SPLIT QUANTUM PHYSICAL UNCLONABLE FUNCTIONS
Abstract
This proposal will investigate a novel application of Quantum Confinement Physically Unclonable Functions (QC PUFs) that exploits inherent dependencies between hardware elements for authentication. The use of one hardware device to validate another by physically altering its behavior prevents simulation attacks and system vulnerability through database breaches. Recent research, led by the PI and his team, demonstrated that the use of quantum confinement in resonant tunneling semiconductor diodes can realize a PUF that is sensitive to atom scale structural imperfections. When these elements are networked in arrays the amount of unique information that can be extracted through time averaged measurements scales super linearly. In the time domain, however, the response from elements in the array couples together. Splitting an array in two discrete components and distributing them between devices afford a means of hardware hardware authentication that should be resistant to simulation and cloning attacks. This novel concept, to use coupled quantum systems for physical authentication, will be extended beyond electronic devices to study analogue optical systems. The project will explore the use of a quantum coupling field to facilitate all quantum operation of the systems, which may facilitate a provable authentication system for quantum computing and communications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- FA95501910397
Entities
People
- Robert B Young
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Lancaster