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

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^-8 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.