Integrated approaches of physically unclonable cryptographic primitives using random lasers and optoelectronics
Abstract
As cryptographic primitives, physical(ly) unclonable functions (PUFs) are indispensable in generating, storing, and retrieving unique security keys, which authenticate device or information in security applications and protocols. The current ultrahigh connectivity in electronics/networks and the recent advances in quantum computers pose formidable challenges for hardware and information security. Thus, PUF implementation with a quantum origin is imperative, given the unprecedentedly high entropy. However, current PUF technologies lack quantum-state entropy. Salable fabrication of such PUF devices is also limited. To create quantum-originated PUFs, our proposed quantum photonics-PUF technologies are centered in combining active nanomaterials, self-assembly, disordered nanophotonics, and advanced optoelectronics. We take advantage of coherent random lasers (cRLs) in which resonances (modes) are self-formed due to irregular nanostructures embedded with amplifying media (active nanomaterials). Because cRLs are governed by the inherent randomness and uncertainty in quantum mechanics, the cRL properties are genuinely stochastic, yet reliably reproducible, possibly offering simplicity for PUFs with quantumness. We propose to develop quantum cryptographic primitives using cRL-PUF formats as follows: (1) to characterize the quantumness of optically excited cRL-PUFs and design electrically excited cRL-PUF schemes, (2) to construct electrically excited cRLs and implement a lens-free scheme for compact PUF hardware, and (3) to enhance entropy with a large-area array of cRLs and random spectral silicon filtering. Our unique nanophotoelectronics approaches will open the possibility of versatile quantum-PUF platforms for truly entropic, yet highly reproducible, hardware cryptographic primitives.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 11, 2017
- Source ID
- FA23861714072
Entities
People
- Young Jun Kim
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Virginia