotational symmetry about an axis aligned with the thickness of the article and an axis aligned with the length of the article. This may advantageously allow the aerosol-generating article to be detected regardless of which orientation the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device.

[0080] The second taggant may be different from the first taggant. Where this is the case, detection of the second taggant by the aerosol-generating device may indicate that the aerosol-generating article is incorrectly inserted into the aerosol-generating device. Alternately, the detection of the second taggant by the aerosol-generating device may initiate a different heating program compared to the program initiated by the first taggant. This may be advantageous where the aerosol-generating element is not homogenous.

[0081] The at least one cavity may comprise a first cavity and second cavity located between the first external surface and the second external surface, wherein the first cavity is located nearer the first longitudinal end and the second cavity is located nearer the second longitudinal end. A first aerosolgenerating element may be located in the first cavity. A second aerosol-generating element may be located in the second cavity.

[0082] The provision of a first and a second cavity may allow for a plurality of aerosol-generating elements to be housed separately in the aerosol-generating device. This may allow the aerosol-generating article to be used twice before needing to be replaced. In addition, where the first aerosol-generating element is different from the second aerosol-generating element, locating them in different cavities may allow each aerosol-generating element to be heated using different programs. For example, the orientation in which the aerosol-generating article is inserted into the aerosol-generating device may determine which of the first and second cavities are heated. The orientation of the aerosol-generating article may be determined by the at least one taggant detected.

[0083] The second taggant may extend no further than 10 millimetres from the second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article. In other words, the entirety of a first taggant is within 10 millimetres from the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article when viewed in a direction perpendicular to both the article length and the article width.

[0084] The second taggant may be at least 1 millimetre from the second longitudinal end of the aerosolgenerating article.

[0085] Both the first taggant and the second taggant may be aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0086] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention. The aerosol-generating device comprises a recess for receiving an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention. The aerosol-generating device comprises a taggant detector to detect at least one taggant of the aerosol-generating article received in the recess. The aerosol-generating device comprises a controller configured to permit or prohibit supply of power to a heating element to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating article received in the recess. The controller is configured to select a functionality of the aerosol-generating device depending upon the detected taggant. The functionality that the controller is configured to select may be a heating profile from a plurality of heating profiles and the controller is configured to and supply power to the heating element based on the selected heating profile.

[0087] The aerosol-generating device may comprise a colour detector to detect the colour of at least one coloured identifier of the aerosol-generating article received in the recess, wherein the controller is configured to select a functionality of the aerosol-generating device depending upon the detected colour of at least one coloured identifier.

[0088] The controller may be configured to select a functionality of the aerosol-generating device depending upon both the detected taggant and the detected colour of the at least one coloured identifier.

[0089] At least one of the taggant detector and the colour detector may comprise an optical detector.

[0090] Both the taggant detector and the colour detector may be provided by a single optical detector able to detect both a taggant and the colour of the at least one coloured identifier of the aerosol-generating article.

[0091] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to the second aspect of the present invention, and an aerosol-generating article according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the aerosolgenerating article is disposed within the recess of the aerosol-generating device.

[0092] According to the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating article may be a planar aerosolgenerating article having a base defined by a length extending in an x direction, a width extending in a y direction, and a height extending in a z direction.

[0093] The height of the aerosol-generating article may be less than both of the length and width of the aerosol-generating article. For the purpose of the present disclosure, the “height” of the aerosol-generating article may also be referred to as the “thickness” of the aerosol-generating article.

[0094] According to the present disclosure, there may be provided an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosolgenerating substrate for producing an aerosol, the aerosol-generating article comprising a substantially planar upper surface defined by a length extending in an x direction and a width extending in a y direction, and a substantially planar lower surface defined by a length extending in an x direction and a width extending in a y direction. The substantially planar upper surface and the substantially planar lower surface may be vertically spaced from each other by a height defined in a z direction.

[0095] Aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclosure may preferably be substantially flat articles or substantially planar articles. Such articles have a large base area relative to the volume of the article. In particular, the height of the aerosol-generating article may be less than 50 percent of both the length and width of the aerosol-generating article. Advantageously, a larger base area may provide greater surface area for heating by a planar heater of an aerosol-generating device. Advantageously, a smaller height may allow a smaller temperature gradient or difference across the height of the aerosol-generating article during heating. For example, where the base of the aerosol-generating article is in contact with, and heated by, a planar heater, there may be a smaller temperature difference between the base and an upper surface opposing the base if the spacing, or height, between the base and the upper surface is smaller. Advantageously, this may allow heating of a greater proportion of the aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosol-generating article to a temperature at which an aerosol is released, whilst minimising the risk of burning the hottest portion of the substrate closest to the heater. Alternatively, or in addition, this may reduce a time required to heat the aerosol-generating substrate sufficiently to release an aerosol.

[0096] The aerosol-generating article according to any of the aspects disclosed herein may have an air flow path extending through the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article may have an air-flow path defined through the aerosol-generating article in an x / y plane from one side of the aerosol-generating article to the other side of the aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-generating article preferably has a resistance to draw (RTD) of less than 20 millimetre H2O, for example less than 10 millimetre H2O, in the direction of the airflow path. Preferably, the aerosol-generating article has a RTD of less than 20 millimetre H2O, for example less than 10 millimetre H2O, in at least one direction in an x / y plane of the aerosolgenerating article. An aerosol-generating article with a low resistance air-flow path may allow for superior air-flow management and allow aerosol to be extracted more efficiently from the aerosol-generating article and guided to a user.

[0097] Unless otherwise specified, the resistance to draw (RTD) is measured in accordance with ISO 6565- 2015. The RTD refers to the pressure required to force air through the full length of a component, such as the aerosol-generating article. The terms “pressure drop” or “draw resistance” of a component or article may also refer to the “resistance to draw”. Such terms generally refer to the measurements made in accordance with ISO 6565-2015 and are normally carried out at under test at a volumetric flow rate of about 17.5 millilitres per second at the output or downstream end of the measured component at a temperature of about 22 degrees Celsius, a pressure of about 101 kPa (about 760 Torr) and a relative humidity of about 60%.

