Nanomagnet-Based Physically Unclonable Functions

Technical Report · Mon Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 2018

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1475109· OSTI ID:1475109

Lu, Tzu-Ming ^[1]; Bussmann, Ezra ^[1]

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1. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Physically unclonable functions are physical entities or devices that generate unique, unpredictable responses to inputs. They are important in many security applications, including encryption, authentication, anti-counterfeiting, etc. Physical unclonable functions are based on the unavoidable randomness in the manufacturing processes and are impossible to duplicate, even by the original manufacturer. In this project, we studied the feasibility of using hardened SmCo nanomagnets as the physical implementation of physically unclonable functions. Hardened SmCo nano-magnets were fabricated through a lift-off process as well as an etch-back process. The magnetization of these nano-magnets was mapped out as a function of shapes, dimensions, and processing conditions, using magnetic force microscopy. A systematic, uncontrolled bias in the polarity was identified. Attempts to mitigate this bias were made but were unsuccessful. Nevertheless, we found in the process that blanket SmCo films themselves may serve as the desired physically unclonable functions.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000; NA0003525
• OSTI ID: 1475109
• Report Number(s): SAND--2018-10760R; 668280
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY