A method for forming a system that includes a photonic physically hard-to-replicate function device and information relating multiple challenges to multiple responses.

Abstract

The present invention provides a photonic physically hard-to-replicate function device for receiving an initial optical mode distribution associated with challenge C and outputting a final optical mode distribution associated with response R, and a method for forming a system that includes information relating multiple challenges C to multiple responses R, respectively. [Solution] This method includes the steps of: a) providing a plurality of optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting a plurality of optical modes; b) providing a plurality of optical mixed layers; c) forming a plurality of optical coupling interfaces; d) performing tomography through the plurality of optical coupling interfaces; and e) removing the plurality of optical coupling interfaces after step d) is completed.

Description

Detailed description of the invention

[0001] This application claims priority to Prior Application No. GB2201275.1, filed on 1 February 2022, the contents and elements thereof of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] [Field] This invention relates to a physically unclonable function (PUF) and a device incorporating a physically unclonable function (PUF).

[0003] 〔background〕 A PUF (Potentially Unreliable Function) is a device or process used in applications requiring authentication to enhance security against unauthorized access or interference. For example, it could be a mobile-device-to-mobile device and / or server-to-server authentication process for authenticating the identity of a mobile device / server. A PUF is identified by its ability to be difficult to replicate, meaning that it is practically impossible to replicate the device or process providing that PUF.

[0004] The use of a PUF is characterized by a so-called challenge and response pair (CRP). A PUF is interrogated by a challenge C, and in response to that challenge C, the PUF outputs a response R. The PUF manufacturer typically collates a large set of CRPs for each PUF. The PUF is then passed to a third party. If the manufacturer, or a second party with access to the set of CRPs, wishes to authenticate the third party's identity, the third party is required to query the PUF using a specific challenge C and communicate the response R' from the PUF to the manufacturer / second party. If R' matches a correct R owned by the manufacturer / second party, the third party's authentication is successful.

[0005] While the described examples are in the context of network applications, PUFs can be used in a wide variety of applications. For example, PUFs can be used within a single device or computer processor chip, or when generating cryptographic keys.

[0006] A PUF can be understood as an object that provides a physically defined unique identifier or fingerprint (identification feature) when the PUF is queried.

[0007] For example, PUF (Potentially Undefined Function) is implemented based on the power-up state of battery-powered static random-access memory (SRAM). Because this state inherently possesses manufacturing variations beyond the manufacturer's control, it takes the form of a random sequence of logical bits corresponding to each SRAM cell. Although the PUF has only a single CRP (i.e., the power-up state of the SRAM cell), the corresponding fingerprint is determined by the physical characteristics of the device itself, and not by the manufacturer or user. PUF is implemented in various forms and technological platforms.

[0008] In summary, the basic properties of PUF can be listed as follows: a) When a PUF is challenged, it must (with a high probability) provide a response specific to that PUF. b) The function that maps the challenge to the response relies on the inherent and practically unreplicable physical properties of the PUF. c) Knowledge of the manufacturing process used to produce the PUF alone is insufficient to accurately create or approximate that function.

[0009] PUFs can be further characterized into weak and strong PUFs based on their relative robustness. A weak PUF is one in which the number of CRPs is small enough that an untrusted party can intercept or otherwise record all possible CRPs. For example, in the case of an SRAM cell, the untrusted party could circumvent the authentication process by recording a single CRP and then impersonating the intended party. A strong PUF is one in which the number of possible CRPs increases exponentially (physical resources such as the number of modes are exponential), or at least the number of possible CRPs is large enough that it is practically impossible for an untrusted party to sample a sufficiently large subset to know the response to randomly issued challenges and circumvent the authentication process. Note that this requirement arises because the authentication process can only be safely continued if the number of CRPs recorded by the manufacturer / first party is not exhausted before the PUF is sent to the second / indirect party.

[0010] The present invention aims to provide an improved PUF and a device incorporating it.

[0011] [Brief Description of the Invention] According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus is, A photonic physically unclonable function is used to process the initial optical mode distribution based on Challenge C and output the final optical mode distribution. function:PUF) device, Multiple optical modes (for example, multiple optical modes (M i A plurality of optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting ) wherein an initial optical mode distribution is given to the plurality of optical modes, and the final optical mode distribution is generated from the plurality of optical modes, Multiple optical modes (for example, multiple optical modes (M iA plurality of optical mode mixing layers (K) arranged at intervals along a plurality of optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting the plurality of optical modes, and coupled to the plurality of optical modes j ), each optical mode mixing layer (K j ) receives a plurality of optical modes (M i ), mixes the plurality of optical modes, and makes the optical mode distribution exiting each optical mode mixing layer (K j ) different from the optical mode distribution received by each optical mode mixing layer (K j ), a plurality of optical mode mixing layers (K j );<XXXXXX>A plurality of columns (S) of a plurality of optical phase shifters arranged at intervals along a plurality of the optical modes (for example, a plurality of optical modes (M i ) and coupled to the plurality of optical modes, and apply a pre-determined (one or more) optical phase shift to change the phase of each of the plurality of optical modes (M k ), so that the subsequent optical modes are received by the respective optical mode mixing layers (K i ), a plurality of columns (S) of a plurality of optical phase shifters, wherein two or more of the plurality of columns (S j ) of the plurality of optical phase shifters, or for each of the plurality of columns (S k ) of the plurality of optical phase shifters, the plurality of optical phase shifters are coupled to each of the plurality of optical modes (for example, a plurality of optical modes (M k ) for forming or supporting a plurality of optical mode waveguides), a plurality of columns (S k ) of a plurality of optical phase shifters; i ), and k ), A photonic PUF device including A security controller for controlling the photonic PUF device, receiving the challenge C, and providing a response R, wherein the security controller converts the challenge C and provides the converted challenge C to the photonic PUF device, and the security controller receives the final optical mode distribution output by the photonic PUF device and converts the final optical mode distribution into the response R, A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions for a processor that issues a challenge C to the security controller and receives a response R from the security controller, An apparatus including the above is provided.

[0012] In this specification, references to “mode” in the context of “optical mode” may be considered to include references to modes of light propagation. Modes can arise in free space, in a transparent homogeneous medium, in a waveguide structure, or in an optical resonator. When a light beam propagates, its transverse intensity profile generally changes during propagation. A certain electric field distribution of a wave can be self-consistent during propagation. These are examples of what are known in the art as propagation “modes.” The simplest type of propagation mode is a plane wave. In the art, waveguide structures are generally considered to be spatially heterogeneous structures on which wave guidance is possible. In the case of light propagating in an optical waveguide, the self-consistency of the electric field distribution of the light wave forming a given mode may correspond to the shape of the electric field amplitude profile in the transverse dimension remaining substantially constant at a given location within the waveguide. The modes of light waves can be defined by coherence and orthogonality: modes are orthogonal solutions to the electromagnetic wave equations that describe the state of light waves, and they do not interfere with each other (for example, the optical power of a linear superposition of modes is equal to the sum of the optical powers of the individual modes). Light (photons) within the same mode can be coherent. Waveguides can support multimode optical transmission, where multiple different optical propagation modes occur simultaneously.

[0013] References to “optical mode distribution” in this specification may be interpreted as including references to the distribution of light within an optical mode and references to the distribution of light between optical modes. For example, two optical mode distributions may be considered different if they correspond to different amplitude distributions across multiple optical modes (e.g., in separate optical waveguides) for each distribution. In this sense, when distributed across multiple separate optical modes (e.g., separate waveguides), a first optical mode distribution may be considered “different” from a second optical mode distribution if the first distribution of light (e.g., amplitude) differs from the second distribution of light (i.e., the amplitudes differ).

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus is, A photonic physically unclonable function (PUF) device for processing an initial optical mode distribution based on Challenge C and outputting a final optical mode distribution, Multiple optical modes (M i )(For example, multiple optical modes (M i A plurality of optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting a plurality of such optical modes (M i Given the initial optical mode distribution for ) and a plurality of such optical modes (M i From ) the above final optical mode distribution is generated from a plurality of optical modes (M i )and, Multiple optical modes (for example, multiple optical modes (M i Multiple optical mode mixed layers (K) are spaced apart along multiple optical mode waveguides (K) to form or support multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to multiple optical modes. j ) and each optical mode mixing layer (K j Multiple optical modes (M) received by ) i ) are mixed to form each optical mode mixed layer (K j The optical mode distribution exiting the optical mode mix layer (K j Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K) that make the optical mode distribution different from the one received by ) j ) and a plurality of the optical mode mixing layers (K j ) one or more of the optical mode mixing layers (K j Each of the above optical modes (M i A mixture of three or more of the following optical modes (K j )and, Multiple optical modes (for example, multiple optical modes (M i Multiple rows of multiple optical phase shifters (S) are spaced apart along multiple optical mode waveguides (S) to form or support multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to multiple optical modes. k) and apply a predetermined (one or more) optical phase shift to multiple such optical modes (M i The phase of each of the ) is changed, and the subsequent optical modes are each optical mode mixed layer (K j Multiple columns of multiple optical phase shifters (S) received by ) k )and, Photonic PUF devices, A security controller for controlling the photonic PUF device, receiving the challenge C, and providing a response R, wherein the security controller converts the challenge C and provides the converted challenge C to the photonic PUF device, and the security controller receives the final optical mode distribution output by the photonic PUF device and converts the final optical mode distribution into the response R, A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions for a processor that issues a challenge C to the security controller and receives a response R from the security controller, An apparatus including the above is provided.

[0015] Optionally, or preferably, a plurality of the rows (S) of a plurality of optical phase shifters. k ) two or more of the optical phase shifters, or multiple rows of the aforementioned (S k For each of the above optical phase shifters, a plurality of the optical modes (M i Coupled to each of (for example, multiple optical mode waveguides) and / or multiple optical mode mixing layers (K j ) one or more of the optical mode mixing layers (K j Each of the above optical modes (M i Mix all of the following together.

[0016] Optionally, or preferably, the apparatus includes an input section (e.g., an input component) that can be connected to a single input optical mode (e.g., an input component) to receive, support, or form the single input optical mode, and a plurality of the optical modes (M i The challenge C includes a reconfigurable photonic network having one or more output units (e.g., output components) that can be connected to (e.g., multiple optical mode waveguides), wherein the challenge C includes initial optical mode distribution information, and the security controller uses the initial optical mode distribution information to cause the reconfigurable photonic circuit to adopt a corresponding configuration for generating the initial optical mode distribution.

