Advanced Imaging Modalities for Security & Assurance

Fortifying Tomorrow's World: Spearheading Innovation in Terahertz Imaging for Unprecedented Quality Control, Anti-Counterfeiting, and Robust Electronic Component Authentication.

Novel methods for quality control and authenticity verification using non-visible spectrum (THz, mmWave, etc.)
Subtopics:
• Terahertz imaging for IC assurance
• THz modeling and deconvolution
• THz vs. x-ray comparative frameworks
• Counterfeit detection systems
• Point-spread function theory (THz-specific papers)
My Contribution: My pioneering research is centered on harnessing advanced imaging modalities, particularly Terahertz (THz) technology, to establish new paradigms in security, quality control, and anti-counterfeiting. I develop sophisticated THz imaging and spectroscopic techniques for the non-destructive inspection, characterization, and authentication of complex electronic components. My work spans from mathematical modeling of THz systems and enhancing image resolution through deconvolution to developing robust nano-signatures and comparing THz capabilities with other modalities like X-ray, providing critical solutions for supply chain integrity and combatting global counterfeiting.

Publications & Patents:

Quality control and authentication of packaged integrated circuits using enhanced-spatial-resolution terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and imaging

K. Ahi
Optics and Lasers in Engineering 104, 274-284
2018
Cited by: 228
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Highlight: This seminal paper presents novel methods for high-resolution terahertz imaging and spectroscopy, enabling superior quality control and authentication of complex integrated circuits, a critical advancement for semiconductor security.
Mathematical modeling of THz point spread function and simulation of THz imaging systems

K. Ahi
IEEE Transactions on Terahertz Science and Technology 7 (6), 747-754
2017
Cited by: 161
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Highlight: This fundamental work provides a critical mathematical framework for understanding and simulating THz imaging systems, laying the groundwork for optimizing system design and enhancing image fidelity.
Review of GaN-based devices for terahertz operation

K. Ahi
Optical Engineering 56 (9), 090901-090901
2017
Cited by: 128
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Highlight: This comprehensive review assesses the capabilities of Gallium Nitride (GaN)-based devices for terahertz applications, guiding the development of next-generation THz technologies.
Terahertz characterization of electronic components and comparison of terahertz imaging with x-ray imaging techniques

K. Ahi
Terahertz physics, devices, and systems IX: advanced applications in…
2015
Cited by: 90
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Highlight: This research details the distinct advantages of terahertz technology for characterizing electronic components and provides a crucial comparison with established X-ray methods, highlighting THz's unique material sensitivity.
Advanced terahertz techniques for quality control and counterfeit detection

K. Ahi
Terahertz Physics, Devices, and Systems X: Advanced Applications in Industry…
2016
Cited by: 87
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Highlight: This paper introduces advanced terahertz methodologies specifically designed for robust quality control and the proactive detection of counterfeit electronic parts, enhancing supply chain security.
Developing terahertz imaging equation and enhancement of the resolution of terahertz images using deconvolution

K. Ahi
Terahertz physics, devices, and systems X: advanced applications in industry…
2016
Cited by: 80
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Highlight: This work establishes a novel terahertz imaging equation and demonstrates significant resolution enhancement through deconvolution, pushing the boundaries of THz image clarity.
A method and system for enhancing the resolution of terahertz imaging

K. Ahi
Measurement 138, 614-619
2019
Cited by: 76
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Highlight: This method and system introduce practical advancements for improving terahertz image resolution, providing clearer insights for non-destructive evaluation and security applications.
Review of THz-based semiconductor assurance

K. Ahi
Optical Engineering 60 (6), 060901-060901
2021
Cited by: 47
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Highlight: This comprehensive review synthesizes the state-of-the-art in THz-based techniques for ensuring semiconductor authenticity and reliability throughout the supply chain.
Modeling of terahertz images based on x-ray images: a novel approach for verification of terahertz images and identification of objects with fine details beyond terahertz…

