System and Method for Physical One-Way Function Authentication via Chaotic Integrated Photonic Resonators

Unmet Need
Modern cryptographic practices rely heavily on the use of algorithmic and computational security schemes. These systems are frequently slow and because they utilize keys stored in random access memory are functionally costly, requiring large portions of chip area and a continuous power supply; furthermore, these systems are far from perfectly secure. They can be formulaic, cloned or predicted, and compromised. Technological advancements such as quantum computing will facilitate faster methods to compromise standard security protocols and break asymmetric algorithms, further increasing the urgency of finding a more secure method for encryption.
 
Technology Overview
Johns Hopkins researchers have potentially found a viable alternative using silicone micro-cavity devices to derive “keys” from the chaotic nature of guided optical waves. Researchers have been able to manufacture chaotic, functionally random pulse waveforms to create binary sequences capable of performing in challenge/response authentication and suitable for encrypted communications. These sequences are extremely difficult to predict, nearly impossible to clone or compromise and may provide a suitable alternative to standard methods of encryption. The cavities themselves are both functionally and financially inexpensive, created using standard microelectronic fabrication methods and measuring less than 0.01 mm². Finally this method provides ultra-fast response times under 100 ps, presenting even more difficulty to potential bad actors who would not only need to replicate a near perfectly random sequence, but do so at a lightning fast rate. This technology has the potential to revolutionize modern cryptography, making it far faster, far cheaper, and far more secure
 
Stage of Development
Proof of concept, functional prototypes
 
Publications
A Silicon Photonic Physical Unclonable Function (Grubel, B. et al)

Entropically-Secure Communications using Nonlinear Photonic Physical Keys (Grubel, B. et al)

Photonic Physical Unclonable Functions using Silicon Nitride Spiral Cavities (Grubel, B. et al)
 

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