Quantum Physical Unclonable Function via Confinement Effects

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating unique identifiers for devices rely on macroscopic physical effects, which can limit uniqueness, increase power and space consumption, and are difficult to measure or encode, compromising repeatability and security.

Innovation Solution

A method that measures unique quantum mechanical effects resulting from quantum mechanical confinement in devices, such as resonant tunnelling diodes or graphene nanoribbons, to generate a unique identifier, allowing for low power consumption and small device size with high uniqueness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If macroscopic physical effects are used to generate unique identifiers, then the identifiers can be measured and encoded, but the uniqueness and repeatability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniqueness of identifierVSAvoidrepeatability of identifier

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces macroscopic physical effects with quantum mechanical confinement effects to generate unique identifiers. Specifically, it uses quantum confined structures (such as quantum dots or nanowires) where the quantized energy levels provide a unique fingerprint for each device. This substitution of the physical basis from macroscopic to quantum level simultaneously improves both uniqueness (through highly sensitive quantum effects) and repeatability (through the stable and consistent nature of quantum confinement in identical structures).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If macroscopic physical effects are used for unique identification, then the identifiers can be generated, but power consumption and device size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication cost and device sizeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental physical parameters from macroscopic dimensions to nanoscale quantum confinement dimensions. By reducing the device size to the quantum confinement regime (typically nanometers), the power consumption decreases dramatically while the unique identification capability is enhanced through quantum effects. The nanoscale structures require minimal power to maintain their quantum states and can be integrated into low-power applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If macroscopic physical effects are used, then devices can be fabricated, but the identifiers are easier to clone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication capabilityVSAvoidsecurity and anti-cloning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes macroscopic physical effects with quantum mechanical confinement effects to create unique identifiers that are fundamentally harder to clone. The quantum confined structures exhibit discrete energy levels and transport characteristics that are highly sensitive to nanoscale variations in structure, composition, and defects. These quantum fingerprints are inherently unique to each device and extremely difficult to replicate, providing enhanced security while maintaining fabrication capability through standard nanofabrication techniques.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 method provides a highly unique identifier that is difficult to clone, reducing power consumption and fabrication costs, while ensuring repeatability and consistency, enhancing security and cryptographic robustness.

Implementation Method 1

measuring (e.g. electrically) a unique quantum mechanical effect of the device that results from the quantum mechanical confinement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectQuantum mechanical confinement:

Implementation Method 2

The method may comprise heating the device that exhibits quantum mechanical confinement to change the unique quantum mechanical effect of the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10862679B2Quantum physical unclonable function

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 QUANTUM BASE LTD

AI summary

According to a first aspect of the present invention, therein is provided a method of determining or generating a unique identifier for a device, the device exhibiting quantum mechanical confinement, the method comprising: measuring a unique quantum mechanical effect of the device that results from the quantum mechanical confinement; and using the measurement to determine or generate the unique identifier.