K. Ahi
Terahertz Physics, Devices, and Systems X: Advanced Applications in Industry…
2016
Cited by: 38
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Highlight: This novel approach leverages X-ray data to model and verify terahertz images, enabling the identification of intricate details in objects beyond the intrinsic resolution limits of THz.
Terahertz based machine learning approach to integrated circuit assurance

K. Ahi
2021 IEEE 71st Electronic Components and Technology Conference (ECTC), 2235-2245
2021
Cited by: 12
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Highlight: This paper integrates terahertz technology with machine learning to create an intelligent framework for robust integrated circuit assurance, enhancing automated detection capabilities.
Thz techniques: a promising platform for authentication of electronic components

K. Ahi
CHASE Conf. Trust. Syst. Supply Chain Assur., Storrs, Connecticut, USA
2015
Cited by: 12
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Highlight: This work highlights terahertz techniques as a powerful and promising platform for the authentication of electronic components, addressing a critical need in global supply chain security.
A novel approach for enhancement of the resolution of terahertz measurements for quality control and counterfeit detection

K. Ahi
Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS)
2015
Cited by: 12
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Highlight: This innovative approach significantly enhances the resolution of terahertz measurements, providing finer detail crucial for precise quality control and effective counterfeit detection.
Fabrication of robust nano-signatures for identification of authentic electronic components and counterfeit avoidance

K. Ahi
International Journal of High Speed Electronics and Systems 26 (03), 1740006
2017
Cited by: 11
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Highlight: This research details the creation of durable, embedded nano-signatures that serve as unique identifiers for authentic electronic components, offering a powerful anti-counterfeiting solution.
Lithography, spectroscopy, and super resolution terahertz imaging for quality assurance and authentication

K. Ahi
University of Connecticut
2017
Cited by: 10
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Highlight: This doctoral work demonstrates the combined power of lithography, spectroscopy, and super-resolution terahertz imaging for comprehensive quality assurance and authentication of materials.
Encrypted electron beam lithography nano-signatures for authentication

K. Ahi
International Journal of High Speed Electronics and Systems 26 (03), 1740017
2017
Cited by: 8
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Highlight: This paper introduces a method for creating encrypted nano-signatures using electron beam lithography, providing an advanced layer of security for authentication purposes.
A survey on GaN-based devices for terahertz photonics

K. Ahi
Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications 9957, 24-36
2016
Cited by: 8
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Highlight: This survey provides insights into the rapidly evolving field of GaN-based devices for terahertz photonics, a key area for future high-frequency applications.
Growth dependent optical properties of ZnMgO at THz frequencies

K. Ahi
Terahertz Physics, Devices, and Systems IX: Advanced Applications in…
2015
Cited by: 6
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Highlight: This research explores the optical properties of ZnMgO at THz frequencies, contributing to the fundamental understanding of materials critical for developing advanced THz devices.
A novel mathematical approach for converting X-Ray images to terahertz images

K. Ahi
Connect. Symp. Microelectron. Optoelectron, 1-5
2016
Cited by: 3
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Highlight: This novel mathematical approach enables the conversion of X-ray images into terahertz images, offering a unique method for cross-modality verification and analysis of hidden structures.
A Novel Approach for Extracting Embedded Authentication Engineered NanoSignatures

K. Ahi
Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS)
2019
Cited by: 2
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Highlight: This paper presents an innovative method for the non-destructive extraction of embedded nano-signatures, bolstering the integrity of authentication processes for valuable components.
Terahertz Imaging of ICs Using K-means Clustering for Scale-Invariant Feature Transform Feature and Fusion Model of Wavelet Transform.

K. Ahi
Sensors & Materials 33
2021
Cited by: 1
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Highlight: This work introduces a sophisticated terahertz imaging technique for ICs combining K-means clustering, SIFT features, and wavelet fusion for enhanced defect detection.
Materials for Electronics Security and Assurance

K. Ahi
Elsevier
2024
Cited by: 2
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Highlight: This comprehensive work delves into the critical role of materials science in ensuring the security and assurance of electronic components, addressing fundamental challenges in hardware integrity.