In the ALLEGRO project, we are exploring a novel technique for user authentication in Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems by integrating Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) with Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG) and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) itself.
In QKD, users (Alice and Bob) rely on a classical service channel for post-processing and for detecting any potential eavesdropping attempts. Securing this classical channel through robust authentication is crucial for the overall security of the QKD protocol.
Our approach leverages the fact that an optical fiber can act as a natural PUF. The Rayleigh backscattering pattern (RBP) — caused by random density fluctuations in the fiber during manufacturing — acts as a unique optical fingerprint.
Here’s how it works:
1️⃣ Alice performs Coherent Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometry (C-OFDR) to measure the RBP of the user’s fiber pigtail.
2️⃣ Simple digital signal processing (DSP) transforms the measurement into a binary fingerprint.
3️⃣ This fingerprint is compared to Bob’s true fingerprint stored in a secure public database.
4️⃣ If matched, authentication is confirmed; otherwise, the protocol is stopped.
This innovative fusion of PUF-based authentication with QKD aims to make quantum communication systems more secure, tamper-proof, and resistant to spoofing — paving the way for a quantum-safe future.
#QuantumSecurity #QKD #PUF #QRNG #Cybersecurity #Photonics #ALLEGROProject #ResearchInnovation #QuantumCommunication
