Objective
Emerging threats from quantum computing and increasingly sophisticated counterfeiting demand a new class of authentication technologies rooted in the laws of physics. QuantumPUF will develop scalable Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) with security guarantees based on quantum and statistical physical principles. We will design and implement three classes of photonic PUFs: (i) classical PUFs, (ii) quantum-readout PUFs, and (iii) quantum PUFs (Q-PUFs), the latter modeled as quantum channels (completely positive trace-preserving maps). These systems will be realized using two complementary luminescent platforms—layered organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles and lanthanide-based coordination complexes—engineered for spectral purity, high quantum yield, and environmental stability.
QuantumPUF will exploit emission lifetime, spectral signatures, and spatial disorder to encode challenge-response pairs in multiple physical dimensions (spectral, spatial, temporal). Control of photon flux compatible with quantum-limited detection will enable secure optical readout using CMOS sensors. PUFs will be fabricated via scalable techniques such as spin-coating, inkjet printing, and electrospinning, incorporating stochastic disorder through material microstructure and processing variability.
Security will be ensured through theoretical and experimental analysis, including min-entropy evaluation, side-channel vulnerability assessment, and the adaptation of device-independent quantum cryptographic certification protocols. For QPUFs, we will extend self-testing tools to quantum channels under minimal assumptions. For the most practical solutions, readout will be achieved using portable optical setups integrated into smartphones. QuantumPUF aims to define a unified quantum-secure authentication framework, combining novel photonic materials with foundational cryptographic tools, to establish a new technological and scientific frontier in physical security.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering electronic engineering computer hardware quantum computers
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications mobile phones
- engineering and technology nanotechnology nano-materials
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
- social sciences law
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.3.1 - The European Innovation Council (EIC)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2025-PATHFINDEROPEN
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
3810-193 GLORIA E VERA CRUZ
Portugal
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.