[0098] The aerosol-generating article according to any of the aspects disclosed herein may comprise substantially planar upper and lower surfaces. A vertical separation between the substantially planar upper and lower surfaces may define a height (for example, a z dimension) of the aerosol-generating article. An air flow channel may be defined between the substantially planar upper and lower surfaces. The height of the aerosol-generating article may be less than 5 millimetres, for example between 1 .5 millimetres and 5 millimetres, for example between 1.5 millimetres and 4 millimetres, for example between 1.5 millimetres and 3 millimetres, for example between 1.5 millimetres and 2 millimetres. One or both of the substantially planar upper and lower surfaces may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate. The aerosol-generating article may comprise upper and lower layers, the upper layer forming the substantially planar upper surface and the lower layer forming the substantially planar lower surface. At least one of the upper and lower layers may comprise aerosol-generating substrate

[0099] According to the present disclosure, there may be provided an aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-generating article comprising a first planar layer, a second planar layer, and a corrugated layer arranged between the first planar layer and the second planar layer. At least one of the first planar layer, the second planar layer and the corrugated layer may comprise or consist of an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0100] The use of a corrugated structure in the aerosol-generating article may advantageously allow the production of an aerosol-generating article that has extremely low RTD while still being sufficiently rigid to for a user to handle. Further, use of a corrugated structure may allow a low density, low RTD, aerosolgenerating article to be produced using high speed production methods similar to those used for production of corrugated cardboard. According to the present disclosure, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a frame positioned between the first external surface and the second external surface. The frame at least partially defines the cavity. The aerosol-generating article comprises an aerosol-generating element. The aerosol-generating article may comprise an air inlet and an air outlet, and an airflow passage extending between the air inlet and the air outlet through the cavity.

[0101] The air inlet may be positioned at the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article. The air outlet may be positioned at the second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0102] Preferably, an aerosol-generating element is positioned between the first planar external surface and the second planar external surface.

[0103] The aerosol-generating element may comprise an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0104] The peripheral wall may form part of the frame and may at least partially circumscribe or encircle the cavity. The frame may comprise a peripheral wall wholly circumscribing or encircling the cavity. Advantageously, the frame may allow the aerosol-generating article to be relatively thin whilst maintaining structural rigidity.

[0105] The aerosol-generating article may comprise a first planar external layer and a second planar external layer, in which the first planar external layer forms the first planar external surface and the second planar external layer forms the second planar external surface. Optionally, at least one of the first planar external layer, the second planar external layer, and the frame may comprise or consist of aerosolgenerating substrate.

[0106] The cavity may be substantially empty.

[0107] An aerosol-generating element is located in the cavity.

[0108] A corrugated layer may be positioned within the cavity.

[0109] The frame may be a planar frame.

[0110] The frame may have a height between 50 percent and 95 percent of the height of the aerosolgenerating article. The frame may have a height between 60 percent and 95 percent of the height of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a height between 70 percent and 95 percent of the height of the aerosol-generating article. The frame may have a height between 80 percent and 95 percent of the height of the aerosol-generating article.

[0111] The frame may have a height between 1 millimetre and 5.5 millimetres. The frame may have a height between 1 millimetre and 5 millimetres. Preferably, the frame may have a height between 1.5 millimetres and 5 millimetres.

[0112] The frame may be made from or comprise a biodegradable material. The frame may be made entirely from a biodegradable material.

[0113] The frame may be made from or comprise a cellulosic material. The cellulosic material may comprise a sheet of cellulosic material. The cellulosic material may comprise cellulose fibres. The cellulosic material may be paper, paperboard, or cardboard. The frame may be made from or comprise a plant material, such as tobacco. The frame may be made entirely from a cellulosic material.

[0114] The frame may be a unitary component. Alternatively, the frame may comprise two or more layers. That is, the frame may have a laminated structure.

[0115] The aerosol-generating article of any of the aspects of the present disclosure may have a length (for example, an x dimension) of between 10 millimetres and 100 millimetres, or between 10 millimetres and 50 millimetres, for example between 10 millimetres and 40 millimetres, for example between 12 millimetres and 30 millimetres, for example between 14 millimetres and 26 millimetres, for example between 16 millimetres and 24 millimetres, for example between 18 millimetres and 22 millimetres, for example about 18 millimetres, or about 19 millimetres, or about 20 millimetres, or about 21 millimetres, or about 22 millimetres.

[0116] The aerosol-generating article may have a width (for example, a y dimension) of between 5 millimetres and 20 millimetres, for example between 8 millimetres and 18 millimetres, for example between 10 millimetres and 16 millimetres, for example between 11 millimetres and 15 millimetres, for example between 12 millimetres and 14 millimetres, for example about 13 millimetres.

[0117] The aerosol-generating article may have a height (for example, a z dimension) of between 1 millimetres and 10 millimetres, for example between 1 .2 millimetres and 8 millimetres, for example between 1.4 millimetres and 7 millimetres, for example between 1.6 millimetres and 6 millimetres, for example between 1.7 millimetres and 5 millimetres, for example about 1 .7 millimetres, or about 4.5 millimetres, or about 2 millimetres, or about 3 millimetres, or about 4 millimetres.

[0118] The aerosol-generating article of any of the aspects of the present disclosure when viewed in plan may have a shape defining a polygon, a quadrilateral (for example, a rectangle or a square), an oval, a circle, or a combination thereof. Where the aerosol-generating article comprises substantially planar upper and lower surfaces, one or both of the upper and lower surfaces when viewed in plan may have a shape defining a polygon, a quadrilateral (for example, a rectangle or a square), an oval, a circle, or a combination thereof. A perimeter of the aerosol-generating article when viewed in plan may be formed of a plurality of straight sides, a plurality of curved sides, or a combination of straight and curved sides. Where the aerosolgenerating article comprises substantially planar upper and lower surfaces, a perimeter of one or both of the upper and lower surfaces when viewed in plan may have a shape defining a polygon, a quadrilateral (for example, a rectangle or a square), an oval, a circle, or a combination thereof.

[0119] The aerosol-generating article may consist entirely of aerosol-generating substrate. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating substrate may be one of a plurality of component parts of the aerosol-generating article.

[0120] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine. Nicotine may be present in the form of a tobacco material or may be in the form of a nicotine extract.

[0121] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more organic materials such as tobacco, mint, tea and cloves. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more of: herb leaf, tobacco leaf, fragments of tobacco ribs, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco such as cast leaf, extruded tobacco, expanded tobacco, aerosol-generating films and gel compositions.

[0122] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise or consist of homogenised tobacco material, for example a reconstituted tobacco material or a cast leaf tobacco material.

[0123] The aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of shredded aerosol-generating material. The shredded aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more of: strips and strands of aerosolgenerating material, such as strips and strands of tobacco or homogenised tobacco material. The shredded aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a shredded sheet of homogenised tobacco material.

[0124] The aerosol-generating substrate may be cut filler. The aerosol-generating substrate may be tobacco cut filler. The cut filler may comprise one or more of bright tobacco, dark tobacco, aromatic tobacco and filler tobacco. Examples of bright tobaccos are Flue-Cured Brazil, Indian Flue-Cured, Chinese Flue-Cured, US Flue-Cured such as Virginia tobacco, and Flue-Cured from Tanzania. Examples of aromatic tobaccos are Oriental Turkey, Greek Oriental, semi-oriental tobacco but also Fire Cured, US Burley, such as Perique, and Rustica. Examples of dark tobacco are Dark Cured Brazil Galpao, Burley Malawi or other African Burley, Sun Cured or Air Cured Indonesian Kasturi. As used herein, the term “cut filler” is used to describe a blend of shredded plant material, such as tobacco plant material, including, in particular, one or more of leaf lamina, processed stems and ribs, homogenised plant material.