[0017] Optionally, or preferably, the reconfigurable photonic network comprises a plurality of optical phase shifters (R) for generating the initial optical mode distribution. s ) includes.

[0018] Optionally, or preferably, the reconfigurable photonic network receives light from the single input optical mode into multiple optical modes M i The system comprises an array of multiple Mach-Zehnder interferometers for converting the initial optical mode distribution over a certain range into a linear optical state. The term "linear optical state" can be considered to include a reference to an optical state distributed over all the desired optical modes. Preferably, any desired initial optical mode distribution can be obtained by converting one optical mode to all of the desired optical modes.

[0019] Optionally, or preferably, the challenge C includes information for determining the optical phase shifter setting, and the security controller uses this information to determine the optical phase shifter setting for multiple columns (S) of multiple optical phase shifters. k ) set and / or multiple optical phase shifters (R s Set ).

[0020] Optionally, or preferably, a plurality of the rows (S) of a plurality of optical phase shifters. k ) and a plurality of the optical mode mixing layers (K j ) refers to a plurality of the optical modes (M i They are arranged alternately along the length of ).

[0021] Selectively, or preferably, j = 0 to K, k = 0 to K+1 (for example, K is a positive integer), and the (K+1)th row (S) of the multiple optical phase shifters. K+1 ) are multiple optical modes (M) for subsequent use downstream of the interferometer process. i This is for applying the aforementioned final adjustment of the optical mode distribution.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, a photonic physically unclonable function (PUF) device for processing an initial optical mode distribution based on Challenge C and outputting a final optical mode distribution, Multiple optical modes (M i )(For example, multiple optical modes (M i A plurality of optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting a plurality of such optical modes (M i Given the initial optical mode distribution for ) and a plurality of such optical modes (M i From ) the above final optical mode distribution is generated from a plurality of optical modes (M i )and, Multiple optical modes (for example, multiple optical modes (M i Multiple optical mode mixed layers (K) are spaced apart along multiple optical mode waveguides (K) to form or support multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to multiple optical modes. j ) and each optical mode mixing layer (K j Multiple optical modes (M) received by ) i ) are mixed to form each optical mode mixed layer (K j The optical mode distribution exiting the optical mode mix layer (K jMultiple optical mode mixing layers (K) that result in an optical mode distribution different from the one received by ). j ) and a plurality of the optical mode mixing layers (K j Each of the above optical modes (M i ) receives at least a subset of the optical modes (M i For the subset of ), a plurality of optical mode mixing layers (K) are included, which include a plurality of continuous evanescent coupled waveguides configured to result in a mixture of their respective amplitudes. j )and, Multiple optical modes (for example, multiple optical modes (M i Multiple rows of multiple optical phase shifters (S) are spaced apart along multiple optical mode waveguides (S) to form or support multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to multiple optical modes. k ) wherein a plurality of columns of a plurality of optical phase shifters (S) are used, wherein a predetermined optical phase shift (one or more) is applied to change the phase of each of the plurality of optical modes, and the subsequent optical modes are received by the respective mixing layers. k )and, A security controller for controlling the photonic PUF device, receiving the challenge C, and providing a response R, wherein the security controller converts the challenge C and provides the converted challenge C to the photonic PUF device, and the security controller receives the final optical mode distribution output by the photonic PUF device and converts the final optical mode distribution into the response R, A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions for a processor that issues a challenge C to the security controller and receives a response R from the security controller, A photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) device is provided, which includes [the specified element].

[0023] Selectively, or preferably, a plurality of the optical modes (M iThese are formed in each waveguide (e.g., an optical mode waveguide), and the plurality of continuous evanescent coupled waveguides correspond to a plurality of regions of the plurality of waveguides.

[0024] Optionally, or preferably, a plurality of the optical mode mixed layers (K j Each of the above optical modes M i Receiving at least a subset of the above, a plurality of the optical modes (M i The subset of ) includes a plurality of continuous evanescent coupled waveguides that result in a mixture of their respective amplitudes, and optionally, or preferably, a plurality of the optical modes (M i ) are formed in each waveguide, and the plurality of continuous evanescent coupled waveguides correspond to a plurality of regions of the plurality of waveguides. i The subset of ) is a plurality of the optical modes (M i ) at least three or more of the optical modes (M i ) may include all of the above.

[0025] Optionally, or preferably, for the apparatus or the photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF), the spacing between the multiple evanescent coupled waveguides, and / or the length over which the multiple evanescent coupled waveguides are close to each other, is such that each of the optical mode mixing layers (K j The strength of the evanescent coupling is predetermined to be determined by the spacing and length, and by a combination of microscopic features of the waveguides that are not predetermined (or cannot be predetermined) formed during manufacturing.

[0026] Optionally, or preferably, for the apparatus or the photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF), a plurality of the optical mode mixing layers (K j ) one or more of the above optical modes (M i ) at least three or more of the optical modes (M i) receives all of them, and for at least three of the plurality of the optical modes (M i ) or for all of the plurality of the optical modes (M i ) includes a continuous evanescent coupling waveguide that results in the mixing of the respective amplitudes. As used herein, the reference to "at least three" in the context of at least three optical modes (M i ) and / or at least three evanescent coupling waveguides may include, for example, the following: four or more optical modes (M i ) and / or four or more evanescent coupling waveguides; five or more optical modes (M i ) and / or five or more evanescent coupling waveguides; ten or more optical modes (M i ) and / or ten or more evanescent coupling waveguides. As described above, the evanescent coupling waveguide may implement the mixing of the plurality of optical modes such that a random walk of photons is brought about between the plurality of optical modes and / or between the plurality of evanescent coupling waveguides. This effect has been found to increase significantly when the number of modes and / or waveguides involved in the mixing process exceeds two. The total number "M" of the optical modes (M i ) and / or waveguides involved in the mixing process (i.e., "all of them") may be three or more, for example M≥3, or M≥5, or M≥10.

[0027] Optionally or preferably, for the device or the photonic physical unclonable function (PUF) according to any preceding claim, includes the light source from which the initial optical mode distribution is generated, and the light source may include a laser (e.g., an electrically excited integrated laser), an LED light source having a narrow optical spectrum, or light in a quantum state (e.g., squeezed light or single photons).

[0028] Optionally or preferably, the device or the photonic physical unclonable function (PUF) includes a plurality of the optical modes (Mi ) includes an optical measurement device connected to (e.g., connected to a plurality of the optical mode waveguides).

[0029] Optionally or preferably, the optical measurement device includes a photodiode or a single photon detector.

[0030] Optionally or preferably, the photonic physical unclonable function (PUF) is an integrated photonic chip.

[0031] Optionally or preferably, the integrated photonic chip is formed from one or more of silicon (Si), silicon nitride (SiN), silica (SiO2), gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium phosphide (InP), polymer, lithium niobate (LiNbO), or aluminum nitride (AlN).

[0032] Optionally or preferably, the device or the photonic physical unclonable function (PUF) includes a plurality of the optical phase shifters, the plurality of the optical phase shifters are independently controllable, and / or the plurality of the optical phase shifters may include a thermo-optical device, an electro-optical device, a piezoelectric device, a birefringent device, a microelectromechanical device, a strain-induced device, or an acousto-optic device.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, a photonic physical unclonable function (PUF) device for processing an initial optical mode distribution based on a challenge C and outputting a modified optical mode distribution, a plurality of optical modes (M i ), for example, a plurality of optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting a plurality of optical modes (M i ), to which the initial optical mode distribution is given for a plurality of the optical modes (M i ), and from which the modified optical mode distribution is generated for a plurality of the optical modes (M i ), a plurality of optical modes (Mi )and, Multiple optical modes (for example, multiple optical modes (M i Multiple optical mode mixed layers (K) are spaced apart along multiple optical mode waveguides (K) to form or support multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to multiple optical modes. j ) and each optical mode mixing layer (K j Multiple optical modes (M) received by ) i ) are mixed to form each optical mode mixed layer (K j The optical mode distribution exiting the optical mode mix layer (K j Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K) that make the optical mode distribution different from the one received by ) j )and, Multiple optical modes (for example, multiple optical modes (M i Multiple rows of multiple optical phase shifters (S) are spaced apart along multiple optical mode waveguides (S) to form or support multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to multiple optical modes. k ) and apply a predetermined (one or more) optical phase shift to multiple such optical modes (M i The phase of each of the ) is changed, and the subsequent optical mode (M i ) is the respective optical mode mixing layer (K j Multiple columns of multiple optical phase shifters (S) received by ) k )and, A security controller for controlling the photonic PUF device, receiving the challenge C, and providing a response R, wherein the security controller converts the challenge C and provides the converted challenge C to the photonic PUF device, and the security controller receives the final optical mode distribution output by the photonic PUF device and converts the final optical mode distribution into the response R, Includes, The aforementioned security controller a) The security controller performs the step of setting an initial optical mode distribution for processing by the PUF using the challenge C, b) The security controller includes the step of acquiring the amplitude of the modified optical mode distribution, c) The security controller provides the PUF device with the amplitude of the modified optical mode distribution to be processed as a further initial optical mode distribution, d) The security controller repeats steps b) and c) T times to generate the final optical mode distribution, A photonic PUF device is provided, configured to operate the photonic PUF device to produce the final modified optical mode distribution through an iterative process including the following:

[0034] Optionally or preferably, the security controller, as part of step c), comprises a plurality of the rows (S) of a plurality of optical phase shifters. k ) one or more of the multiple optical phase shifters, or multiple rows of the multiple optical phase shifters (S k The settings of all of the multiple optical phase shifters may be changed, and the PUF device may be configured to process the further initial optical mode distribution based on the changed settings.

[0035] Optionally, or preferably, the security controller provides a plurality of columns (S) of a plurality of optical phase shifters for each iteration of the process. k The above settings are set using Challenge C.

[0036] Optionally, or preferably, the response R is derived solely from the final optical mode distribution.

[0037] Selectively, or preferably, the response R is converted from one or more of the multiple modified optical mode distributions obtained in step b), or from all of the multiple modified optical mode distributions obtained in step b).

[0038] Optionally, or preferably, the photonic PUF device includes an input section (e.g., an input component) that can be connected to a single input optical mode (e.g., to receive, support, or form the single input optical mode), and a plurality of the optical modes (M i The security controller includes a reconfigurable photonic network having (one or more) output units (e.g., output components) that can be connected to a, and in step a), the security controller uses the challenge C to cause the reconfigurable photonic network to adopt a corresponding configuration for generating the initial optical mode distribution.

