Robust Physical Encryption with Standard Photonic Components
Published:Dec 30, 2025 11:29
•1 min read
•ArXiv
Analysis
This paper presents a novel approach to physical encryption and unclonable object identification using standard, reconfigurable photonic components. The key innovation lies in leveraging spectral complexity generated by a Mach-Zehnder interferometer with dual ring resonators. This allows for the creation of large keyspaces and secure key distribution without relying on quantum technologies, making it potentially easier to integrate into existing telecommunication infrastructure. The focus on scalability and reconfigurability using thermo-optic elements is also significant.
Key Takeaways
- •Demonstrates physical encryption using standard photonic components.
- •Achieves unclonable key generation with a large keyspace (over 12 Tb).
- •Utilizes a reconfigurable Mach-Zehnder interferometer with dual ring resonators.
- •Does not require quantum technologies, enabling easier integration into existing networks.
- •Provides physical encryption for key distribution by preventing eavesdropping.
Reference
“The paper demonstrates 'the generation of unclonable keys for one-time pad encryption which can be reconfigured on the fly by applying small voltages to on-chip thermo-optic elements.'”