[0125] The aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of a sheet of aerosol-generating material. As used herein, the term “sheet” describes a laminar element having a width and length substantially greater than the thickness thereof. The sheet of aerosol-generating material may be a sheet of plant material. The sheet of aerosol-generating material may be a sheet of tobacco material. The sheet of aerosol-generating material may be a sheet of homogenised tobacco material, such as a cast leaf sheet.

[0126] The aerosol-generating element may comprise a plug of aerosol-generating substrate circumscribed about the at least one longitudinal surface by a wrapper.

[0127] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a bound collection of strips, strands or particles of tobacco material. The aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of a compressed plug of tobacco material; for example, in which a plug having a substantially circular cross-section in an initial state of the plug is compressed into a flatter cross-sectional profile in a subsequent state of the plug. The tobacco material may be enclosed by a wrapper. The aerosol-generating substrate may be in the form of strips, strands or particles of tobacco material bound together in a binder matrix.

[0128] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more aerosol-formers. Suitable aerosolformers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, one or more aerosol-formers selected from: polyhydric alcohols, such as propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1 , 3-butanediol and glycerine; esters of polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. It may be particularly preferable for the aerosol-former to be or comprise one or both of glycerine and propylene glycol. The aerosol former may consist of glycerine or propylene glycol or of a combination of glycerine and propylene glycol.

[0129] The aerosol-generating substrate may have an aerosol-former content greater than or equal to 1 , 2, 5, 10, or 15 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. The aerosol-generating substrate may have an aerosol-former content greater than or equal to 15 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, for example greater than 20 by weight on a dry weight basis, or greater than 25 by weight on a dry weight basis, or greater than 30 by weight on a dry weight basis, or greater than 40 by weight on a dry weight basis, or greater than 50 by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0130] The aerosol-generating substrate may have an aerosol-former content less than or equal to 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, less than or equal to 25 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, or less than or equal to 20 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. That is, the aerosol-generating material may have an aerosol-former content less than or equal to 30 by weight on a dry weight basis, less than or equal to 25 by weight on a dry weight basis, or less than or equal to 20 by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0131] The aerosol-generating substrate may have an aerosol-former content between 1 percent and 30 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, between 1 percent and 25 percent by weight on a dry weight basis, or between 1 percent and 20 percent by weight on a dry weight basis.

[0132] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least 50 percent by weight of aerosol former, at least 60 percent by weight of aerosol former, or at least 70 percent by weight of aerosol former. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise less than or equal to 85 percent by weight of aerosol former, less than or equal to 80 percent by weight of aerosol former, or less than or equal to 75 percent by weight of aerosol former.

[0133] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise between 50 percent and 85 percent by weight of aerosol former, between 50 percent and 80 percent by weight of aerosol former, or between 50 percent and 75 percent by weight of aerosol former.

[0134] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise nicotine. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise natural nicotine, or synthetic nicotine, or a combination of natural nicotine and synthetic nicotine.

[0135] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise at least 0.5 percent by weight of nicotine, at least 1 percent by weight of nicotine, at least 1 .5 percent by weight of nicotine, or at least 2 percent by weight of nicotine.

[0136] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more flavourants. The one or more flavourants may comprise one or more of: one or more essential oils such as eugenol, peppermint oil and spearmint oil; one or both of menthol and eugenol; one or both of anethole and linalool; and a herbaceous material. Suitable herbaceous material includes herb leaf or other herbaceous material from herbaceous plants including, but not limited to, mints, such as peppermint and spearmint, lemon balm, basil, cinnamon, lemon basil, chive, coriander, lavender, sage, tea, thyme, and caraway. The one or more flavourants may comprise a tobacco material.

[0137] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise one or more botanicals. For example, the aerosolgenerating substrate may comprise about 0.1 to 90 %, for example about 0.5 to 55 %, or about 1 to 35 %, preferably of about 5 to 20 %, of botanicals such as Clove, Echinacea sp., Fennel, Ginger, Hawthorn berry, Elderberry, Monarda, Mullein leaves, Nettle, Plantain, Turmeric, Yarrow, Rooibos, Star Anise, Thyme, Anethum, Chamomile and compounds of those.

[0138] The aerosol-generating substrate may have a moisture content of about 5 to 25%, preferably of about 7 to 15%, at final product state. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may be a homogenised tobacco material with a moisture of about 5 to 25%, preferably of about 7 to 15%, at final product state.

[0139] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a binder. For example, the aerosol-generating substrate may comprise about 1 to 10%, preferably of about 1 to 5%, of a binder such as any of common gums or pectins used in food and beverage (F&B) industries. Preferred binders may be natural pectins, such as fruit, for example citrus, or tobacco pectins; guar gums, land locust bean gums, such as hydroxyethyl and / or hydroxypropyl of those; starches, such as modified or derivatized starches; alginate; methyl, ethyl, ethylhydroxymethyl and carboxymethyl, celluloses; dextran; and xanthan gum. A preferable binder is guar.

[0140] The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise, or consist of, a solid aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a liquid aerosol-generating material, for example a liquid aerosol-generating material retained within a porous matrix. The aerosol-generating substrate may comprise a gel aerosol-generating material.

[0141] According to the present disclosure, an aerosol-generating device for receiving an aerosolgenerating article as disclosed herein, or an aerosol-generating substrate as disclosed herein, may comprise a cavity dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the aerosol-generating article or aerosolgenerating substrate, a heater or heating means, a power source for supplying power to the heater or heating means, and a controller to control supply of power to the heater or heating means. The aerosol- generating device is configured to heat an aerosol-generating substrate, for example an aerosol-generating substrate that is a component part of an aerosol-generating article, to form an aerosol, for example an inhalable aerosol.

[0142] The aerosol-generating device may preferably be configured to receive the entirety of the aerosolgenerating article such that the aerosol-generating article is wholly enclosed within the aerosol-generating device.

[0143] The cavity may comprise an opening into which a distal end of the aerosol-generating article can be inserted. The cavity may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the cavity may have a rectangular transverse cross-section, for example a rectangular cross-section having opposing top and bottom sides that are greater in length than left and right sides.

[0144] Preferably, at least one internal surface of the cavity is a heating surface configured to heat an aerosol-generating article. The heating surface may comprise a heater, for example a resistance heater, or an infra-red heater, or a susceptor configured to be heated by engagement with an inductor. The heating surface may comprise an inductor, for example the surface may comprise a coil arranged to generate a fluctuating electromagnetic field within a space of the cavity. The heating surface may be a surface that is permeable to a fluctuating electromagnetic field, such that an inductor arranged outside the cavity can project a fluctuating electromagnetic field through the heating surface to engage with a susceptor arranged within the cavity.

[0145] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” may refer to an article able to generate, or release, an aerosol.

