Polarization-vortex holographic encryption based on photo-oxidation of a plasmonic disk

Holography is a feasible route to realize information encryption, which is crucial for the secure processing of massive data. However, the limited number of application channels in a coherent light field hinders advancement in holographic encryption. Herein, we design a serial coding system based on a plasmonic holographic disk utilizing both spin and orbital angular momenta of photons. Anisotropically photo-oxidized metal nanoparticles accurately distinguish the polarization state and topological charge of the vortex light field in holographic reconstruction. Ultra-stable readout of the encrypted holographic grating array is realized after coating a water-soluble polymer onto a large-area nanoparticle film. This work provides an important research strategy for integrated nanodevices for use in high-density memory, all-optical computing, and cryptographic displays.