Enhanced Safeguards: The Role of Smart Functional Coatings for Tamper Indication

This work investigates the synthesis of smart functional coatings(SFC) using chemical solution deposition methods. Chemical solutiondeposition methods have recently received attention in thematerials research community due to several unique advantagesthat include low temperature processing, high homogeneity of finalproducts, the ability to fabricate materials with controlled surfaceproperties and pore structures, and the ease of dopant incorporationin controlled concentrations. The optical properties of thinfilms were investigated using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Raman, SEM,and EDS, with the aim of developing a protective transparent coatingfor a ceramic surface as a first line of defense for tamper indication.The signature produced by the addition of rare earth dopantswill be employed as an additional tamper indicating feature. Theintegration of SFCs as part of a broader verification system such asan electronic seals can provide additional functionality and defensein depth. SFCs can improve the timeliness of detection by providinga robust, in-situ verifiable tamper indication framework.