[0146] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating substrate” may refer to a substrate capable of releasing an aerosol or volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds may be released by heating the aerosol-generating substrate. An aerosol-generating substrate may comprise an aerosolgenerating material. An aerosol-generating substrate may be adsorbed, coated, impregnated, or otherwise loaded onto a carrier or support. An aerosol-generating substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosolgenerating article or smoking article.

[0147] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating element” may refer to an element comprising an aerosol-generating substrate.

[0148] As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating device” may refer to a device for use with an aerosolgenerating article to enable the generation, or release, of an aerosol.

[0149] As used herein, the term “aerosol generating system” refers to a combination of an aerosolgenerating device and one or more aerosol-generating articles for use with the device. An aerosolgenerating system may include additional components, such as a charging unit for recharging an on-board electric power supply in an electrically operated or electric aerosol-generating device.

[0150] As used herein, the term “aerosol former” may refer to any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates formation of an aerosol. The aerosol may be a dense and stable aerosol. The aerosol may be substantially resistant to thermal degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating substrate or aerosol-generating article.

[0151] As used herein with reference to the invention, the term “nicotine”, is used to describe nicotine, nicotine base or a nicotine salt. As used herein with reference to the invention, the terms “proximal”, “distal”, “upstream” and “downstream” are used to describe the relative positions of components, or portions of components, of the aerosol-generating article.

[0152] As used herein, the term “longitudinal” refers to the direction corresponding to the main longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article, which extends between the upstream and downstream ends of the aerosol-generating article. During use, air may be drawn through the aerosol-generating article in the longitudinal direction.

[0153] As used herein, the term “transverse” refers to the direction which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of either the aerosol-generating article or aerosol-generating element.

[0154] As used herein, the term “sheet” denotes a laminar element having a width and length substantially greater than the thickness thereof. The width of a sheet may be greater than 10 mm, preferably greater than 20 mm or 30 mm. In certain embodiments, sheets of material for use in forming aerosol-generating substrates as described herein may have a thickness of between 10 pm and about 1000 pm, for example between 10 pm and about 300 pm.

[0155] As used herein, the term “homogenised tobacco material” encompasses any tobacco material formed by the agglomeration of particles of tobacco material. Sheets or webs of homogenised tobacco material are formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise powdering of one or both of tobacco leaf lamina and tobacco leaf stems. In addition, homogenised tobacco material may comprise a minor quantity of one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines, and other particulate tobacco byproducts formed during the treating, handling and shipping of tobacco. The sheets of homogenised tobacco material may be produced by casting, extrusion, paper making processes or other any other suitable processes known in the art.

[0156] The term “cast leaf’ is used herein to refer to a product made by a casting process that is based on casting a slurry comprising plant particles (for example, clove particles or tobacco particles and clove particles in a mixture) and a binder (for example, guar gum) onto a supportive surface, such as a belt conveyor, drying the slurry and removing the dried sheet from the supportive surface. An example of the casting or cast leaf process is described in, for example, US-A-5,724,998 for making cast leaf tobacco. In a cast leaf process, particulate plant materials are produced by pulverizing, grinding, or comminuting parts of the plant. The particles produced from one or more plants are mixed with a liquid component, typically water, to form a slurry. Other components in the slurry may include fibres, a binder and an aerosol former. The particulate plant materials may be agglomerated in the presence of the binder. The slurry is cast onto a supportive surface and dried into a sheet of homogenized plant material. Preferably, homogenized plant material used in articles according to the present invention may be produced by casting. Such homogenized plant material may comprise agglomerated particulate plant material.

[0157] As used herein, resistance to draw is expressed with the units of pressure “mm H2O” or “mm WG” or “mm of water gauge” and may be measured in accordance with ISO 6565:2002.

[0158] The invention is defined in the claims. However, below there is provided a non-exhaustive list of nonlimiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features of another example, embodiment, or aspect described herein.

[0159] Example Ex1 : An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-generating article extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end to define an article length, the aerosol-generating article further including an article width, and an article thickness, the article width being greater than the article thickness, the aerosol-generating article comprising: a first external surface and a second external surface facing in substantially the opposite direction to the first external surface; a peripheral wall extending between the first external surface and the second external surface; at least one cavity located between the first external surface and the second external surface, and at least partially circumscribed by the peripheral wall; an airflow passage defined through the aerosol-generating article between an air inlet and an air outlet, the airflow passage extending through the at least one cavity; an aerosol-generating element located in the at least one cavity; and at least one taggant provided on at least one of the first external surface and the peripheral wall.

[0160] Example Ex2: An aerosol-generating article according to Exl , wherein the at least one taggant is aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating article.

[0161] Example Ex3: An aerosol-generating article according to Exl or Ex2, wherein the at least one taggant comprises a photoluminescent material.

[0162] Example Ex4: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex3, wherein photoluminescent material has an emission half-life of between 10 microseconds and 2000 microseconds after photoexcitation of the photoluminescent material.

[0163] Example Ex5: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex3 or Ex4, wherein the photoluminescent material is excitable by infrared radiation within a wavelength range of between 700 nanometres and 1050 nanometres.

[0164] Example Ex6: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one taggant corresponds to the type of aerosol-generating article.

[0165] Example Ex7: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one taggant is provided on the first external surface.

[0166] Example Ex8: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, wherein the first external surface is a planar surface.

[0167] Example Ex9: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, wherein the second external surface is a planar surface, and is parallel to the first external surface.

[0168] Example Ex10: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one taggant does not overlie the aerosol-generating element.

[0169] Example Ex1 1 : An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one taggant does not overlie the at least one cavity.

[0170] Example Ex12: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one taggant is at least 1 millimetre from the at least one cavity.

[0171] Example Ex13: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one taggant is equidistant between the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article and the second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0172] Example Ex14: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one taggant is provided on the peripheral wall.

[0173] Example Ex15: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, wherein the peripheral wall comprises at least one planar surface.

[0174] Example Ex16: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, further comprising at least one coloured identifier provided on at least one of the first external surface and the peripheral wall. Example Ex17: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex16, wherein the specific combination of the at least one taggant and the at least one coloured identifier corresponds to the type of aerosolgenerating article.

[0175] Example Ex18: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex16 or Ex17, wherein the at least one coloured identifier is provided on the first external surface.

[0176] Example Ex19: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex16 to Ex18, wherein the at least one coloured identifier is longitudinally aligned with the at least one taggant.

[0177] Example Ex20: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex16 to Ex19, wherein the at least one coloured identifier comprises a coloured stripe which extends in a transverse direction across the first external surface of the aerosol-generating article.

[0178] Example Ex21 : An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex16 to Ex20, wherein the at least one taggant includes a first taggant which extends no further thanl O millimetres from the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0179] Example Ex22: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex16 to Ex21 , wherein the first taggant is at least 1 millimetre from the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0180] Example Ex23: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex16 to Ex22, wherein the longitudinal distance between the at least one coloured identifier and the longitudinal end is greater than the distance between the first taggant and the first longitudinal end.

