Network authentication by close-loop synchronized chaotic lasers

Abstract We numerically study a new hardware method for network authentication, using pair of chaotic lasers subject to the same optical injection from third laser, in close-loop configuration. One laser is secure environment, other unsecure and if their parameters are matched (i.e., they ‘twins’), suitable operating conditions synchronize generate pseudo-random amplitude modulation. Access environment authorized only two responses found equal. As schemes based on Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs), security relies unavoidable small differences between nominally identical but physically separate devices: due strong sensitivity chaos parameter dispersion, finding very difficult task Adversary, while Authorized user can be selected as twin one environment.