Passive plasmonic metasurfaces enable image multiplexing by displaying different images when altering the conditions of observation. Under white light, three-image multiplexing with polarization selective switching has been recently demonstrated using femtosecond-laser-processed random plasmonic metasurfaces. Here, the implementation of image multiplexing is extended, thanks to a color search algorithm, to various observation modes compatible with naked-eye observation under incoherent white light and to four-image multiplexing under polarized light. The laser-processed random plasmonic metasurfaces enabling image multiplexing exhibit self-organized patterns that can diffract light or induce dichroism through hybridization between the localized surface plasmon resonance of metallic nanoparticles and a lattice resonance. Improved spatial resolution makes the image quality compatible with commercial use in secured documents, as well as the processing time and cost thanks to the use of a nanosecond laser. This high speed and flexible laser process, based on energy efficient nanoparticle reshaping and self-organization, produces centimeter-scale customized tamper-proof images at low cost, which can serve as overt security features.

Printed image multiplexing based on the design of metasurfaces has attracted much interest in the past decade. Optical switching between different images displayed directly on the metasurface is performed by altering parameters of the incident light such as polarization, wavelength or incidence angle. When using white light, only two-image multiplexing is implemented with polarization switching. Such metasurfaces are made of nanostructures perfectly controlled individually, which provide high-resolution pixels but small images and involve long fabrication processes. Here, we demonstrate that laser processing of nanocomposites offers a versatile low-cost, high-speed method with large area processing capabilities for controlling the statistical properties of random metasurfaces, allowing up to three-image multiplexing under white light illumination. By controlling independently absorption and interference effects, colors in reflection and transmission can be varied independently yielding two-image multiplexing under white light. Using anisotropy of plasmonic nanoparticles a third image can be multiplexed and revealed through polarization changes. The design strategy, the fundamental properties and the versatility of implementation of these laser-empowered random metasurfaces are discussed. The technique, applied on flexible substrate, can find applications in information encryption or functional switchable optical devices, and offers many advantages for visual security and anticounterfeiting.