Optical Security System using Phase Encrypted Identification Codes in a Joint Transfor Optical Correlator Verification & Validation

This Phase I effort will ascertain the practical aspects of assemblin g a cost-effective, reliable, compact optical security system using phase-encryption of identification data in conjunction with phase- and/or amplitude-encoded biometric signatures and develop a preliminary design and demonstration plan for Phase II. For this Phase I effort, we will use fingerprints as the primary biometric identifier. Towards this end, a set of phase masks and facsimile credit/identification cards will be fabricated using 3 methods: Polariod's DPM-128 photopolymer, bleached film, and injection molded plastic. To test these cards, our existing JTOC will be modified to accept these facsimile cards. These cards will contain a fingerprint and a phase mask superimposed over it in such a way that the fingerprint cannot be altered or replaced without destroying the mask. A reference phase mask will also be placed elsewhere on the card for cross-correlation with the primary mask. The JTOC performs the cross-correlation for verification. The effects of card misalignment and mask defects and damage due to fabrication errors and normal "wear and tear" of the cards will be determined by monitoring the correlator output as these factors are introduced.