Physical layer security using chaotic antenna arrays in point-to-point wireless communications

Abstract

Chaotic antenna array (CAA)s are phased antenna arrays in which individual elements are randomized in their array position, shape, and feed line length. These randomizations generate spatially dependent large scale phase errors (with respect to antenna elements of a uniform array) that enables distinct physical layer security solutions not available to other wireless systems. Herein, a preliminary study on one such novel method, developed to combat eavesdropping is presented. In the proposed method, the CAA equipped transmitter intentionally distorts its signals based on its own array factor (AF) which includes the phase errors. This distortion significantly hampers demodulation at an eavesdropper, while a legitimate receiver that is aware of the phase errors can compensate for the added distortion.