Randomly Induced Phase Transformation in Silk Protein-Based Microlaser Arrays for Anticounterfeiting

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optics
• Cryptography

Background:

• Physical unclonable functions (PUFs) offer high security for anticounterfeiting but often lack predictable signal extraction.
• Existing PUF label schemes struggle with efficient authentication due to unpredictable randomness.
• Natural randomness in PUFs presents challenges for practical, convenient anticounterfeiting applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a covert optical PUF-based cryptographic protocol using silk protein-based microlaser (SML) arrays.
• To develop an anticounterfeiting solution with hidden randomness for unclonable signals and defined locations for efficient identification.

Main Methods:

• Patterning SML arrays by casting laser dye-doped regenerated silk fibroin solution.
• Inducing uneven lasing signal changes by stochastically spraying random methanol microdroplets onto the SML array.
• Utilizing the SML array as a substrate for creating deterministic readout sites and unrepeatable signal distribution.

Main Results:

• Fabrication of uniform SML arrays with regulated positions.
• Demonstration of stochastic microdroplet-induced changes in lasing signals.
• Establishment of deterministic readout sites and unrepeatable signal distribution characteristics in the treated SML array.

Conclusions:

• The proposed SML array-based PUF protocol provides a secure and efficient anticounterfeiting solution.
• The combination of hidden randomness and defined locations ensures high security and practical usability.
• This approach overcomes the limitations of unpredictable signal extraction in traditional PUF labels.