[0039] Optionally, or preferably, step c) includes the security controller, which uses the amplitude of the modified optical mode distribution to cause the reconfigurable photonic network to adopt a corresponding configuration for generating the amplitude of the modified optical mode distribution and providing the amplitude to the PUF device.

[0040] Optionally, or preferably, step c) includes the security controller transforming the modified optical mode distribution and providing the modified optical mode distribution to the PUF device for processing as a further initial optical mode distribution.

[0041] Optionally, or preferably, the security controller uses the converted modified optical mode distribution to cause the reconfigurable photonic network to adopt a corresponding configuration for generating the converted modified optical mode distribution and providing the converted modified optical mode distribution to the PUF device.

[0042] Optionally, or preferably, the photonic PUF device measures a plurality of optical modes (M) to measure the modified optical mode distribution and the final optical mode distribution, respectively. i This includes an optical measuring device connected to (for example, connected to a plurality of the optical mode waveguides).

[0043] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method or process is provided for forming (e.g., manufacturing) a system comprising a photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) device for receiving an initial optical mode distribution (e.g., associated with challenge C) and outputting a final optical mode distribution (e.g., associated with response R). Preferably, the system further includes information relating (associating) a plurality of challenges C to a plurality of responses R. The method is as follows: a) Multiple optical modes (M i )(For example, multiple optical modes (M i A step of providing a plurality of optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting the optical mode (M i A predetermined initial optical mode distribution may be given to ) and a plurality of such optical modes (M i ) a step from which the final optical mode distribution can be generated during use, b) Multiple optical modes (for example, multiple optical modes (M i Multiple optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting a plurality of optical mode waveguides (K) are spaced apart along the waveguides and coupled to the plurality of optical modes, and consist of a plurality of optical mixed layers (K j ) and each optical mode mixing layer (K j Multiple optical modes (M) received by ) i ) are mixed to form each optical mode mixed layer (K j The optical mode distribution exiting the optical mode mix layer (K j Multiple optical mixing layers (K) are used to make the optical mode distribution different from that received by ). j The process of providing ) c) Multiple optical mixed layers (K j) Each of the optical mixed layers (K j Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K j Multiple optical modes (for example, multiple optical modes (M)) are coupled to each other. i The process of forming multiple optical coupling interfaces for multiple optical mode waveguides to form or support ) d) Multiple optical mixed layers (K) (for example, associating multiple challenges C with their respective responses R) j The process involves performing tomography through a plurality of optical coupling interfaces in order to determine the optical mode mixing operation of ) e) A step of removing a plurality of the photo-coupled interfaces after step d) is completed, Includes.

[0044] Optionally, or preferably, the method includes a plurality of optical modes (for example, a plurality of optical modes (M i Multiple rows of multiple optical phase shifters (S) are spaced apart along multiple optical mode waveguides (S) to form or support multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to multiple optical modes. k ) and apply a predetermined (one or more) optical phase shift to multiple such optical modes (M i The phase of each of the ) is changed, and the subsequent optical mode (M i Multiple rows of multiple optical phase shifters (S) are received by each optical mode mixing layer. k The process includes providing a plurality of optical coupling interfaces, and in step c), the plurality of optical shifters are arranged in a row (S) of the plurality of preceding optical shifters. k ) is joined to the point after and / or each of the subsequent (following) multiple light shifters (S k+1 It is joined to the point before the ).

[0045] Optionally, or preferably, step d) includes the step of performing the tomography separately through each optical mode and / or separately for each optical mode mixed layer.

[0046] Optionally, or preferably, step d) includes the steps of changing the optical input and / or the setting of the optical phase shifter for each optical mode entering each of the optical mode mixing layers during the tomography process, and measuring the amplitude of the output light from each optical mode leaving each of the optical mode mixing layers. The step of determining the mixing operation in step d) may include the step of determining a unitary conversion of optical modes that maps the input optical mode distribution to the optical mode distribution output from each optical mode mixing layer.

[0047] This method allows for the de facto determination of the complete unitary for each optical mixing layer. This method involves the (characterized) optical mixing layer (Kj) and the row of optical phase shifters (S k As the product of pairs with ), the optical mode (M i The method may include a step of parameterizing all unitary operations for ). The method may also include a step of determining a function that relates all challenges C to their respective responses R. This allows the PUF manufacturer to know the function that relates all challenges C to their respective responses R, and as a result, the manufacturer can calculate all possible CRPs without exploring the PUF. Subsequently, it is made impossible to optically access the individual optical mode mixed layers (Kj) after manufacturing to determine their unitary properties. That is, the optical coupling interface is erased by physically and permanently modifying the PUF, i.e., the optical coupling interface. As a result, access to this information by (unauthorized) third parties is eliminated.

[0048] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for operating an apparatus or photonic PUF device of any prior aspect, comprising the step of using the apparatus or photonic PUF device as part of an authentication process to authenticate a device, user, or communication, optionally or preferably.

[0049] In any aspect of the present invention, the optical modes disclosed herein may be formed in each waveguide. In any aspect of the present invention, the optical mode mixing layer (K j ) has multiple optical modes (M i The invention may include a continuous evanescent coupled waveguide that receives at least a subset of the optical modes to bring about a mixing of optical modes. In embodiments of any aspect of the invention, the continuous evanescent coupled waveguide may correspond to a region of the waveguide in which the optical modes are formed. The evanescent coupled waveguide can implement the mixing of multiple optical modes such that a random walk of photons is brought about between multiple optical modes and / or between multiple evanescent coupled waveguides.

[0050] Depending on the manufacturing technique used to produce the waveguide, various levels of randomness can be achieved. Randomness can be achieved through microscopic characteristics of the waveguide that are not predetermined during manufacturing (e.g., cannot be predetermined during manufacturing), i.e., beyond the manufacturer's control. Waveguides can be manufactured according to one or more of the following methods: photolithography, projection lithography, and electron beam lithography, as well as etching. For example, waveguide line edge roughness of about 6 nm (e.g., about 3 nm to about 10 nm) can be achieved.

[0051] Line edge roughness (LER) can be defined according to the common definition used in this industry. According to this definition, LER = 3σ, where σ is the standard deviation defined by the following equation:

[0052]

number

[0053] Here, x i This is the edge position measured at a given point i along the edge, out of N separate points along the edge (i=1~N),

[0054]

number

[0055] This is the average value of all N measured edge positions. All edge positions are measured relative to a common baseline (e.g., an imaginary "perfect" edge position). Edge positions (x) are used to calculate the LER value. i ) is typically measured using images (or other data) generated by a Critical Dimension Scanning Electron Microscope (CD-SEM). Although images (or other data) generated by an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) may provide more accurate values ​​with larger correlation lengths, CD-SEM is faster and therefore the standard in this industry. CD-SEM images are processed using software to determine the edge positions (x) necessary for calculating the LER value. i ) can be extracted. One example is PROSEM (see https: / / prosem.genisys-gmbh.com / ). PROSEM is a software package designed for this purpose and is available from GenISys GmbH (Eschenstr.66, D-82024 Taufkirchen (Munich), Germany).

[0056] The properties of the sidewall roughness (e.g., microscopic features) can provide the desired level of randomness. The design of the optical mode mixed layer, including waveguide dimensions, spacing, and length, can be optimized during manufacturing to ensure sufficient variation between different layers within the PUF device and between consecutive PUF devices / copies.

[0057] In embodiments of the present technology according to any aspect of the present invention, the spacing between evanescent coupled waveguides, and / or the length over which evanescent coupled waveguides are close to each other is such that each optical mode mixing layer (K jThe strength of the evanescent bond in ) can be predetermined, such that it is determined by the combination of this spacing and length.

[0058] The lateral distance (i.e., "s", the distance lateral to the waveguide axis) may be defined between adjacent or neighboring waveguides. The lateral distance may differ between adjacent or neighboring waveguides such that the separation distance between adjacent waveguides is greater in some adjacent or neighboring waveguides and smaller in other adjacent or neighboring waveguides.

[0059] In the examples, two or more separation distances "s" may be the same. Distance "l" indicates the longitudinal length over which the waveguides are coupled. The degree of coupling can be adjusted by changing the value of one or more of the parameters "s" and "l".

[0060] [Brief explanation of the drawing] To make the present disclosure more easily understood, preferred embodiments will be described merely as examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus that embodies this disclosure; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the components of an apparatus embodying this disclosure; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the components of an apparatus embodying this disclosure; Figures 4A and 4B show a component of an apparatus embodying this disclosure; Figures 5A and 5B are schematic diagrams showing parts of an apparatus embodying the present disclosure; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a component of a device embodying a certain aspect of this disclosure; Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a device embodying a certain aspect of this disclosure.

[0061] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a device embodying a certain aspect of the present disclosure.

[0062] [Detailed explanation of disclosure] Referring to Figure 1, the photonic physically unclonable function A schematic representation shows a device 10 comprising a PUF (function:PUF) device 20, a security controller 30 for controlling the PUF device 20, and a computer-readable storage medium 40 containing instructions for a processor to operate the security controller 30. In embodiments of the present technology, the device 10 may be incorporated into or form part of a device, for example, as part of a mobile phone, computer, or other electronic or non-electronic device, and used as part of the authentication operation of the device. In embodiments of the present technology, the device 10 may be connected to another device (e.g., an electronic device) and used together with it to perform an authentication operation. A processor may be formed as part of the device 10, or it may constitute part of a device into which a processor is incorporated or to which a processor is connected.

[0063] Referring to Figure 2, a PUF device 20 according to an embodiment of the present technology is schematically shown. The PUF device 20 may be realized as a classical device, i.e., a device that handles classical light (e.g., laser light), or as a quantum device, i.e., a quantum device that handles light as a quantum state. The PUF device 20 may include a photonic processing network 50, a reconfigurable photonic network 60, and an optical measurement device 70. The term photonic processing network refers to an optical interferometer circuit that is part of a broader optical interferometer that forms the PUF device 20. In embodiments of the present technology, the PUF device 20 is an integrated photonic chip. The photonic chip may be formed from materials including (but not limited to) silicon (Si), silicon nitride (SiN), silica (SiO2), gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium phosphide (InP), polymers, lithium niobate (LiNbO), or aluminum nitride (AlN).

