Multilayer relaxor ferroelectric polymer stacks as data transmitter for real-time and programmable infrared information encryption.

Zhu, Yingke; Wu, Jianghan; Luo, Yang; Liu, Kede; Hong, Hyeonji; Guo, Yuxuan; Meng, Yuan; Gao, Meng et al. · Nat Commun · 2025

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Infrared information encryption is an emerging technique that leverages infrared (IR) radiation for secure data transmission. However, current IR encryption strategies fail to achieve real-time and precise data transmission, increasing the risk of information leakage. Here, utilizing a bistable adhesion polymer as a transfer medium, a multilayer relaxor ferroelectric polymer (RFP) stack is fabricated without additional thermal loads. An 8-layer RFP stack generates a rectangular temperature wave upon the application of an electric field. Its temperature rapidly increases from 22.1 °C to 26.3 °C and remains above 26 °C for over 8 s under an applied electric field of 80 MV/m at 0.01 Hz. Due to the instantaneous electrocaloric effects (temperature change rate up to10<sup>-8</sup> s/K) upon voltage application, the stack enables a real-time and programmable IR information encryption and decryption strategy. This approach highlights the potential of IR-based communication for secure data transmission, with applications in confidential messaging and optical encryption systems.