Authentication Structure Using Surface Plasmons for Angle-Insensitive Identity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Physical unclonable function (PUF) authentication using glass beads is impractical due to variability in image patterns with light direction and position, and requires bulky measurement systems, making it difficult to commercialize.
Innovation Solution
An authentication apparatus and method utilizing an input coupler to generate surface plasmons and an output coupler to produce a speckle pattern, with a waveguide transmitting these plasmons, providing a stable and unique identity for authentication, independent of light angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If glass bead distribution is used for PUF authentication, then unique device identity is established, but image pattern varies with light direction and detector position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the authentication structure by transitioning from glass bead distribution to a layered structure with metal and dielectric films. This structural parameter change enables stable surface plasmon generation that is insensitive to light incidence angle and detector position, resolving the contradiction between unique identity and measurement consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system based on glass bead scattering with an electromagnetic field-based system using surface plasmons. This substitution eliminates the sensitivity to geometric variations in light path and detector position, achieving stable authentication patterns
2Reliability
If glass bead token is used for authentication, then unique identity is created, but bulky measurement system is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the bulky glass bead token component, replacing it with a compact integrated circuit structure. The authentication function is extracted from a physical token and embedded directly into the semiconductor device, significantly reducing system size and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The authentication structure is nested within the existing semiconductor device architecture. The metal and dielectric film layers are integrated into the IC structure, with the authentication functionality embedded at the chip level, eliminating the need for separate bulky measurement systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a stable and reliable authentication method that is not affected by light angle, enabling compact and efficient authentication systems with improved commercial viability.
Implementation Method 1
an input coupler configured to receive incident light and generate surface plasmons from the incident light
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide configured to transmit to the output coupler the surface plasmons generated by the input coupler
Implementation Method 3
an output coupler configured to output a speckle pattern based on the surface plasmons... The output coupler may include an optical scatterer formed in the second area of the layer structure
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, an authentication apparatus for authenticating an object includes an input coupler configured to receive incident light and generate surface plasmons from the incident light; and an output coupler configured to output a speckle pattern based on the surface plasmons.