[0064] Referring to Figure 3, the PUF device 20 processes the initial optical mode distribution as part of challenge C to output the final optical mode distribution. This final optical mode distribution corresponds to response R, or response R can be derived from this final optical mode distribution. Referring to Figure 3, the photonic processing network 50 has M optical modes (M i ) may include the M optical modes (M i Given an initial optical mode distribution for ), the M optical modes (M i From this, the final optical mode distribution is generated. The photonic processing network 50 processes the optical modes (M i They are spaced apart along the optical mode (M i K optical mode mixed layers (K j ) may include each optical mode mixing layer (K j The optical mode distribution exiting ) is such that each optical mode mixing layer (K j Each optical mode mixing layer (K) is configured to have a different distribution from the optical mode distribution received by ). j Optical mode (M) received by ) i ) are mixed. In the embodiment, the final optical mode distribution is the final optical mode mixed layer (K K This is the optical mode distribution after j=K), i.e., the last optical mode mixing layer is the optical mode (M i This is the optical mode distribution after the action of ).

[0065] In the embodiment of this technology, the optical mode (M i ) are formed or supported in each waveguide (i.e., M i This can be considered to refer to waveguide 52, where i = 1 to M (for example, M ≥ 3, or M ≥ 5, or M ≥ 10). Optical mode mixing layer (K j ) has multiple optical modes (M iThe present invention may include continuous evanescently coupled waveguides that receive at least a subset of the optical modes M and result in a mixture of those M optical modes. An example of a continuous evanescently coupled waveguide suitable for use with respect to this embodiment of the present disclosure is the random walk described in Paesani et al. Nature Physics 15, 925 (2019). i Each waveguide M i It can be formed in (i.e., M i (This can be considered to refer to waveguide 52, where i = 1 to M). In the embodiment, the continuous evanescent coupled waveguide is waveguide (M i This can correspond to the domain of ).

[0066] In embodiments of this technology, the spacing between evanescent coupled waveguides, and / or the length over which evanescent coupled waveguides are close to each other, is such that each optical mode mixing layer (K j The strength of the evanescent coupling in the waveguide is predetermined to be determined by a combination of this spacing and length, as well as the microscopic features of the waveguide. These microscopic features of the waveguide cannot be predetermined during manufacturing; that is, they are beyond the manufacturer's control.

[0067] Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, Figure 5A shows an optical mode (M) in a continuously evanescently coupled waveguide. iThis shows the optical mode mixing layer in which the ) is formed. The distance "s" represents the lateral (short-side) distance between adjacent or adjacent waveguides (see Figure 5B). In the embodiment, the lateral distance "s" may differ between adjacent or adjacent waveguides such that the separation distance "s" is larger for some adjacent or adjacent waveguides and smaller for other adjacent or adjacent waveguides. In the embodiment, two or more separation distances "s" may be the same. The distance "l" represents the longitudinal length over which the waveguides are coupled. The degree of coupling can be adjusted by changing one or more of the parameters "s" and "l".

[0068] The photonic processing network 50 uses an optical phase shifter φ ji The column (S k ) may include the optical phase shifter φ ji The column (S k ) is the optical mode (M) within waveguide 52 i They are spaced apart along the optical mode (M i ) is coupled and applies an optical phase shift (1 or more) determined by or derived from Challenge C to the optical mode (M i The phase of each of the ) is changed. The subsequent optical modes are the respective optical mode mixing layers (K j It is received by ). Here, j is the optical phase shifter φ ji This shows the adjacent next-stage optical mode mixing layer, where i is the optical phase shifter φ ji The optical mode / waveguide (M) that is coupled i ) is shown. In the embodiment, the optical phase shifter φji is set to each column (S k Regarding ), it may be coupled to each of the multiple optical modes, or to a subset thereof. Furthermore, in the embodiment, there may be fewer rows so that there are no rows of optical phase shifters between adjacent optical mode mixing layers. Optical phase shifter φ jiThis is a device that may be independently controllable to induce an optical phase shift. For example, the optical phase shift may be implemented as a local refractive index change induced by effects including (but not limited to) thermo-optic effects, electro-optic effects, carrier injection effects, piezoelectric effects, birefringence effects, micro-electromechanical effects, strain-induced effects, or acousto-optic effects.

[0069] According to an embodiment of this technology, a row of optical phase shifters (S k ) is an optical mode / waveguide (M i Along the length (direction) of the optical mode mixing layer (K j ) may be arranged alternately. In the embodiment according to the present invention, there are j=1 to K, i.e., a total of K optical mode mixing layers, and k=1 to K+1, i.e., a total of K+1 rows of optical phase shifters. As a result, in the embodiment, the row S of optical phase shifters K+1 Therefore, for use in downstream interferometry, optical mode (M i The final adjustment of the optical mode distribution of ) can be applied. In the embodiment, a column S of optical phase shifters is used. K+1 It is also possible that none of these exist, and only a sequence of optical phase shifters from k=1 to K exists.

[0070] In embodiments of this technology, multiple rows of optical phase shifters (S k ) two or more of the following, or multiple rows of optical phase shifters (S k For each of the ) optical phase shifter φ ji However, optical mode / waveguide (M i Each of the following is bonded to the optical mode mixing layer (K j ) one or more of the or optical mode mixed layer (K j ) Depending on each of the optical modes (M i ) at least three of the above, or optical mode (M i All of the above are mixed together, for example, optical mode (M i ) at least three of the above, or optical mode (M iFor all of the optical modes (M), their respective amplitudes are mixed. Here, mixing means that the optical modes (M i Light in at least three of the optical modes of ) is, for example, between at least three adjacent or neighboring optical modes (M i This refers to mixing between the two. In the embodiment according to the present invention, the row of optical phase shifters (S k For each of the ) optical phase shifter φ ji Each of these is an optical mode / waveguide (M i It is bonded to one of the optical mode mixed layers (K j ) Depending on each of the optical modes M i Three or more of the above, or Optical Mode M i All of these are mixed (as shown in Figure 3). In embodiments where the optical mode mixing layer is a continuously evanescently coupled waveguide, the optical mode (M i ) Three or more of the waveguides in which the optical mode (M i All of the waveguides formed are coupled.

[0071] In the embodiment, the optical mode mixing layer (K j ) one or more of the or optical mode mixed layer (K j All of the above are in optical mode (M i ) at least three of the above, or optical mode (M i ) receive all of them, optical mode (M i ) at least three of the above, or optical mode (M i ) includes a continuous evanescent coupled waveguide that brings about a mixture of the respective amplitudes for all of the above.

[0072] In this specification, at least three optical modes (M i In the context of ) and / or in the context of at least three evanescent coupled waveguides, the reference to “at least three” may include, for example, four or more optical modes (M i ), and / or four or more evanescent coupled waveguides; five or more optical modes (Mi ), and / or 5 or more evanescent coupled waveguides; 10 or more optical modes (M i ), and / or 10 or more evanescent coupled waveguides; 10 or more optical modes (M i ), and / or 10 or more evanescent coupled waveguides. As described above, evanescent coupled waveguides can perform mixing of multiple optical modes such that random walks of photons are produced between multiple optical modes and / or between multiple evanescent coupled waveguides. This effect has been found to increase significantly when the number of modes and / or waveguides involved in the mixing process increases beyond two.

[0073] As will be explained later, the processor is configured to execute instructions on a computer-readable storage medium 40 by issuing a challenge C to the security controller 30 and receiving a response R from the security controller 30.

[0074] The security controller 30 converts the challenge C and provides the converted challenge C to the PUF device 20. The security controller then receives the final optical mode distribution output by the PUF device 20 and converts it into a response R.

[0075] The security controller 30 for operating the PUF can be implemented via a standard digital electronics microcontroller, or via a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be packaged together with the integrated photonics chip on which the PUF device 20 is formed, or directly co-integrated with the integrated photonics chip. Challenge C is received by the security controller 30 via wireless transmission (e.g., RF waves, optical waves) or via a wired connection (e.g., a digital line formed by DC electronics). Each optical phase shifter φ ji is, 2 nThe number of n bits corresponding to the discrete values ​​of may be programmable. In embodiments, the challenge C received by the security controller 30 may be provided as a bit string, as described below, from which the optical phase shifter settings may be derived. In exemplary embodiments, the security controller 30 for operating the PUF may be implemented using on-chip electronic logic. In such embodiments, the security controller 30 may receive the challenge C (e.g., from a computer processor) as an input bit string. The input bit string is processed by the security controller 30, and bit shifting and / or masking may be applied so that the input bit string is mapped to a phase shifter setting in one-to-one correspondence. Prior to mapping, the input bit string may be digitally processed by the security controller 30 (e.g., via a hash function) to improve randomness between challenges separated by a small Hamming distance. In embodiments, the on-chip electronic logic may include a digital-to-analog converter having voltage, current regulators and amplifiers that can process the challenge C and convert it into a set of voltages for operating each phase shifter, thereby enabling operation at the desired phase shifter setting corresponding to the challenge C. The digital-to-analog converter may be electrically connected to a phase shifter to implement the desired operation.

[0076] Specifically, referring to Figures 4A and 4B, the reconfigurable photonic network 60 has an input section that can be connected to a single input optical mode I, and an optical mode / waveguide (M i Output section O that can be connected to ) i This may include the input and output distributions of the initial optical modes. The reconfigurable photonic network 60 uses an optical phase shifter (R) to generate the initial optical mode distribution. s) may include. The reconfigurable photonic network 60 may include a linear column Mach-Zehnder interferometer (shown in Figure 4A), a triangular or rectangular array universal input interferometer (not shown), or a binary tree array Mach-Zehnder interferometer (shown in Figure 4B). The reconfigurable photonic network 60 prepares (creates) states, i.e., initial amplitude distributions across multiple optical modes, for processing by the photonic processing network 50. For example, in the case of a linear column Mach-Zehnder interferometer, the reconfigurable photonic network 60 requires one optical mode (M i By converting to all of the above, any desired initial optical mode distribution can be obtained, the light from a single input optical mode I is converted to a linear optical state, and the linear optical state is converted to multiple optical modes (M i ) may extend to all of them. In the embodiment, the security controller 30 may use optical mode distribution information, for example, the measured optical mode distribution output from the photonic processing network 50, to cause the reconfigurable photonic circuit to adopt a corresponding configuration for generating a new initial optical mode distribution.

[0077] The PUF device 20 may include a light source S (see Figure 2). The initial optical mode distribution is generated from the light source S. If provided, the light source may be connected to a single input optical mode I of the reconfigurable photonic network 60, or to the optical mode waveguide 52 (M) of the PUF device 20. i ) may be directly connected. The light source may include a laser (e.g., an electrically excited integrated laser), an LED light source with a narrow optical spectrum, or quantum state light (e.g., squeezed light or single photons). In embodiments of the present technology, the initial optical mode distribution has a single input optical mode and generates the distribution from that single input optical mode through the use of a reconfigurable photonic network 60, instead of having multiple optical modes and / or multiple optical mode waveguides 52 (M iThey may be provided in a form prepared for distribution across (e.g., distribution across spectral modes in a fiber / broadband network).

