journal article·2026-06-26Open access

A Programmable Multi‑Modal Information Encryption System Based on the Dynamic Wetting Behavior of Liquid Metal

Xuedong Qiang, Min Mao, Yihao Wang, Nan Li, Mengyu Jiang, Chenkun Sun, Bangdeng Du, Jifei Ye, Linyan Wang, Fei Zhan, Lei Wang

Abstract

ABSTRACT Information encryption and security are the cornerstones of the digital era. However, traditional optical and electronic encryption techniques remain vulnerable to decryption due to deterministic material responses and predictable algorithms. In this study, we present a programmable multi‑modal information encryption system based on the dynamic wetting behavior of liquid metal. The system integrates an inclinometer sensor that utilizes the dynamic wetting characteristics of liquid metal, a probe‑driven transmission mechanism, and a three‑dimensional motion platform. Through the coupling of mechanical regulation and fluid dynamics, the system achieves secure physical information encoding with multidimensional and reconfigurable encryption capability. Proof‑of‑concept experiments demonstrate that the system exhibits high precision and stability in the encryption and decryption of image and textual information. The proposed framework employs four independent encryption parameters, and successful decoding requires deviations smaller than 0.02%. Overall, this research establishes a controllable and highly secure materials‑driven encryption framework, providing a promising route for advanced information protection and encryption technologies.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials · Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity · Nanomaterials and Printing Technologies

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

Affiliations

Nantong Institute of Metrology & Measurement Jiangsu China

State Key Laboratory of Efficient Production of Forest Resources, Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry Beijing Forestry University Beijing China

Beijing Key Laboratory of Cryo‐Biomedical Engineering, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing China

State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences Macau University of Science and Technology Macau China

State Key Laboratory of Advanced Space Propulsion Department of Aerospace Science and Technology Space Engineering University Beijing China

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