@article{Zhang2026, 
author = {Zhenfeng Zhang and Xun Yang and Chaonan Lin and Jinhao Zang and Lin Dong and Chongxin Shan},
title = {Multidimensional physical unclonable function encryption architecture based on microtexture in polycrystalline diamond},
year = {2026},
journal = {Nano Research},
keywords = {physical unclonable function (PUF), polycrystalline diamond, microtexture-based encryption, wlectron backscattering diffraction (EBSD), crystallographic encoding},
url = {https://www.sciopen.com/article/10.26599/NR.2026.94908855},
doi = {10.26599/NR.2026.94908855},
abstract = {Conventional physical unclonable functions (PUFs), although delivering unique and non-replicatable identifiers for hardware security authentication and key component anti-counterfeiting applications, struggle to provide long-term reliable support under extreme environments such as nuclear reactors, fusion devices, and space radiation, which feature intense radiation and high temperatures. Here, we report a highly robust PUF architecture derived from the intrinsic crystallographic disorder of polycrystalline diamond microtextures. By analyzing electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) patterns, a multidimensional security framework is established that integrates three complementary encoding dimensions: multi-base numerical conversion of individual microtexture features for primary key generation; three-dimensional topological reconstruction through fusion of single- and multi-directional EBSD maps; and crystallographic coding based on the statistical distribution of (100), (110), and (111) lattice planes. Together, these elements form a three complementary encoding dimensions with exceptionally high entropy and unclonability. To enable deployment across heterogeneous application scenarios, both rigid polycrystalline diamond substrates and self-supported flexible diamond films are developed. The rigid architecture provides ultrahard chemically inert planar security for chip-level authentication, while the flexible diamond films combine curvature adaptability with extreme durability, enabling secure labeling of complex and deformable surfaces such as medical devices. Sharing a unified microtexture-based encoding mechanism, their complementary platforms establish a versatile security solution that seamlessly integrates rigidity and flexibility for high-value electronic components and advanced anti-counterfeiting applications.}
}