Wavelength multiplexed optical dynamic encryption

Abstract

Optical encryption has recently attracted intensive research attention to meet the rapidly growing demand for information security. Various methods, such as developing precise algorithms and modulating multiple degrees of freedom in the optical field by using metasurfaces, have been studied to enhance information capacity, efficiency, and security. However, these methods often require a powerful computer configuration and consume significant energy, or they may encounter challenges in manufacturing and dynamic modulation. Here, by employing the multiplexing principle, we propose and experimentally validate a wavelength multiplexed optical dynamic encryption scheme to facilitate information encryption channels and security. Specifically, information is flexibly and dynamically encrypted within the Fourier domain of optical images and multiplexed in a parallel way with different wavelengths. Importantly, information security is further bolstered by the decryption requirement of region separation for the ciphertext image according to different wavelengths. This work represents a step forward for the optical encryption platform and may advance the investigation of information encryption.