Bioinspired Dual‐Mode Temporal Communication via Digitally Programmable Phase‐Change Materials

Abstract

Switchable optical properties are essential for numerous technologies including communication, anticounterfeiting, camouflage, and imaging/sensing. Typically, the switching is enabled by applying external stimulation such as UV light for fluorescence detection. In contrast, ground squirrels utilize spontaneous live infrared emission for fencing off predators as a unique way of communication. Inspired by this, live evolution of both optical and thermal images for temporal communication in which time is the encoded information is demonstrated. This system is based on a digitally light‐cured polymeric phase‐change material for which the crystallization kinetics can be controlled in a pixelated manner. Consequently, live evolution in optical transparency during the crystallization process enables temporal optical communication. Additionally, by harnessing the dynamic evolution of the thermal enthalpy, multiple sets of time‐specific information can be reversibly retrieved as self‐evolving infrared thermal images. The versatility of this dual‐mode temporal system expands the scope for secured communication, with potential implications for various other areas including optics, thermal regulation, and 3D/4D printing.

Paper‐Structure Inspired Multiresponsive Hydrogels with Solvent‐Induced Reversible Information Recording, Self‐Encryption, and Multidecryption

“…The storage capacity of this system for large amounts of information was demonstrated based on the code methods under UV light irradiation, showing 1D, 2D, and 3D information recording capabilities. Zhao et al [13] demonstrated the temporal programming of information based on the digital light curing of a phasechanging elastomers. The optical contrast of the information could be tuned by the curing time, and the dual operating modes (optical and thermal) further extended the versatility.…”

“…Zhao et al. [ 13 ] demonstrated the temporal programming of information based on the digital light curing of a phase‐changing elastomers. The optical contrast of the information could be tuned by the curing time, and the dual operating modes (optical and thermal) further extended the versatility.…”

Double Lock Label Based on Thermosensitive Polymer Hydrogels for Information Camouflage and Multilevel Encryption

“…The decryption of information in stimuli‐chromic materials driven by irradiation, temperature and osmotic pressure is relatively slow, so the stored information has enough time to be identified and read. Whereas, time‐resolved encryption has been achieved only in limited research reports, in which the information appears at a specific time domain, and would disappear afterwards [8a,c] . Although information encryption technology by time coding has great potential, it is still nascent.…”

Bionic Polyurethane with a Reversible Core–Sheath for Real-Time On-Demand Performance Adjustment and Fluorescence Self-Reflection

“…Moreover, the properties of polymers can be changed easily by adjusting their chain structure, which was a much incomparable advantage of other materials. 28 For example, compared to uncross-linked materials, highly cross-linked materials are more challenging to stretch but tend to break when stretched, which means that they will have high strength and lower elongation. At the same time, inspired by shellfish, which have a stiff sheath to protect the soft core inside from harm, we believe that constructing a core−sheath structure in the polymer could also adjust the polymer properties and bring tremendous benefits, and the structure can be prepared through constructing layers with different structures and properties.…”

“…Moreover, the properties of polymers can be changed easily by adjusting their chain structure, which was a much incomparable advantage of other materials . For example, compared to uncross-linked materials, highly cross-linked materials are more challenging to stretch but tend to break when stretched, which means that they will have high strength and lower elongation.…”