Faraday Key - photonics authentication platform

What it does

FaradayKey is a photonic access control system that uses light instead of mechanical keys, PINs, etc. It authenticates via unique optical signals that are unclonable. Immune to cyber and quantum attacks, it ensures ultra-secure, physics-based access control

Your inspiration

The idea for FaradayKey was born out of the growing vulnerability of traditional access systems like mechanical keys, RFID cards and even IoT locks (with GPS modules!), which can all be cloned or hacked with relative ease. We saw a critical need for a solution that goes beyond software-based security. Our goal was to develop a system that is not only secure today but also resilient to tomorrow’s threats, including attacks from quantum computers. Inspired by the physics of light and its complexity, we created a photonic access system that cannot be cloned, mimicked, or reverse-engineered, ensuring a future-proof approach to authentication.

How it works

Faraday Key is a photonic access system that uses light to verify identity. The key contains a dedicated photonics medium that gives it a unique “fingerprint” in the form of a specific absorption, transmission and reflection spectrum. Our platform includes a custom transmitter-receiver system. It emits light in the VIS-NIR range toward the key. Part of that light is reflected and analysed by a receiver, such as a spectrophotometer or detector array. We measure the spectrum, polarization and other light parameters to determine if the key is authentic. A custom algorithm compares the returned signal to a stored reference. If a mismatch is detected, the system can alert the user and optionally trigger a security response. Device status is constantly monitored and synced to a secure server, enabling remote diagnostics and instant support.

Design process

The project began with a simple prototype using an ESP32 board and basic colour sensors to detect three colours, our first proof that light-based access control could work. The second prototype used a commercial spectrophotometer with a Raspberry Pi, allowing us to analyze full light spectra and test basic authentication logic. In the third version, we introduced our custom electronics (Faraday Mother Board) combined with the same commercial spectrometer, thereby improving speed and integration. The fourth and current prototype utilises both our electronics and our spectrometer design, resulting in a compact and fully tailored system. Although still in development, this version proves that photonic authentication and authorization are a viable and secure method. The technology is patent-pending with the EPO: Photonic key, photonic authentication and authorisation system, and method of authorisation in a photonic authentication and authorisation system.

How it is different

What makes FaradayKey truly unique is that it doesn’t rely on mechanical keys, PIN codes, magnetic cards, or RFID signals. Instead, it uses the physical properties of light as the key itself. Each photonic key contains a dedicated optical structure with unique spectral and polarization characteristics. These properties are nearly impossible to replicate, even with access to specialized optoelectronic metrology equipment. Unlike traditional systems that can be hacked, copied, or cloned, our system is based on the laws of physics and precise light interactions, making forgery extremely difficult. The authentication process takes place on a hardware level, using custom electronics and optics, with no sensitive data stored on the key. This sets us apart from existing solutions and ensures a level of security fit for the age of quantum computing and modern cyber threats.

Future plans

Our next step is to miniaturize the system by developing a photonic integrated circuit (PIC), enabling compact and scalable deployment. We aim to evolve FaradayKey into a Quantum Key leveraging quantum and photonic principles for even greater security. In the future, we want this technology to support not only access control but also broader authentication and authorization systems, including qualified digital signatures and secure payment terminals. We also plan to integrate our solution with blockchain infrastructure and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), creating a secure foundation for next-generation digital trust.

Awards

Festiwal Lema - The Best Bit 2025 - 2nd Price