[0181] Example Ex24: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex16 to Ex22, wherein the longitudinal distance between the at least one coloured identifier and the first longitudinal end is less than the distance between the first taggant and the first longitudinal end.

[0182] Example Ex25: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex16 to Ex24, wherein the at least one coloured identifier comprises a plurality of individual coloured identifiers, each individual coloured identifier having a different colour.

[0183] Example Ex26: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex16 to Ex25, wherein the at least one coloured identifier is equidistant between the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article and the second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0184] Example Ex27: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex16 to Ex26, wherein the at least one coloured identifier is provided on the peripheral wall.

[0185] Example Ex28: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one taggant includes a second taggant provided on at least one of the first external surface, the second external surface, and the peripheral wall.

[0186] Example Ex29: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex28, wherein the second taggant is provided on the first external surface.

[0187] Example Ex30: An aerosol-generating article according to Ex28, wherein the second taggant is provided on the second external surface.

[0188] Example Ex31 : An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex28 to Ex30, wherein the second taggant is the same as the first taggant.

[0189] Example Ex32: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex28 to Ex30, wherein the second taggant is different from the first taggant. Example Ex33: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex28 to Ex32, wherein the second taggant is located in a position which is rotationally symmetrical 180 degrees about an axis aligned with the thickness of the aerosol-generating article to the location of the first taggant.

[0190] Example Ex34: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex28 to Ex33, wherein second taggant extends no further than 10 millimetres from the second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0191] Example Ex35: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex28 to Ex34, wherein the second taggant is at least 1 millimetre from the second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article.

[0192] Example Ex36: An aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex28 to Ex35, wherein both the first taggant and the second taggant are aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the aerosolgenerating article.

[0193] Example Ex37: An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, wherein the at least one cavity comprises a first cavity and second cavity located between the first external surface and the second external surface, wherein the first cavity is located nearer the first longitudinal end and the second cavity is located nearer the second longitudinal end.

[0194] Example Ex38: An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article according to any preceding Example, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a recess for receiving an aerosolgenerating article according to any preceding Example, a taggant detector to detect at least one taggant of the aerosol-generating article received in the recess, a controller configured to permit or prohibit supply of power to a heating element to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating article received in the recess, and wherein the controller is configured to select a functionality of the aerosol-generating device depending upon the detected taggant.

[0195] Example Ex39: An aerosol-generating device according to Ex38, wherein the functionality that the controller is configured to select is a heating profile from a plurality of heating profiles and the controller is configured to and supply power to the heating element based on the selected heating profile.

[0196] Example Ex40: An aerosol-generating device according to Ex38 or Ex39, further comprising a colour detector to detect the colour of at least one coloured identifier of the aerosol-generating article received in the recess, wherein the controller is configured to select a functionality of the aerosol-generating device depending upon the detected colour of at least one coloured identifier.

[0197] Example Ex41 : An aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex40, wherein the controller is configured to select a functionality of the aerosol-generating device depending upon both the detected taggant and the detected colour of at least one coloured identifier.

[0198] Example Ex42: An aerosol-generating device according to Ex40 or Ex41 , wherein at least one of the taggant detector and the colour detector comprises an optical detector.

[0199] Example Ex43: An aerosol-generating device according to Ex42, wherein both the taggant detector and the colour detector are provided by a single optical detector able to detect both a taggant and the colour of the at least one coloured identifier of the aerosol-generating article.

[0200] Example Ex44: An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to any one of Ex38 to Ex43, and an aerosol-generating article according to any one of Ex1 to Ex37, wherein the aerosol-generating article is disposed within the recess of the aerosol-generating device.

[0201] Examples will now be further described with reference to the figures in which: Figure 1 is a perspective side view of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0202] Figure 2 is a perspective side view of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0203] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0204] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view of aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0205] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0206] Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0207] Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0208] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0209] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0210] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0211] Figure 11 is a schematic end view of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0212] Figure 12 is a schematic side view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 11 ;

[0213] Figure 13 is a schematic plan view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 11 ;

[0214] Figure 14 shows a schematic illustration of a corrugated element as used in the aerosol-generating article of Figure 11 ;

[0215] Figure 15 shows a perspective view of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0216] Figure 16 shows an exploded perspective view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 15;

[0217] Figure 17 shows a further exploded perspective view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 15;

[0218] Figure 18 shows a schematic transverse cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 15;

[0219] Figure 19 shows a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 15;

[0220] Figure 20 shows an exploded perspective view of an aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0221] Figure 21 shows a schematic transverse cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure 20;

[0222] Figure 22 shows a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of the aerosol-generating article of Figure

[0223] 20. Figure 23 shows a schematic view of an aerosol-generating device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device configured to engage with an aerosol-generating article, for example the aerosol-generating article of any of Figures 1 to 22;

[0224] Figure 24 shows a schematic end view of the aerosol-generating device of Figure 23;

[0225] Figure 25 is a schematic view showing an aerosol-generating article (for example, the aerosolgenerating article of any of Figures 1 to 22) in engagement with the aerosol-generating device of Figure 23.

[0226] Figure 26 is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment to that of Figures 23 to 25, showing an aerosol-generating article in engagement with an aerosol-generating device.

[0227] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective side view of an aerosol-generating article 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating article 100 has upper and lower surfaces 110, 120 which are flat or planar.

[0228] The aerosol-generating article 100 comprises an aerosol-generating substrate (not shown). In one embodiment, the aerosol-generating article 100 may consist substantially of aerosol-generating substrate. In another embodiment, the aerosol-generating substrate may be one of a plurality of component parts of the aerosol-generating article 100. The aerosol-generating substrate may be enclosed within an interior of the aerosol-generating article 100. The aerosol-generating substrate may at least partially define an exterior of the aerosol-generating article 100; for example, one or both of the upper and lower surfaces 1 10, 120 may comprise or consist of aerosol-generating substrate.

[0229] A suitable aerosol-generating substrate may be homogenised tobacco.

[0230] The aerosol-generating article 100 has a length, extending in an x dimension, of 80 millimetres, a width, extending in a y dimension, of 15 millimetres, and a height (which may also be referred to as a thickness), extending in a z dimension, of 3.6 millimetres.

[0231] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective side view of an aerosol-generating article 200 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, being a variant of aerosol-generating article 100. Features in common with aerosol-generating article 100 are referred to with like reference signs but commencing with numeral 2 instead of numeral 1 . An air flow path 230 is defined through the aerosol-generating article 200 between the upper and lower surfaces 210, 220. The air flow path 230 extends between opposed first and second ends 201 , 202 of the aerosol-generating article 200. The first end 201 may define a distal end of the aerosol-generating article 200, and the second end 202 may define a proximal or mouth end of the aerosol-generating article. The air flow path 230 may be directed towards a mouth of a user to allow a user to inhale aerosol generated in consequence of heating of aerosol-generating substrate of the aerosolgenerating article 200.

