Affiliation:
1. Department of Physics and CICECO—Aveiro Institute of Materials University of Aveiro Aveiro Portugal
2. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Instituto de Telecomunicações Instituto Superior Técnico Universidade de Lisboa Lisbon Portugal
3. Chemistry Center and Chemistry Department University of Minho Braga Portugal
4. Chemistry Department and CQ‐VR University of Trás‐os‐Montes e Alto Douro Vila Real Portugal
Abstract
AbstactCounterfeiting remains a significant threat, causing economic and safety concerns. Addressing this, authentication technologies have gained traction. With the rise of the Internet of Things, authentication is crucial. Photonic Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) offer unique identifiers. We present low‐cost and sustainable e‐tags that may be printed virtually on any surface for authentication due to the bespoke texturization of sustainable inks of surface‐modified carbon dots. A single e‐tag provides randomized phosphorescence (or afterglow) patterns, which provide multiple layers of safety by exploiting different patterning, excitation energies, and temporal characteristics. A comprehensive case study employing photonic challenge‐response pairs, involving a sample size of up to 29 emission spectra in combination with 102 photographs taken with a smartphone, displays a low authentication probability of error (<10−11), which supports the potential of our combined approach toward the development of more robust photonic PUF systems.
Funder
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia