Reversible 3D optical data storage and information encryption in photo-modulated transparent glass medium

Zhen Hu,Zhiguo Song,Jianbei Qiu,Zhengwen Yang,Guoping Dong,Junying Zhang,Xiongjian Huang

doi:10.1038/s41377-021-00581-y

Abstract

Transparent glass has been identified as a vital medium for three-dimensional (3D) optical information storage and multi-level encryption. However, it has remained a challenge for directly writing 3D patterning inside a transparent glass using semiconductor blue laser instead of high-cost femtosecond laser. Here, we demonstrate that rare earth ions doped transparent glass can be used as 3D optical information storage and data encryption medium based on their reversible transmittance and photoluminescence manipulation. The color of tungsten phosphate glass doped with rare earth ions change reversibly from light yellow to blue upon alternating 473 nm laser illumination and temperature stimulation, resulting in the reversible luminescence modulation. The information data could be repeatedly written and erased in arbitrary 3D space of transparent glass, not only showing the ability of the excellent reproducibility and storage capacity, but also opening opportunities in information security. The present work expands the application fields of luminescent glass, and it is conducive to develop a novel 3D data storage and information encryption media.

Highlights

The advent of the information age is accompanied by the rapid growth of digital information, which is in urgent need for the development of huge storage space and security media
Optical storage technology with the huge storage capacity and low cost has become a new choice for information storage[1,2]
The photostimulated luminescence particles or metal nanoparticles embedded in glasses were explored as an optical storage medium[19]

Summary

Introduction

The advent of the information age is accompanied by the rapid growth of digital information, which is in urgent need for the development of huge storage space and security media. The color of rare earth ions doped glass reversibly changes from light yellow to blue by alternating 473 nm laser illumination and thermal stimulation due to the change of W6+ valence state (Fig. 1), showing the writing and erasing ability.

Results

Conclusion