[0232] Figures 3 to 10 are plan views of further aerosol-generating articles according to the present disclose. The plan views of Figures 3 to 10 are shown in the z direction which is along an axis parallel to the thickness of the aerosol-generating article.

[0233] Figure 3 shows an aerosol-generating article 1000 which extends from a first longitudinal end 1001 to a second longitudinal end 1002. The aerosol-generating article 1000 includes a first external surface 1003 and a second external surface (not visible), and a peripheral wall (not visible) extending between the first external surface 1003 and the second external surface. The aerosol-generating article 1000 includes a cavity 1004 located between the first external surface 1003 and the second external surface, and at least partially circumscribed by the peripheral wall. An aerosol-generating element 1005 located in the cavity 1004. The location of the cavity 1004 and the aerosol-generating element 1005 are shown by dotted lines, since these features are beneath the first external surface 1003. An airflow passage is defined through the aerosol-generating article between an air inlet (not shown) and an air outlet (not shown), the airflow passage extending through the at least one cavity 1004. A first taggant 1006 is provided on the first external surface 1003. The first taggant 1006 comprises a photoluminescent material having an emission half-life of about 1000 microseconds and is excitable by infrared radiation having a wavelength of about 940 nanometres.

[0234] In the example shown in Figure 3, the first taggant 1006 is about 4 millimetres from the cavity. In this way, the first taggant 1006 does not overlie the cavity 1004 or the aerosol-generating element 1005. The first taggant 1006 is about 2 millimetres from the first longitudinal end 1001 of the aerosol-generating article 1000. The first taggant 1006 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis 1007 of the aerosol-generating article 1000.

[0235] Figure 4 shows a plan view of a further aerosol-generating article 2000. The aerosol-generating article 2000 is similar to aerosol-generating article 1000. Features in common with aerosol-generating article 1000 are referred to with like reference signs but commencing with numeral 2 instead of numeral 1 .

[0236] In the aerosol-generating article 2000 of Figure 4, the first taggant 2006 is not aligned with the central longitudinal axis 2007 of the aerosol-generating article 2000.

[0237] Figure 5 shows a plan view of a further aerosol-generating article 3000. The aerosol-generating article 3000 is similar to aerosol-generating article 1000. Features in common with aerosol-generating article 1000 are referred to with like reference signs but commencing with numeral 3 instead of numeral 1 .

[0238] In the aerosol-generating article 3000 of Figure 5, the first taggant 3006 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis 3007 of the aerosol-generating article 3000. The first taggant 3006 is aligned with the central transverse axis 3008 of the aerosol-generating article 3000. In this way, the first taggant 3006 overlies both the cavity 3004 and the aerosol-generating element 3005.

[0239] Figure 6 shows a plan view of a further aerosol-generating article 4000. The aerosol-generating article 4000 is similar to aerosol-generating article 1000. Features in common with aerosol-generating article 1000 are referred to with like reference signs but commencing with numeral 4 instead of numeral 1 .

[0240] The aerosol-generating article 4000 of Figure 6 further comprises a second taggant 4009. The second taggant 4009 is about 4 millimetres from the cavity. In this way, the second taggant 4009 does not overlie the cavity 4004 or the aerosol-generating element 4005. The second taggant 4009 is about 2 millimetres from the second longitudinal end 4002 of the aerosol-generating article 4000. The second taggant 4009 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis 4007 of the aerosol-generating article 4000.

[0241] Figure 7 shows a plan view of a further aerosol-generating article 5000. The aerosol-generating article 5000 is similar to aerosol-generating article 1000. Features in common with aerosol-generating article 1000 are referred to with like reference signs but commencing with numeral 5 instead of numeral 1 .

[0242] The aerosol-generating article 5000 further comprises a coloured identifier 5010 on the first external surface 5003. The coloured identifier 5010 is longitudinally aligned with the first taggant 5006. The coloured identifier 5010 comprises a coloured stripe which extends in a transverse direction across the first external surface 5003 of the aerosol-generating article 5000.

[0243] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a further aerosol-generating article 7000. The aerosolgenerating article 7000 is similar to aerosol-generating article 1000. Features in common with aerosolgenerating article 1000 are referred to with like reference signs but commencing with numeral 7 instead of numeral 1 . In Figure 8, the peripheral wall 7011 extending between the first external surface 7003 and the second external surface 7012 is visible. The aerosol-generating article 7000 comprises a first taggant 7006 provided on the first external surface 7003 and is about 2 millimetres from the first longitudinal end 7001 of the aerosol-generating article 7000. The aerosol-generating article 7000 comprises a second taggant 7009 provided on the first external surface 7003 and is about 2 millimetres from the second longitudinal end 7002 of the aerosol-generating article 7000. The aerosol-generating article 7000 comprises a third taggant 7013 provided on the second external surface 7012 and is about 2 millimetres from the first longitudinal end 7001 of the aerosol-generating article 7000. The aerosol-generating article 7000 comprises a fourth taggant 7014 provided on the second external surface 7012 and is about 2 millimetres from the second longitudinal end 7002 of the aerosol-generating article 7000. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth taggants 7006, 7009, 7013, 7014 are aligned with the central longitudinal axis 7007 of the aerosol-generating article 7000.

[0244] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a further aerosol-generating article 8000. The aerosolgenerating article 8000 is similar to aerosol-generating article 7000. Features in common with aerosolgenerating article 6000 are referred to with like reference signs but commencing with numeral 8 instead of numeral 7. The aerosol-generating article 8000 comprises a first taggant 8006 provided on the first external surface 8003. The first taggant 8006 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis 8007 of the aerosolgenerating article 8000. The first taggant 8006 is aligned with the central transverse axis 8008 of the aerosol-generating article 8000. The aerosol-generating article 8000 comprises a second taggant 8009 provided on the second external surface 8012. The second taggant 8009 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis 8007 of the aerosol-generating article 8000. The second taggant 8009 is aligned with the central transverse axis 8008 of the aerosol-generating article 8000.

[0245] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of a further aerosol-generating article 9000. The aerosolgenerating article 9000 is similar to aerosol-generating article7000. Features in common with aerosolgenerating article 7000 are referred to with like reference signs but commencing with numeral 9 instead of numeral 7.

[0246] The aerosol-generating article 9000 comprises a first taggant 9006 provided on the peripheral wall 8011 of the aerosol-generating article 9000.

[0247] Figures 11 , 12, and 13 illustrate respectively an end view, a side view, and a plan view of an aerosolgenerating article 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating article 300 comprises a planar upper layer 310, a planar lower layer 320, and an intermediate or separation layer 340 arranged between the upper layer 310 and lower layer 320.

