Defected Laser-Induced-Graphene (LIG) Antennas for Physical Unclonable Function Applications

This paper explores the development of RFID devices using Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) to enhance security against counterfeiting and duplication attacks. By leveraging the unique properties of LIG, we introduce deliberate, hardly reproducible defects on the radiating elements of RFID antennas, creating distinct variations in the backscattered signal. These defects, generated through precise laser parameter settings, modify the surface currents and produce unique RF fingerprints detectable via multi-power interrogation. This approach preliminary lays the foundation for robust Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) manufacturing without the need for additional circuitry or cryptographic methods. The method is experimented on a family of seven RFID dipoles made of both LIG and alluminum, and the proposed preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of using graphene RFID antennas for secure, anti-counterfeiting applications.