[0078] Optical modes (M) formed in waveguide 52 i To measure the final optical mode distribution of the PUF, an optical measuring device 70 may be connected to the optical modes (i.e., the waveguide 52 that forms or supports the modes). The optical measuring device 70 may include a photodiode or a single-photon detector, or, in embodiments where the PUF is realized as a quantum device, a superconducting nanowire, a superconducting transition edge sensor, an avalanche photodiode or a homodyne detection scheme.

[0079] In exemplary embodiments of a PUF including on-chip electronic logic and an integrated photodetector as an optical measuring device 70, the photocurrent from the photodetector may be amplified and converted to a digital signal through an analog-to-digital converter.

[0080] The apparatus 10 may be manufactured using (or not use) known techniques related to integrated photonic devices, thereby producing an apparatus 10 having the structure described in relation to the embodiment of this technology.

[0081] Next, the operation of the apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of this technology for obtaining a challenge-response pair will be described.

[0082] First, a set of challenges C' is generated. Here, each unique challenge is denoted as C. The processor may randomly generate multiple challenges C' in the form of bit sequences. Each challenge C is, for example, an optical phase shifter R s The form of optical phase shifter setting information for setting, and / or the column of optical phase shifters (S kThe setting may include initial optical mode distribution information in the form of a setting for setting the challenge C. The optical phase shifter setting information may be obtained directly from the bit sequence forming the challenge C, or the optical phase shifter setting information may be obtained / derived (e.g., converted) indirectly from the bit sequence by employing a hash function or other algorithm. The security controller 30 may be configured to determine the optical phase shifter setting from the bit sequence forming the challenge C when the processor issues the challenge C.

[0083] In the embodiment, challenge C may be a concatenated bit sequence of length n(KM+I), where I is the optical mode (M i n is the number of optical phase shifters Rs that distribute light between them to generate the initial optical mode distribution, where n is the number of phase shifters Rs and phase shifters φ ji The bit resolution is the phase shifter bit resolution, where K is the number of optical phase shifter sequences. Thus, the bit sequence represents the total number of programmable phase shifters multiplied by the phase shifter resolution n bits. Alternatively, in the embodiment, bit sequences of different lengths may be issued as challenge C, and the security controller 30 includes a method for mapping the received challenge C to the phase shifter settings of the PUF device 20. The challenge may be processed by a digital-to-analog converter so as to determine the on-chip voltage (i.e., phase) set in the optical chip modulator of the phase shifter.

[0084] For each challenge C, the security controller 30 controls the column of optical phase shifters (S k ) and optical phase shifter R s The following is set. Then, the reconfigurable photonic network 60, configured according to these settings, generates an initial optical mode distribution that is provided to the optical modes of the photonic processing network 50 (i.e., to the waveguides 52 that form or support the modes). The initial optical mode distribution is modified by optical phase shifting under the operation of the first column (S1) of the optical phase shifter, and then the first optical mode mixing layer (K1) is used to create multiple optical modes (M iBy combining at least a subset of ) with each other, multiple optical modes (M i The optical mode distribution is transformed under the mixing that occurs between the layers. As a result, the optical mode distribution leaving the first optical mode mixing layer (K1) will have a different distribution. This sequence continues until light reaches the end of the photonic processing network 50. The final optical mode distribution is output by the photonic processing network 50 and measured by the optical measurement device 70. The final optical mode distribution measured by the device 70 can then be converted (e.g., digitized) by the security controller 30 into a response R in a form including (but not limited to) a bit string and provided to the processor. In some embodiments, the response R may be further processed by an electronic (analog or digital) function (e.g., a hash function) to improve the randomness and / or security of the PUF.

[0085] In the embodiment, the response R may correspond to a result derived from the light intensity / amplitude (or correlated photon measurement result) read out by a photodiode (or, if the PUF is realized as a quantum system, a quantum state-sensitive device, e.g., a single-photon detector) used as the optical measurement device 70. In the case of light intensity / amplitude, the security controller 30 may acquire the photocurrent through the use of an analog-to-digital converter that digitizes the output, or it may acquire a calibrated power measurement result that is passed to the security controller 30 in digital form. The security controller 30 uses the optical mode (M i The system receives M output intensities from the photodiode and can discretize these into 2m levels (i.e., m bits). Subsequent digital post-processing of the concatenated bit string from each photodiode readout (information) can be performed by methods including, but not limited to, hashing or exclusive OR (XOR) operations on equal-length subdivisions of the full response bit string. Finally, the digital response bit string can be returned from the security controller 30 via a wireless or wired connection.

[0086] For each challenge C in the set of challenges C', this process is repeated to generate a set of challenge-response pairs CRP'.

[0087] Device 10 may be incorporated into or connected to another device for use by a trusted client A. Device 10, along with a set of challenge-response pairs (CRPs'), is then securely provided to client A in a trusted manner.

[0088] Subsequently, client A may provide device 10 to client B. If client A wants to authenticate client B's identity, client A may issue challenge C from the original set of challenges C' to client B. Client B then obtains response R and communicates it to client A. Trust is established if response R matches the one held in the corresponding challenge from the original set of challenge-response pairs CRP'.

[0089] Alternatively, the manufacturer or producer may create the device 10 and provide it to client A. Client A then obtains a set of challenge-response pairs, CRP', in the same manner as described above, prior to providing the device 10 to client B. Client B's authentication to establish a secure connection can then be carried out in the same manner for each communication between client A and client B.

[0090] The arrangement of PUF devices utilizing alternating rows of optical phase shifters and optical mode mixing layers allows for exponentially increasing challenge-response pairs, which change non-linearly as the number of optical mode mixing layers increases. Furthermore, even if two PUF devices according to embodiments of this technology are manufactured using the same manufacturing method, their physical realizations will still be unique and distinct from one another. This is due to microscopic characteristics of the waveguides forming the optical mode mixing layers (e.g., roughness of the waveguide walls) that cannot be predetermined during manufacturing (i.e., beyond the manufacturer's control). These characteristics affect the coupling strength between phases and waveguides, and consequently, the mixing characteristics for each optical mode mixing layer. The degree of randomness thus introduced can be advantageously enhanced by increasing the length over which the waveguides are in close proximity to each other, and / or the separation distance between waveguides. The optical mode mixing layers are substantially random unitary transformations acting on the optical mode distribution each optical mode mixing layer receives.

[0091] Depending on the manufacturing technique used (including photolithography, projection lithography, and electron beam lithography) and the etching used to define the waveguide layer, various levels of randomness can be achieved. For example, dry projection lithography can achieve a target waveguide dimension distribution of sigma ~1 nm and line edge roughness ~6 nm. Figure 5B shows a waveguide manufactured in this manner. The properties of the sidewall roughness can be seen in the figure. The design of the optical mode mixed layer, including waveguide dimensions, spacing, and length, is optimized to obtain sufficient variation between various layers and PUF copies.

[0092] Next, an embodiment of another aspect of this technology will be described with reference to Figure 6.

[0093] Figure 6 schematically shows a photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) device 200. The PUF device 200 may be compatible with the photonic processing network 50 of the PUF device 20 described earlier.

[0094] The PUF device 200 is for processing the initial optical mode distribution, which may be partially based on Challenge C, and outputting the modified optical mode distribution. The PUF device 200 processes the optical mode (M i It includes a total of M optical modes. An initial optical mode distribution is given to the optical mode, and a modified optical mode distribution is generated from the optical mode. The PUF device 200 has an optical mode mixing layer (K) which is spaced along the optical mode and coupled to the optical mode (i.e., coupled to the optical mode waveguide 72 for forming or supporting the optical mode). j ) includes the optical mode mixed layer (K j ) by each optical mode mixing layer (K j The optical mode distribution exiting ) is such that each optical mode mixing layer (K j Each optical mode mixing layer (K j Optical mode (M) received by ) i ) are mixed. The PUF device 200 forms or supports optical modes (M) in the optical mode waveguide 72. i A row of optical phase shifters (S) arranged at intervals along the optical mode waveguide 72 and coupled to the optical mode waveguide 72 for applying an optical phase shift (one or more) to (for example, derived from Challenge C as described earlier) (S k ) includes the row of optical phase shifters (S k ) is an optical mode mixed layer (K i Prior to being received by ) in optical mode (M iThe phases of each of the ) are changed. The PUF device 200 may include a security controller for controlling the photonic PUF device 200. The security controller may convert the challenge C and provide the converted challenge C to the photonic PUF device 200. The security controller may then convert the final modified optical mode distribution output by the photonic PUF device 200 into a response R.

[0095] Optical mode mixing layer (K j ), Optical mode (M i ) and an optical mode waveguide 72 for forming or supporting optical modes, and a row of optical phase shifters (S k ) may be the same as or similar to those described in relation to earlier embodiments of the present technology. In embodiments of the present technology, the optical mode mixing layers may be configured in various ways. For example, each optical mode mixing layer may, prior to light reaching the next row of optical phase shifters, optical mode M i It may include a number of Mach-Zehnder interferometers configured to mix light traveling between sets of elements.

[0096] The PUF device 200 may include one or more elements, such as an optical measuring device or a light source, in the same or similar manner as the PUF device 20 described in earlier embodiments of this technology.

[0097] The main difference between the PUF device 200 and that described in the previous embodiment is that the security controller is configured to operate the photonic PUF device 200 to generate the final modified optical mode distribution through the iterative process shown in Figure 7.

[0098] The iterative process includes a first step a) in which Challenge C is used to set an initial optical mode distribution for processing by the PUF device 200. Challenge C is also used to set an optical phase shifter within the PUF device 200. In step b), the security controller obtains the modified optical mode distribution output by the PUF device 200. In step c), the security controller provides the amplitude of the modified optical mode distribution to the PUF device 200 for processing as a further initial optical mode distribution, for example, through a feedback circuit or through the use of the security controller. For example, the security controller may use the amplitude received from step c) to derive an optical phase shifter setting for setting a reconfigurable switch network and generate a desired further initial optical mode distribution, or to derive a new phase shifter setting in the PUF device 200, or to derive both. Steps b) through c) are then repeated T times to generate the final optical mode distribution.

[0099] The operation of the PUF device 200 involves the security controller repeatedly operating the PUF device 200 to obtain the final optical mode distribution, and the security controller, as part of step c), controlling column (S k The configuration of one or more or all of the optical phase shifters (S) for each iteration of the process is the same as described for the photonic processing network 50, except that the configuration of one or more of the optical phase shifters may be changed and the PUF device may be configured to process further initial optical mode distributions based on the changed configuration. k The setting of ) can, in the embodiment, be obtained from Challenge C. The response R for a particular Challenge C may correspond to a transformed version of the final optical mode distribution. In the embodiment, the response R may be transformed from one or more or all of the modified optical mode distributions obtained in step b). In the embodiment, a function may be applied to each modified optical mode distribution to generate further initial optical mode distributions to be used in subsequent iterations.

[0100] In the embodiment, the security controller may, in step c), transform the modified optical mode distribution and provide the transformed modified optical mode distribution to the PUF device for processing as a further initial optical mode distribution. In the embodiment, if the PUF device includes on-chip electronic logic, the transformation of the modified optical mode distribution may include the step of applying cryptographic logic operations by converting the modified optical mode distribution into a digital measurement result through an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the detector of the optical measurement device 70. This further amplifies the randomness before the transformed modified optical mode distribution is processed as a further initial optical mode distribution. The phase shifter settings are updated as appropriate for subsequent operation of the PUF device a desired number of times, T times, until the final optical mode distribution is obtained.

[0101] The PUF device 200 has an advantage in that it can increase the number of available challenges and associated responses simply by increasing the number of iterations, without having to create a larger PUF device.

[0102] In this embodiment of the present technology, the PUF device 200 has an input section that can be connected to a single input optical mode, and optical mode M iThe reconfigurable photonic network may include a reconfigurable photonic network similar to the reconfigurable photonic network 60, having (one or more) output units that can be connected to the PUF device. Here, in step a), the security controller uses Challenge C to cause the reconfigurable photonic network to adopt a corresponding configuration for generating an initial optical mode distribution. In the embodiment, in step c), the security controller may use the modified optical mode distribution to cause the reconfigurable photonic network to adopt a corresponding configuration for generating a modified optical mode distribution and providing it to the PUF device. For example, if the PUF device 200, or the device in which the PUF device 200 is part of the device, includes an optical measurement device similar to the optical measurement device 70, the security controller may obtain the measurement results of the modified optical mode distribution and may be configured to calculate the optical phase shifter settings of the reconfigurable photonic network required to generate a further initial optical mode distribution based on the modified optical mode distribution. Furthermore, in embodiments of the technology in which the security controller transforms the modified optical mode distribution and provides the transformed modified optical mode distribution to the PUF device 200, the security controller may be configured to calculate the necessary optical phase shifter settings for the reconfigurable photonic network in order to generate a further initial optical mode distribution based on the transformed modified optical mode distribution.

[0103] A method for manufacturing a physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) according to one aspect of this technology will be described with reference to Figure 8. The PUF is formed as a photonic chip.

[0104] The method involves, in step a), the optical mode (M i The process includes providing an optical mode waveguide (i.e., an optical mode waveguide for forming or supporting an optical mode). i A predetermined initial optical mode distribution is given for ), and the optical mode (M iFrom this, the final optical mode distribution can be generated during use. Step b) is an optical mode mixing layer (K) which is spaced along the optical modes (i.e., optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting the optical modes) and coupled to the optical modes. j This includes the step of providing each optical mode mixing layer (K j The optical mode distribution exiting the optical mode mix layer (K j In order to make the optical mode distribution different from that received by ), each optical mode mixing layer (K j Optical mode (M) received by ) i ) are mixed. Step c) is to make an optical mixed layer (K j At each of the points before and after ) an optical mode mixing layer (K j Optical modes / waveguides (M) coupled to i Step d) includes forming an optical coupling interface to the optical mixed layer (K j Step e) includes performing tomography through the optical coupling interface to determine the optical mode mixing operation of (for example, to determine the unitary conversion of optical modes that maps the input optical mode distribution to the optical mode distribution output from each optical mixing layer). Step e) includes removing the optical coupling interface after step d) is completed to complete the PUF.

[0105] In the embodiment, the method is such that the optical modes are mixed in each optical mode layer (K j Prior to being received by ), a predetermined optical phase shift (of 1 or more) is applied to the optical mode (M i A row of optical phase shifters (S) arranged at intervals along the optical mode (i.e., the optical mode waveguide for forming or supporting the optical mode) and coupled to the optical mode, for changing the phase of each of the optical modes. k The step may include providing a sequence of preceding optical phase shifters (S) in step c), in which the optical coupling interface is set to a sequence of preceding optical phase shifters (S k ) is joined to the point after and / or the respective (following) sequence of optical phase shifters (S k+1It is joined to the point before the ).

[0106] This method allows for the determination of the complete unitary for each optical mixing layer. More specifically, the optical mode (M i The total unitary operation for ) is performed on the (characterized) optical mixed layer (K j ) and a row of optical phase shifters (S k It can be parameterized as the product of pairs of ). This allows the PUF manufacturer to know the function relating all challenges C to their respective responses R, and as a result, the manufacturer can calculate all possible CRPs without probing the PUF. Subsequently, it is made impossible to optically access the individual optical mode mixed layers (Kj) after manufacturing to determine their unitarity. In other words, the optical coupling interface is erased by physically and permanently modifying the PUF, i.e., the optical coupling interface. As a result, access to this information by (unauthorized) third parties is eliminated.

[0107] The optical coupling interface may be various devices or components that can be subsequently removed in step e). For example, the optical coupling interface may include a grating coupler that scatters light out of the plane of the PUF by applying a periodic perturbation of the refractive index, or it may include a beam splitter optical tap with high reflectivity that couples light in and out of the PUF, or it may include an integrated photodiode.

[0108] Tomography in step d) is performed separately for each optical mode Mi and / or for each optical mode mixed layer (K jStep d) includes tomography tasks performed separately for each optical mode. Step d) may include changing the optical input and / or optical phase shifter settings for each optical mode entering each optical mode mixing layer during the tomography process, and measuring the amplitude of the output light from each optical mode exiting each optical mode mixing layer. An example of a tomography technique that may be used in step d) is described in the literature "Optics Express, Vol. 21, Issue 11, pp. 13450-13458 (2013) authored by Saleh Rahimi-Keshari, Matthew A. Broome, Robert Fickler, Alessandro Fedrizzi, Timothy C. Ralph, and Andrew G. It can be found in "White". Optical mode M i For each of the optical input states in the ensemble, each optical mixing layer K j The intensity / amplitude of the light output is recorded. Reconstruction (e.g., PhaseLift) - an example of this technique can be found in the document "arXiv:2010.00517 [Physics.Optics] authored by Daniel Suess, Nicola Maraviglia, Richard Kueng, Alexandre Mainos, Chris Sparrow, Toshikazu Hashimoto, Nobuyuki Matsuda, David Gross, and Anthony By using the method described in "Laing", each optical mixed layer K j The transformation unitary matrix is ​​obtained for each optical mixing layer K. j By repeating this process, the manufacturer can reconstruct all parameterized unitary transformations and obtain the underlying function that maps all challenges C to responses R.

[0109] After complete tomography of the PUF device is completed in step d), the optical coupling interface is destroyed via physical or chemical post-processing. For example, if a grating coupler is used as part of the optical coupling interface, it may be exposed to ultra-high intensity pulsed laser radiation to damage the component so that the optical coupler no longer diffracts light and the input / readout mechanism terminates. Alternatively, modification of the optical coupling interface can be achieved via bombardment with a focused ion beam, electron beam lithography, chemical etching of the structure through an oxide window, or thermal annealing and outward diffusion of implanted ion dopant optical couplers (for example, see the patent document “Erasable ion See “implanted optical couplers”, WO2011142913A3). Furthermore, if a readout photodiode is used, it may be deactivated by electrostatic discharge or by a bias (forward or reverse) that exceeds the electronic damage threshold.

[0110] It will be readily apparent that the method described in the examples is advantageous in that it allows the manufacturer to possess all CRP information without the need to explore the PUF device after manufacturing.

[0111] The method according to the described embodiments can be applied to various PUF device architectures in which the tomography of the device is important for the purpose of deriving CRP information and which may have a sequential configuration in terms of how they operate and respond to input light. The method can be used with any PUF device described in this application, but can also be used with other PUF devices without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0112] This disclosure also includes the following numbered clauses:

[0113] 1. It is a device, A photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) device for processing an initial optical mode distribution based on Challenge C and outputting a final optical mode distribution, Multiple optical modes (M i A plurality of optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting a plurality of such optical modes (M i Given the initial optical mode distribution for ) and a plurality of such optical modes (M i A plurality of optical mode waveguides from which the final optical mode distribution is generated, Multiple optical mode waveguides M i Multiple optical mode waveguides M are arranged at intervals along the line. i Multiple optical mode mixed layers (K j ) and each optical mode mixing layer (K j Multiple optical modes M received by ) i Mix them to create each optical mode mixing layer (K j The optical mode distribution exiting the optical mode mix layer (K j Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K) are used to make the optical mode distribution different from that received by ). j )and, Multiple rows (S) of multiple optical phase shifters arranged at intervals along the multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to the multiple optical mode waveguides k ) and apply a predetermined (one or more) optical phase shift to multiple such optical modes (M i The phase of each of the ) is changed, and the subsequent optical modes are each optical mode mixed layer (K j Multiple columns of multiple optical phase shifters (S) received by ) k ) and a plurality of the rows (S) of a plurality of optical phase shifters k ) two or more of the optical phase shifters, or multiple rows of the optical phase shifters (S k For each of the optical phase shifters, a plurality of such optical phase shifters are coupled to each of the plurality of optical mode waveguides, and a plurality of rows of a plurality of optical phase shifters (S k )and, Photonic PUF devices, A security controller for controlling the photonic PUF device, receiving the challenge C, and providing a response R, wherein the security controller converts the challenge C and provides the converted challenge C to the photonic PUF device, and the security controller receives the final optical mode distribution output by the photonic PUF device and converts the final optical mode distribution into the response R, A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions for a processor that issues a challenge C to the security controller and receives a response R from the security controller, A device including a device.

