Voxelated Opto-Physically Unclonable Functions via Irreplicable Wrinkles

Abstract

Abstract The increasing prevalence of the Internet of Things (IoT) and the integration of digital technology into our daily lives have heightened security risks, necessitating more robust security measures. Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) have emerged as a promising solution, and PUFs offer a highly secure method to generate unpredictable and unique random digital values by leveraging inherent physical characteristics. However, traditional PUF implementations often involve complex hardware and circuitry, which can increase system costs and complexity. We propose an innovative approach utilizing a random wrinkles PUF (rw-PUF) based on a unique optical anisotropy and facile procedure. The rw-PUF consists of liquid crystal molecules with random orientations, resulting in a two-dimensional retardation map corresponding to a complex birefringence pattern. Moreover, our proposed technique allows for customization based on specific requirements using a spatial light modulator, enabling fast fabrication. One notable advantage of the rw-PUF is its ability to store multiple data sets within a single PUF without needing physical alterations. Additionally, we introduce the concept of "polyhedron authentication", which utilizes three-dimensional information storage in a voxelated rw-PUF. This approach demonstrates the feasibility of implementing high-level security technology by leveraging the unique properties of the rw-PUF.