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Frontiers in Optics

Integrated Time-Domain Physical Unclonable Functions for Secure Authentication

Himadri Sahoo, Daan de Ruiter, Lars van der Hoeven, Daan Stellinga, Matthias C. Velsink, Pepijn W. H. Pinkse

Published Jan 1, 2025• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We demonstrate integrated time-domain physical unclonable functions (tPUFs) using ring resonators. Their unclonability and secure communication via single-mode optical readout are experimentally validated, offering robust, compact solutions for authentication and asymmetric cryptography.
DOI
10.1364/fio.2025.jtu5a.37

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We introduce time-domain physical unclonable functions (tPUFs) using photonic ring resonator networks, fabricated on a silicon nitride platform. These tPUFs demonstrate complex spectro-temporal behavior, enabling their use in secure, remote authentication schemes. Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) offer an alternative to conventional hash functions by leveraging the intrinsic randomness of physical structures [1], [2]. Optical PUFs have historically been realized using strongly scattering media [3], [4]. We introduce time-domain PUFs (tPUFs) that employ temporal scrambling, allowing for read-out over a single spatial mode. This allows integration into existing infrastructure, such as telecom fibers and satellite links.
Quantum Physical Unclonable Functions (QPUFs) offer a physically grounded approach to secure authentication, extending the capabilities of classical PUFs. This review covers their theoretical foundations and key implementation challenges—such as quantum memories and Haar‐randomness—, and distinguishes QPUFs from Quantum Readout PUFs (QR‐PUFs), more experimentally accessible yet less robust against quantum‐capable adversaries. A co‐citation‐based selection method is employed to trace the evolution of QPUF architectures, from early QR‐PUFs to more recent Hybrid PUFs (HPUFs). This method further supports a discussion on the role of information‐theoretic analysis in mitigating inconsistencies in QPUF responses, underscoring the deep connection between secret‐key generation and authentication. Despite notable advances, achieving practical and robust QPUF‐based authentication remains an open challenge.
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