[0114] 2. It is a device, A photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) device for processing an initial optical mode distribution based on Challenge C and outputting a final optical mode distribution, Multiple optical modes (M i A plurality of optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting a plurality of such optical modes (M i Given the initial optical mode distribution for ) and a plurality of such optical modes (M i A plurality of optical mode waveguides from which the final optical mode distribution is generated, Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K) are arranged at intervals along the multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to the multiple optical mode waveguides. j ) and each optical mode mixing layer K j Multiple optical modes (M) received by i ) are mixed, and the optical mode distribution exiting each mixed layer is each optical mode mixed layer (K j Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K) that make the optical mode distribution different from the one received by ) j ) and a plurality of the optical mode mixing layers (K j) one or more of the optical mode mixing layers (K j Each of the above has multiple optical modes (M i A mixture of three or more of the following optical modes (K j )and, Multiple rows (S) of multiple optical phase shifters arranged at intervals along the multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to the multiple optical mode waveguides k ) and apply a predetermined (one or more) optical phase shift to multiple such optical modes (M i The phase of each of the ) is changed, and the subsequent optical modes are each optical mode mixed layer (K j Multiple columns of multiple optical phase shifters (S) received by ) k )and, Photonic PUF devices, A security controller for controlling the photonic PUF device, receiving the challenge C, and providing a response R, wherein the security controller converts the challenge C and provides the converted challenge C to the photonic PUF device, and the security controller receives the final optical mode distribution output by the photonic PUF device and converts the final optical mode distribution into the response R, A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions for a processor that issues a challenge C to the security controller and receives a response R from the security controller, A device including a device.

[0115] 3. Multiple rows of multiple optical phase shifters (S k ) two or more of the optical phase shifters, or multiple rows of the aforementioned (S k For each of the ) a plurality of the optical phase shifters are coupled to each of the plurality of optical mode waveguides and / or a plurality of the optical mode mixing layers (K j ) one or more of the optical mode mixing layers (Kj Each of the above optical modes (M i The apparatus described in Clause 2, which mixes all of the following:

[0116] 4. A reconfigurable photonic network comprising an input section connectable to support or form a single input optical mode, and one or more output sections connectable to a plurality of optical mode waveguides, The aforementioned challenge C includes initial optical mode distribution information, The apparatus according to Clause 1, 2, or 3, wherein the security controller uses the initial optical mode distribution information to cause the reconfigurable photonic circuit to adopt a corresponding configuration for generating the initial optical mode distribution.

[0117] 5. The reconfigurable photonic network comprises a plurality of optical phase shifters (R) for generating the initial optical mode distribution. s The apparatus described in Clause 4, including ).

[0118] 6. The reconfigurable photonic network receives light from a single input optical mode into multiple optical modes (M i The apparatus according to Clause 4 or 5, comprising an array of multiple Mach-Zehnder interferometers for converting to optical states corresponding to the initial optical mode distribution over )

[0119] 7. a) The challenge C includes information for determining the optical phase shifter setting, and the security controller uses this information to determine the optical phase shifter setting for multiple columns (S) of multiple optical phase shifters. k ) and / or directly or indirectly referencing Clause 4, a plurality of the optical phase shifters (R s Set ) b) Multiple rows of multiple optical phase shifters (S k ) and a plurality of the optical mode mixing layers (K j) are arranged alternately along the length of the multiple optical mode waveguides; and, c) j=0~K, k=0~K+1, and multiple optical phase shifters (S K+1 The )th column is for subsequent use downstream of the interferometer process, with a plurality of optical modes (M i This is for applying the aforementioned final adjustment of the optical mode distribution. A device described in any one of the clauses 1 to 6, including one or more of the following.

[0120] 8. A photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) device for processing an initial optical mode distribution based on Challenge C and outputting a final optical mode distribution, Multiple optical modes (M i A plurality of optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting a plurality of such optical modes (M i Given the initial optical mode distribution for ) and a plurality of such optical modes (M i A plurality of optical mode waveguides from which the final optical mode distribution is generated, Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K) are arranged at intervals along the multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to the multiple optical mode waveguides. j ) and each optical mode mixing layer (K j Multiple optical modes (M) received by ) i ) are mixed to form each optical mode mixed layer (K j The optical mode distribution exiting the optical mode mix layer (K j Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K) that result in an optical mode distribution different from the one received by ). j ) and a plurality of the optical mode mixing layers (K j Each of the above optical modes (M i ) receives at least a subset of the optical modes (M i For the subset of ), a plurality of optical mode mixing layers (K) are included, each containing a plurality of continuous evanescent coupled waveguides that result in mixing of their respective amplitudes. j )and, Multiple rows (S) of multiple optical phase shifters arranged at intervals along the multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to the multiple optical mode waveguides k ) and apply a predetermined (one or more) optical phase shift to multiple such optical modes (M i The phase of each of the ) is changed, and the subsequent optical modes are each optical mode mixed layer (K j Multiple columns of multiple optical phase shifters (S) received by ) k )and, A security controller for controlling the photonic PUF device, receiving the challenge C, and providing a response R, wherein the security controller converts the challenge C and provides the converted challenge C to the photonic PUF device, and the security controller receives the final optical mode distribution output by the photonic PUF device and converts the final optical mode distribution into the response R, A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions for a processor that issues a challenge C to the security controller and receives a response R from the security controller, Photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) devices, including those mentioned above.

[0121] 9. Multiple optical modes (M i ) are formed in each optical mode waveguide, The plurality of continuous evanescent coupled waveguides correspond to multiple regions of the plurality of optical mode waveguides, and have photonic physically difficult-to-replicate functions (PUFs) as described in Clause 8.

[0122] 10. Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K j Each of the above optical modes (M i ) receives at least a subset of the optical modes (M iThe subset of ) includes a plurality of continuous evanescent coupled waveguides that result in a mixture of their respective amplitudes, and optionally, or preferably, a plurality of the optical modes (M i The apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein each optical mode waveguide is formed, and the plurality of continuous evanescent coupled waveguides correspond to a plurality of regions of the plurality of optical mode waveguides.

[0123] 11. The spacing between the multiple evanescent coupled waveguides, and / or the length over which the multiple evanescent coupled waveguides are close to each other, is such that each of the optical mode mixing layers (K j The apparatus or photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) according to Clause 8, 9, or 10, wherein the strength of the evanescent coupling is determined by a combination of the spacing and the length, and the microscopic features of the plurality of waveguides that are not predetermined to be formed during manufacturing.

[0124] 12. Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K j ) one or more of the above optical modes (M i ) at least three or more of the optical modes (M i ) receiving all of the above, and multiple optical modes M i Of these, at least three or more of the optical modes M i For all of these, the apparatus or photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) described in any one of clauses 8 to 11 includes a continuous evanescent coupled waveguide that results in a mixture of the respective amplitudes.

[0125] 13. The distribution of the initial optical modes includes the light source from which the distribution of the initial optical modes is generated. The light source includes one or more of the following: a laser, an electrically excited integrated laser, an LED light source (e.g., having a narrow optical spectrum), and quantum state light (e.g., squeezed light or single photons), as described in any one of Clauses 1 to 12, or a photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF).

[0126] 14. a) An optical measuring device connected to a plurality of optical mode waveguides for measuring the final optical mode distribution, which optionally, or preferably, includes a photodiode or a single-photon detector; b) The photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) comprises an integrated photonic chip, optionally formed from one or more of silicon (Si), silicon nitride (SiN), silica (SiO2), gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium phosphide (InP), polymer, lithium niobate (LiNbO), or aluminum nitride (AlN); and, c) The multiple optical phase shifters are independently controllable and / or may include thermo-optic devices, electro-optic devices, piezoelectric devices, birefringent devices, micro-electromechanical devices, strain-induced devices, or acousto-optic devices. An apparatus or photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) described in any one of clauses 1 to 13, including one or more of the following.

[0127] 15. A photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) device for processing an initial optical mode distribution based on Challenge C and outputting a modified optical mode distribution, Multiple optical modes (M i A plurality of optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting a plurality of such optical modes (M i Given the initial optical mode distribution for ) and a plurality of such optical modes (M i A plurality of optical mode waveguides from which the modified optical mode distribution is generated, Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K) are arranged at intervals along the multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to the multiple optical mode waveguides. j ) and each optical mode mixing layer (K j Multiple optical modes (M) received by ) i ) are mixed to form each optical mode mixed layer (K j The optical mode distribution exiting the optical mode mix layer (K j Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K) that make the optical mode distribution different from the one received by ) j )and, Multiple rows (S) of multiple optical phase shifters arranged at intervals along the multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to the multiple optical mode waveguides k ) and apply a predetermined (one or more) optical phase shift to multiple such optical modes (M i The phase of each of the ) is changed, and the subsequent optical modes are each optical mode mixed layer (K j Multiple columns of multiple optical phase shifters (S) received by ) k )and, A security controller for controlling the photonic PUF device, receiving the challenge C, and providing a response R, wherein the security controller converts the challenge C and provides the converted challenge C to the photonic PUF device, and the security controller receives the final optical mode distribution output by the photonic PUF device and converts the final optical mode distribution into the response R, Includes, The aforementioned security controller a) The security controller performs the step of setting an initial optical mode distribution for processing by the PUF using the challenge C, b) The security controller includes the step of acquiring the amplitude of the modified optical mode distribution, c) The step of the security controller providing the amplitude of the changed optical mode distribution to the PUF device to be processed as a further initial optical mode distribution; d) The step of the security controller repeating steps b) and c) T times to generate the final optical mode distribution; A photonic PUF device configured to operate the photonic PUF device to generate a final changed optical mode distribution by a repeating process including:

[0128] 16. As part of step c), the security controller changes the setting for one or more of the plurality of optical phase shifters in the plurality of columns (S k ) of the plurality of optical phase shifters, or for all of the plurality of optical phase shifters in the plurality of columns (S k ) of the plurality of optical phase shifters, and based on the changed setting, the PUF device can be configured to process the further initial optical mode distribution. The photonic PUF device according to clause 15.

[0129] 17. For each iteration of the process, the security controller sets the setting of the plurality of columns (S k ) of the plurality of optical phase shifters using the challenge C. The photonic PUF device according to clause 16.

[0130] 18. The response R is converted only from the final optical mode distribution. The photonic PUF device according to clause 15, 16 or 17.

[0131] 19. The response R is converted from one or more of the plurality of changed optical mode distributions obtained in step b), or from all of the plurality of changed optical mode distributions obtained in step b). The photonic PUF device according to clause 15, 16, 17 or 18.

[0132] 20. A reconfigurable photonic network comprising an input section connectable to support or form a single input optical mode, and one or more output sections connectable to a plurality of the optical mode waveguides, In step a), the security controller uses the challenge C to cause the reconfigurable photonic network to adopt a corresponding configuration for generating the initial optical mode distribution, as described in any one of clauses 15 to 19.

[0133] twenty one. Step c) is a photonic PUF device according to Clause 20, which includes the security controller and causes the reconfigurable photonic network to adopt a corresponding configuration for generating the amplitude of the modified optical mode distribution and providing the amplitude to the PUF device by using the amplitude of the modified optical mode distribution.

