Laser scanning-based physical unclonable functions for anti-counterfeiting applications

Abstract

Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) represent an innovative strategy in the battle against counterfeiting, capitalizing on their impossible chances of replicas to produce secure anti-counterfeiting tags. The primary challenge in deploying PUF broadly is the intricacy involved in authenticating these tags, which traditionally requires sophisticated analysis not accessible to the average end-user. This project introduces an innovative method focused on reducing the dimensional complexity of PUF substrates, thereby transforming them into a form that can be quickly and easily verified by end users without compromising security. This will bring authentication to a new level, different from conventional methods that rely solely on visible markers like insignias associated with the product brand.

By leveraging intuitive verification mechanisms, enabling end users to authenticate products with minimal effort and without the need for specialized equipment. PUF substrates, demonstrating not only a high level of accuracy in distinguishing between genuine and counterfeit but also a significant improvement in the ease and speed of verification. The approach also employs a novel technique for dimensionality reduction that processes the essential characteristics of PUF into a more user-friendly format.

Therefore, this project lays the groundwork for further exploration into accessible anti-counterfeiting solutions that do not sacrifice security for simplicity.