[0248] The planar upper layer 310 is formed from a sheet of paper having a thickness of 300 microns. The planar lower layer 320 is formed from a sheet of paper having a thickness of 300 microns. The intermediate layer 340 is a corrugated element formed from a corrugated sheet of aerosol-generating substrate 345. A suitable aerosol-generating substrate may be homogenised tobacco. Thus, the intermediate layer 340 may be formed from a corrugated sheet of homogenised tobacco material 345.

[0249] Figure 14 illustrates the corrugated sheet of aerosol-generating substrate 345. The corrugations have an amplitude 346 of 3 millimetres and a wavelength 347 of 3 millimetres. The sheet of aerosol-generating substrate 345 forming the intermediate layer 340 has a thickness of 150 microns.

[0250] Points of intersection 351 , 352 between the upper layer 310 and the intermediate layer 340 and between the lower layer 320 and the intermediate layer 340 comprise an adhesive that joins the respective layers. The aerosol-generating article 300 has a length, extending in an x dimension, of 80 millimetres, a width, extending in a y dimension, of 15 millimetres, and a height (or thickness), extending in a z dimension, of 3.6 millimetres.

[0251] Corrugations of the intermediate layer 340 form a first set of longitudinally extending channels 361 that are bounded by the upper layer 310 and the intermediate layer 340, and a second set of longitudinally extending channels 362 bounded by the lower layer 320 and the intermediate layer 340. The first and second sets of longitudinally extending channels 361 , 362 extend through the length of the aerosolgenerating substrate between a proximal end 371 ofthe substrate 345 and a distal end 372 of the substrate 345. The longitudinally extending channels 361 , 362 define an air-flow path through the substrate 345. The air-flow path, therefore, passes over both sides of the sheet of aerosol-generating substrate 345. The porosity of the aerosol-generating article along the air-flow path is in the region of 90 %. This provides a very low resistance to draw (RTD) of less than 5 mm H2O. In fact, the RTD is close to zero.

[0252] The aerosol-generating substrate 345 may be a sheet of any suitable aerosol-generating substrate.

[0253] During use of the aerosol-generating article 300, the aerosol-generating substrate 345 is heated up to cause the aerosol-generating substrate 345 to release volatile compounds, which are then entrained in air drawn into the channels 361 , 362 via the distal end 372. The volatile compounds then cool and condense to form an aerosol which may be drawn out of the channels 361 , 362 of the aerosol-generating article 300 via the proximal end 371 .

[0254] Figure 15 shows an aerosol-generating article 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The aerosol-generating article 400 comprises a first planar external layer 424 forming a first planar external surface 421 , a second planar external layer 425 forming a second planar external surface 422, and a frame 450 positioned between the first planar external layer 424 and the second planar external layer 425. The second planar external surface 422 is positioned parallel to the first planar external surface 421.

[0255] Figures 16 and 17 show exploded views ofthe aerosol-generating article 400 of Figure 15. The frame 450 circumscribes and at least partially defines a cavity 430. Figure 16 shows the cavity 430 in an empty state. Figure 17 shows the cavity 430 filled with aerosol-generating substrate 440. Figures 18 and 19 show respective transverse and longitudinal cross-sectional views of the aerosol-generating article 400 when the cavity 430 is filled with aerosol-generating substrate 440.

[0256] The first planar external layer 424 and the second planar external layer 425 are made from cigarette paper having a thickness of 35 micrometres and are in physical contact, with and bonded to, the frame 450. The first planar external layer 424 overlies a first end of the cavity 430 and forms a first cavity end wall 431 . The second planar external layer 425 overlies a second end of the cavity 430 and forms a second cavity end wall 432, the second cavity end wall 432 being opposite to the first cavity end wall 431 . That is, the frame 450, the first planar external layer 424 and the second planar external layer 425 collectively define the cavity 430.

[0257] The frame 450 has a hollow cuboid shape and is made from cardboard. The frame 450 defines an aperture extending through the height (also referred to as the thickness) of the frame 450 and the aperture at least partially forms the cavity 430 of the aerosol-generating article 400. The frame 450 comprises a peripheral wall 451 that circumscribes the cavity 430. The peripheral wall 451 includes a front wall 413 and a back wall 414. In more detail, the peripheral wall 451 is defined by an inner transverse surface 452 of the frame 450 and an outer transverse surface 453 of the frame 450. The inner transverse surface 452 of the peripheral wall 451 at least partially defines a perimeter of the cavity 430. The outer transverse surface 453 of the peripheral wall 451 at least partially defines a perimeter of the aerosol-generating article 400. The peripheral wall 451 has a radial thickness measured between the inner transverse surface 452 of the frame 450 and the outer transverse surface 453 of the frame 450 of about 5 millimetres.

[0258] An air inlet 41 1 and an air outlet 412 are defined by, and extend through, the peripheral wall 451 of the frame 450. More specifically, the air inlet 411 extends through the front wall 41 3 and the air outlet 412 extends through the back wall 414. The air inlet 411 and the air outlet 412 have an equivalent diameter of 5 millimetres. An airflow passage extends between the air inlet 411 and the air outlet 412 through the cavity 430. As shown in Figures 17 to 19, an aerosol-generating substrate 440 is positioned within the cavity 430. The aerosol-generating substrate 440 comprises an aerosol-generating material in the form of tobacco cut filler and has an aerosol-former content of 5 percent by weight on a dry weight basis. As shown, the aerosolgenerating substrate 440 fills the entire volume of the cavity 430.

[0259] The aerosol-generating article 400 has a cuboid shape and has a height (or thickness) extending in a z dimension, as measured between the first planar external surface 421 and the second planar external surface 422, of 8 millimetres, a width extending in a y dimension of 40 millimetres and a length extending in an x dimension of 60 millimetres. The frame 450 has a height (or thickness) extending in a z dimension of 7.93 millimetres, a width extending in a y dimension of 40 millimetres and a length extending in an x dimension of 60 millimetres. The cavity 430 has a height (or thickness) extending in a z dimension of 7.93 millimetres, a width extending in a y dimension of 30 millimetres and a length extending in an x dimension of 50 millimetres.

[0260] Figure 20 shows an aerosol-generating article 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Features in common with aerosol-generating article 400 are referred to with like reference signs but commencing with numeral 5 instead of numeral 4. Aerosol-generating article 500 differs from aerosolgenerating article 400 in that the aerosol-generating substrate is in the form of a sheet of aerosol-generating material 540, in particular a corrugated sheet of homogenised tobacco material. Figures 21 and 22 show respective transverse and lateral cross-section views of the aerosol-generating article 500 of Figure 20.

[0261] The corrugated sheet of homogenised tobacco material 540 comprises a plurality of parallel corrugations having a plurality of substantially parallel peaks 543 and troughs 544. The plurality of parallel corrugations are defined by a corrugation profile which, as seen in Figure 21 , is sinusoidal. The plurality of parallel corrugations have a corrugation wavelength of about 4.6 millimetres. The corrugation amplitude is approximately the same as the height (or thickness) of the cavity 430, as shown by the peaks 543 and troughs 544 coinciding with the first cavity end wall 531 and the second cavity end wall 532, respectively.