[0134] twenty two. The photonic PUF device according to any one of the clauses 15 to 21, wherein step c) includes the step of the security controller converting the modified optical mode distribution and providing the modified optical mode distribution to the PUF device for processing as a further initial optical mode distribution.

[0135] twenty three. The photonic PUF device as described in Clause 22, by reference to Clause 21, wherein the security controller causes the reconfigurable photonic network to adopt a corresponding configuration for generating the converted modified optical mode distribution and providing the converted modified optical mode distribution to the PUF device, by using the converted modified optical mode distribution.

[0136] twenty four. A photonic PUF device according to any one of the clauses 15 to 23, comprising an optical measuring device connected to a plurality of optical mode waveguides for measuring the modified optical mode distribution and the final optical mode distribution, respectively.

[0137] twenty five. A method for forming a system comprising a photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) device for receiving an initial optical mode distribution related to a challenge C and outputting a final optical mode distribution related to a response R, and information relating multiple challenges C to multiple responses R, respectively, a) Multiple optical modes (M i A step of providing a plurality of optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting the optical mode (M i A predetermined initial optical mode distribution may be given to ) and a plurality of such optical modes (M i ) a step from which the final optical mode distribution can be generated during use, b) Multiple optical mixing layers (K) arranged at intervals along the multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to the multiple optical mode waveguides j ) and each optical mode mixing layer (K j Multiple optical modes (M) received by ) i ) are mixed to form each optical mode mixed layer (K j The optical mode distribution exiting the optical mode mixing layer K j Multiple optical mixing layers (K) are used to make the optical mode distribution different from the one received. j The process of providing ) c) Multiple optical mixed layers (K j ) Each of the optical mixed layers (K j Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K j The process of forming multiple optical coupling interfaces for multiple optical mode waveguides that are coupled to each other, d) Multiple optical mixed layers (K) relating multiple challenges C to their respective responses R jThe process involves performing tomography through a plurality of optical coupling interfaces in order to determine the optical mode mixing operation of ) e) A step of removing a plurality of the photo-coupled interfaces after step d) is completed, Methods that include...

[0138] 26. Multiple rows (S) of multiple optical phase shifters arranged at intervals along the multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to the multiple optical mode waveguides k ) and apply a predetermined (one or more) optical phase shift to multiple such optical modes (M i The phase of each of the ) is changed, and the subsequent optical modes are each optical mode mixed layer (K j Multiple columns of multiple optical phase shifters (S) received by ) k This includes the process of setting up ) In step c), the multiple optical coupling interfaces are arranged in a row of the preceding multiple optical shifters (S k ) is joined to the point after and / or each of the subsequent (following) multiple light shifters (S k+1 The method of Article 25, which is connected to the point preceding ).

[0139] 27. Step d) includes a step in which the tomography is performed separately through each optical mode and / or separately for each optical mode mixed layer, and / or, Step d) is, The process of tomography involves changing the optical input and / or the setting of the optical phase shifter for each optical mode entering each optical mode mixing layer. A step of measuring the amplitude of the output light from each optical mode that exits each of the aforementioned optical mode mixing layers, The method described in Article 25 or 26, including the method described in Article 25 or 26.

[0140] 28. A method of operating the device or the photonic PUF device according to any one of clauses 1 to 24, comprising the step of using the device or the photonic PUF device as part of an authentication process, optionally or preferably for authenticating the device, user, or communication.

[0141] As used in this specification and the claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and their variations mean that the specified feature, step or integer is included. This term should not be construed as excluding the existence of other features, steps or components.

[0142] Also, the present invention can be widely established for any combination of two or more parts, elements, steps, examples, and / or features, individually or collectively, of the parts, elements, steps, examples, and / or features referred to or shown herein. In particular, one or more features in any embodiment described herein may be combined with one or more features from any other (one or more) embodiments described herein.

[0143] For any feature disclosed in any one or more of the published documents referred to herein, protection may be sought in combination with the present disclosure.

[0144] Although certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described, the appended claims are not intended to be limited only to these embodiments. The claims should be construed literally, purposively, and / or to include equivalents.

[0145] The features disclosed in the above description, the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, or the methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, expressed in a particular form or with respect to means for performing the disclosed functions, may be used separately or in any combination of such features as appropriate to realize the present invention in its various forms.

[0146] While the present invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will become apparent to those skilled in the art if this disclosure is given. Thus, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above are considered illustrative and not limiting. Various modifications can be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0147] To avoid uncertainty, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purpose of enhancing the reader's understanding. The inventors do not intend to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0148] Any section headings used herein are for structural purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described herein. Throughout this specification, including the subsequent claims, unless otherwise required by context, the words “comprise” and “include,” as well as variations such as “comprises,” “comprising,” and “including,” should be understood to mean that they include the integer or process, or group of integers or processes, described herein, but not that they do not include any other integer or process, or group of integers or processes. It should be noted that, where used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include multiple references unless otherwise explicitly specified by context. In this specification, ranges may be expressed as “approximately” from a certain value and / or “approximately” to another specific value. Where such ranges are expressed, another embodiment includes that certain value and / or the other specific value. Similarly, where the use of the preceding word “approximately” expresses a value as an approximation, it should be understood that the specific value forms another embodiment. The term "approximately" in relation to numbers is arbitrary and can mean, for example, ±10%.

[0149] [References] Paesani et al.: Nature Physics 15, 925 (2019). Saleh Rahimi-Keshari, Matthew A. Broome, Robert Fickler, Alessandro Fedrizzi, Timothy C. Ralph, and Andrew G. White:Optics Express, Vol.21, Issue 11, pp.13450-13458 (2013). Daniel Suess, Nicola Maraviglia, Richard Kueng, Alexandre Mainos, Chris Sparrow, Toshikazu Hashimoto, Nobuyuki Matsuda, David Gross, and Anthony Laing: arXiv:2010.00517 [Physics.Optics]. WO2011142913A3 [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0150] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the device that embodies this disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of the components of the device that embodies this disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the components of the device that embodies this disclosure. [Figure 4A] This shows a component of an apparatus that embodies this disclosure. [Figure 4B] This shows a component of an apparatus that embodies this disclosure. [Figure 5A] This is a schematic diagram showing a part of an apparatus that embodies this disclosure. [Figure 5B] This is a schematic diagram showing a part of an apparatus that embodies this disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing a component of a device embodying a certain aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a device that embodies a certain aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a device that embodies a certain aspect of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for forming a system comprising a photonic physically hard-to-replicate function (PUF) device for receiving an initial optical mode distribution related to a challenge C and outputting a final optical mode distribution related to a response R, and information relating multiple challenges C to multiple responses R, respectively, a) Multiple optical modes (M ｉ A step of providing a plurality of optical mode waveguides for forming or supporting the optical mode (M ｉ Given the predetermined initial optical mode distribution for ) and a plurality of such optical modes (M ｉ ) a step in which the final optical mode distribution is generated during use, b) a plurality of optical mode mixing layers (K) arranged at intervals along the plurality of optical mode waveguides and coupled to the plurality of optical mode waveguides ｊ ) wherein each optical mode mixing layer (K ｊ ) mixes a plurality of optical modes (M ｉ ) received by the optical mode mixing layer (K ｊ ) such that the optical mode distribution exiting each optical mode mixing layer (K ｊ ) is different from the optical mode distribution received by the optical mode mixing layer (K ｊ ), and providing a plurality of optical mode mixing layers (K); c) Multiple optical mode mixed layers (K ｊ ) each of the optical mode mixing layers (K ｊ Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K) are located at points before and after the ) ｊ The process of forming multiple optical coupling interfaces for multiple optical mode waveguides that are coupled to each other, d) Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K) relating multiple challenges C to their respective responses R ｊ The process involves performing tomography through a plurality of optical coupling interfaces in order to determine the optical mode mixing operation of the optical mode, e) A step of removing a plurality of the photo-coupled interfaces after step d) is completed, Methods that include...

2. Multiple rows (S) of multiple optical phase shifters arranged at intervals along the multiple optical mode waveguides and coupled to the multiple optical mode waveguides ｋ ) and applying a predetermined (one or more) optical phase shift to a plurality of such optical modes (M ｉ The phase of each of the ) is changed, and the subsequent optical modes are each optical mode mixed layer (K ｊ Multiple columns of multiple optical phase shifters (S) received by ) ｋ This includes the process of providing ) In step c), the multiple optical coupling interfaces are arranged in rows (S) of the preceding multiple optical shifters. ｋ ) is joined to the point after and / or each of the subsequent rows of multiple light shifters (S ｋ＋１ The method according to claim 1, wherein the point is joined to the point before ).

3. Step d) includes a step in which the tomography is performed separately through each optical mode and / or separately for each optical mode mixed layer, and / or, Step d) is, The process of tomography involves changing the optical input of each optical mode entering each of the optical mode mixing layers, A step of measuring the amplitude of the output light from each optical mode that exits each of the aforementioned optical mode mixing layers, The method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

4. Step d) includes a step in which the tomography is performed separately through each optical mode and / or separately for each optical mode mixed layer, and / or, Step d) is, The process of changing the optical input and / or the setting of the optical phase shifter for each optical mode entering each optical mode mixing layer during the tomography process, A step of measuring the amplitude of the output light from each optical mode that exits each of the aforementioned optical mode mixing layers, The method according to claim 2, including the method described in claim 2.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein step d) includes determining a unitary conversion of a plurality of optical modes that maps an input optical mode distribution to an optical mode distribution output from each of the optical mode mixing layers.

6. Optical mode mixing layer (Kj) and row of optical phase shifters (S ｋ As the product of pairs with ), a plurality of the optical modes (M ｉ The method according to claim 2, further comprising the step of parameterizing all unitary operations for ).

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of determining a function that relates all challenges C to their respective responses R.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of optical modes are formed in their respective optical mode waveguides.

9. Multiple optical mode mixing layers (K ｊ ) is a plurality of the optical modes (M ｉ The method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of continuous evanescent coupled waveguides that receive at least a subset of ) and result in a mixture of a plurality of optical modes.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of continuous evanescent coupled waveguides correspond to a plurality of regions of the plurality of optical mode waveguides in which the plurality of optical modes are formed.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of continuous evanescent coupled waveguides are configured to implement the mixing of the plurality of optical modes such that random walks of the plurality of photons are brought about between the plurality of optical modes and / or between the plurality of continuous evanescent coupled waveguides.

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