Figure | Working principle of the dynamic optical data storage and encryption platform. (IMAGE)
Caption
Figure | Working principle of the dynamic optical data storage and encryption platform. a, Schematic illustration of a multilayer photonic device integrating a laser-programmable Sb2S3 phase-change layer and a UV-patterned humidity-responsive hydrogel. Optical information is independently encoded in the Sb2S3 layer via reversible amorphous–crystalline transitions using focused laser pulses, while spatially varying cross-linking densities are defined in the hydrogel through UV mask exposure. b, Upon white-light illumination, the device selectively retrieves different encoded images depending on environmental humidity: at low humidity, the hydrogel remains unswollen and the information stored in the Sb2S3 layer is visible; at high humidity, hydrogel swelling modulates the cavity thickness and optical path, revealing the information encoded in the hydrogel while suppressing the underlying layer. The process is fully reversible, enabling dynamic, multi-level information storage and retrieval within a single compact device under ambient conditions.
Credit
Abdoulaye Ndao et al.
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Credit must be given to the creator.
License
CC BY