[0262] The plurality of parallel corrugations form a plurality of channels 545 between the sheet of aerosolgenerating material 540 and the first cavity end wall 531 , and a plurality of channels 546 between the sheet of aerosol-generating material 540 and the second cavity end wall 532. The plurality of channels 545, 546 extend in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol-generating article 500 and form at least a portion of the airflow passage extending between the air inlet 511 and the air outlet 512.

[0263] During use of each of the aerosol-generating articles 400, 500, the aerosol-generating substrate 440, 540 is heated up to cause the aerosol-generating substrate 440, 540 to release volatile compounds, which are then entrained in air drawn through the air inlet 411 , 511 into the cavity 430, 530. The volatile compounds then cool and condense to form an aerosol which may be drawn out of the aerosol-generating article 400, 500 through the air outlet 412, 512. Figures 23 and 24 illustrate an aerosol-generating device 6000 configured for use with an aerosolgenerating article 600 comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating substrate 640. The device 6000 is an elongate aerosol-generating device extending between a proximal end 6001 and a distal end 6002. The device 6000 comprises a battery 6010, a controller 6020 and a heater 6030 located within a housing 6040. The controller 6020 controls supply of power from the battery 6010 to the heater 6030. A cavity 6050 is defined in the device 6000, the cavity having an opening 6051 defined in the proximal end 6001 of the device. The opening 6051 may be referred to as a recess 6051 . The opening 6051 is rectangular in shape and is dimensioned to accommodate the transverse cross-section of the aerosol-generating article 600. The cavity 6050 comprises an upper planar surface 6052 and a lower planar surface 6053. The heater 6030 is located in the lower planar surface 6053 to heat a lower surface of the aerosol-generating article 600 inserted into the cavity 6050. An air-flow path is configured to allow air to flow into the cavity 6050 from outside the device 6000.

[0264] The aerosol-generating device 6000 comprises a taggant detector (not shown) to detect at least one taggant of the aerosol-generating article received in the recess 6051 . The controller 6020 is configured to permit or prohibit supply of power to the heater 6030. The controller 6020 is configured to select a functionality of the aerosol-generating device 6000 depending upon the detected taggant.

[0265] Figure 25 illustrates the device 6000 of Figure 23 in engagement with the aerosol-generating article 600. There is little tolerance between outer surfaces of the aerosol-generating article 600 and the internal surfaces of the cavity 6050. Thus, there is a snug fit between the aerosol-generating article 600 and the device 6000. As the RTD of the aerosol-generating article 600 is negligible, the RTD of the system formed by the combination of aerosol-generating article 600 and aerosol-generating device 6000 is controlled by the air-flow path defined within the device. When a user has inserted the aerosol-generating article 600 into the cavity 6050, the device 6000 can be operated. The heater 6030 heats a lower surface of the aerosolgenerating article 600, and as a result the aerosol-generating substrate 640 of the aerosol-generating article 600 is heated. Volatile components of the aerosol-generating substrate 640 are evaporated and condense in longitudinal air-flow channels defined within the aerosol-generating article 600 to form an aerosol. The user inhales the aerosol by drawing on the proximal end 601 of the aerosol-generating article 600. Once the aerosol-generating substrate 640 of the aerosol-generating article 600 has been depleted of volatile components, the aerosol-generating article is removed from the cavity 6050 of the device 6000 and disposed of. The aerosol-generating article 600 may be any one of the aerosol-generating articles 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 previously described or any other aerosol-generating article of the present disclosure.

[0266] Although Figure 25 shows part of the aerosol-generating article 600 extending outside of the aerosolgenerating device 6000, in other embodiments the entirety of an aerosol-generating article may be wholly enclosed within an aerosol-generating device. By way of example, Figure 26 illustrates an alternative embodiment to that of Figure 25, with like features referred to by the same reference numbers but with the addition of a prime symbol ’. For the alternative embodiment of Figure 26, the entirety of aerosol-generating article 600’ is enclosed within the interior of aerosol-generating device 6000’.

[0267] For the purpose of the present description and of the appended claims, except where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and so forth, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. In this context, therefore, a number “A” is understood as “A” ± 10% of “A”. Within this context, a number “A” may be considered to include numerical values that are within general standard error for the measurement of the property that the number “A” modifies. The number “A”, in some instances as used in the appended claims, may deviate by the percentages enumerated above provided that the amount by which “A” deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the maximum and minimum points disclosed and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically enumerated herein. The terms “in which” and “wherein” are used synonymously through this specification.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An aerosol-generating article for use with an aerosol-generating device to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-generating article extending between a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end to define an article length, the aerosol-generating article further including an article width, and an article thickness, the article width being greater than the article thickness, the aerosol-generating article comprising: a first external surface and a second external surface facing in substantially the opposite direction to the first external surface; a peripheral wall extending between the first external surface and the second external surface; at least one cavity located between the first external surface and the second external surface, and at least partially circumscribed by the peripheral wall; an airflow passage defined through the aerosol-generating article between an air inlet and an air outlet, the airflow passage extending through the at least one cavity; an aerosol-generating element located in the at least one cavity; and at least one taggant provided on at least one of the first external surface and the peripheral wall, wherein the at least one taggant comprises a photoluminescent material.

2. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one taggant is provided on the first external surface.

3. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the first external surface is a planar surface.

4. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one taggant does not overlie the aerosol-generating element.

5. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one taggant is equidistant between the first longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article and the second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article.

6. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one coloured identifier provided on at least one of the first external surface and the peripheral wall.

7. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 6, wherein the specific combination of the at least one taggant and the at least one coloured identifier corresponds to the type of aerosol-generating article.

8. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the at least one coloured identifier is provided on the first external surface.

9. An aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one taggant includes a second taggant provided on at least one of the first external surface, the second external surface, and the peripheral wall.

10. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 9, wherein the second taggant is different from the first taggant.

11. An aerosol-generating article according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the second taggant is located in a position which is rotationally symmetrical 180 degrees about an axis aligned with the thickness of the aerosol-generating article to the location of the first taggant.

12. An aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein second taggant extends no further than 10 millimetres from the second longitudinal end of the aerosol-generating article.

13. An aerosol-generating device for use with an aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, the aerosol-generating device comprising: a recess for receiving an aerosol-generating article according to any preceding claim, a taggant detector to detect at least one taggant of the aerosol-generating article received in the recess, the at least one taggant comprising a photoluminescent material, a controller configured to permit or prohibit supply of power to a heating element to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating article received in the recess, and wherein the controller is configured to select a functionality of the aerosol-generating device depending upon the detected taggant.

14. An aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device according to claim 13, and an aerosol-generating article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the aerosol-generating article is disposed within the recess of the aerosol-generating device.

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