INS4-0151
Programmable Photopatternable Polymer Matrices for Multidimensional Optical Encryption
Topic
S4. Colloids, Interfaces, and Molecular Assemblies for Functional Soft Materials
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
11:50 - 12:05
Room 106
Session Chairs
Sangchul ROH
Presenter(s)
Hyomin Lee (POSTECH)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Responsive polymer materials provide a powerful platform for optical encryption by converting chemical, environmental, and photonic inputs into visually recognizable information. In this talk, we introduce programmable photopatternable polymer matrices that enable multidimensional optical encryption through integrated control over polymer chemistry, pattern geometry, optical response, and temporal evolution. Photoreactive hydrogel matrices are developed by grafting azido groups onto carboxymethyl cellulose backbones, allowing UV-mediated immobilization of hydrogel structures with programmed thickness, swelling behavior, and spatial patterns. When incorporated into disordered plasmonic cavities, these hydrogel matrices generate humidity-dependent structural colors, enabling transformational displays that reveal different optical images under varying humidity conditions. In parallel, photochromic polymer matrices are prepared by incorporating spiropyran, spirooxazine, and naphthopyran derivatives into photocurable polymer networks. The resulting matrices permanently encode spatial patterns while producing reversible dye-specific color responses and programmable fading kinetics. By combining multicolor photopatterning, time-dependent decoding, photoluminescent optical keys, and transparent interfacial protection, the platform enables deceptive-to-target information conversion and robust QR-code authentication even under water-droplet exposure. These studies demonstrate a versatile materials strategy for high-density, reliable, and multidimensional optical encryption and anti-counterfeiting applications.
