journal article·2026-03Open access

Recomposable Layered Metasurfaces for Wavelength‐Multiplexed Optical Encryption via Modular Diffractive Deep Neural Networks

Cherry Park, Youngsun Jeon, Seokho Lee, Yeseul Kim, Junsuk Rho

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 36· Issue 24

Abstract

Abstract Metasurfaces, composed of arrays of subwavelength scale meta‐atoms, enable precise control of light, paving the way for advanced holographic functionalities in compact, planar devices. Here, a modular diffractive deep neural network (MD 2 NN) architecture is proposed, where each metasurface layer operates as an independent hologram while jointly performing tasks such as optical encryption. The MD 2 NN architecture allows for holographic encoding across all possible combinations of metasurface layers. For m wavelengths and N metasurface layers, the system can achieve up to m (2 N − 1) distinct channels. A metasurface holography device is experimentally demonstrated capable of reconstructing distinct holograms such as identification codes, QR codes, and encrypted passwords, depending on the incident wavelengths and the configuration of the layers. The password hologram is accessible only under specific interlayer spacing, which serves as a physical security key. This work establishes a new paradigm for multifunctional and secure optical devices by integrating principles of diffractive deep neural network (D 2 NN) with advanced metasurface design.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Metamaterials and Metasurfaces Applications · Advanced Wireless Communication Technologies · Neural Networks and Reservoir Computing

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Mechanical Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Pohang 37673 Republic of Korea

Department of Chemical Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Pohang 37673 Republic of Korea

Department of Electrical Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) Pohang 37673 Republic of Korea

POSCO‐POSTECH‐RIST Convergence Research Center for Flat Optics and Metaphotonics Pohang 37673 Republic of Korea

National Institute of Nanomaterials Technology (NINT) Pohang 37673 Republic of Korea

Funding

National Research Foundation · Ministry of Science and ICT, South Korea

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