Surface Plasmon Authentication Structure for Compact PUF

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Solution Overview

Problem

Physical unclonable function (PUF) authentication structures based on glass beads are impractical due to variability in light direction and position, requiring bulky measurement systems, making them difficult to commercialize.

Innovation Solution

An authentication structure comprising input couplers oriented in different directions to generate surface plasmons from incident light of varying polarization and wavelength, with an output coupler producing unique speckle patterns based on these surface plasmons, allowing for compact and versatile authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glass bead-based PUF authentication is used, then unique identification is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and difficult to commercialize

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunique identificationVSAvoidmeasurement system size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical measurement system for glass bead authentication with a surface plasmon resonance-based optical system. The authentication structure uses input couplers to generate surface plasmons from incident light, with an output coupler producing unique speckle patterns, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical measurement systems while maintaining unique identification capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the authentication mechanism by using surface plasmons instead of glass bead light scattering. The input couplers are oriented in different directions to generate surface plasmons from incident light of varying polarization and wavelength, creating unique speckle patterns that are compact and suitable for commercialization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If glass bead tokens are used for authentication, then physical unclonability is achieved, but image variability makes authentication unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical unclonabilityVSAvoidimage consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical imaging system with surface plasmon resonance-based authentication. The input couplers generate surface plasmons that interact with the layer structure to produce consistent speckle patterns, eliminating image variability while maintaining physical unclonability through the unique optical response of the authentication structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple input couplers oriented in different directions are used, then authentication versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication versatilityVSAvoidcoupler configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by incorporating multiple input couplers oriented in different directions within a single authentication structure. Each input coupler can generate surface plasmons from incident light with different polarization and wavelength characteristics, allowing the structure to perform multiple authentication functions while producing unique speckle patterns that maintain security

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables compact, unclonable authentication by generating unique speckle patterns based on light characteristics, enhancing the practicality and security of authentication processes.

Implementation Method 1

a first input coupler oriented in a first direction and configured to generate first surface plasmons from first light having first light characteristics from among incident light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface plasmons:

Implementation Method 2

an output coupler spaced apart from the first and second input couplers and configured to output a speckle pattern based on at least one of the first and second surface plasmons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpeckle pattern:

Data Source

PatentUS10168280B2Authentication structure and authentication method using the same

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An authentication structure and an authenticating method using the same are provided. The authentication structure includes a plurality of input couplers that generate surface plasmons by being selectively coupled to lights because the plurality of input couplers are different in terms of at least one of a geometric structure and an arrangement, and an output coupler that outputs a speckle pattern based on the surface plasmons.