Multimode Dynamic Photoluminescence of Bi3+-Activated ZnGa2O4 for Optical Information Encryption

Optical storage technology for information encryption is a popular means of safeguarding information. Herein, a Bi3+-activated ZnGa2O4 multimode dynamic photoluminescence (PL) material is developed. Upon being irradiated with an ultraviolet lamp at a fixed excitation wavelength of 254 nm, the ZnGa2O4: x% Bi3+ (x = 0.5–5.0) samples exhibit varying degrees of dynamic PL emission due to a distinct Bi3+ doping effect. The mechanism underlying the dynamic PL of ZnGa2O4: Bi3+ associated with Bi3+-activated trap concentration modulation is investigated using thermoluminescence spectra. Additionally, the ZnGa2O4: 5% Bi3+ sample shows a reversible thermally responsive dynamic PL with a color variation from blue to red upon heating from 283 to 393 K. Predesigned procedures based on single-wavelength-mediated photochromic and thermochromic dynamic PL emissions of ZnGa2O4: Bi3+ are designed for rewritable optical data storage and high-level information encryption. Also, an enhanced encryption scheme with a mask encoding technique applying a ZnGa2O4: Bi3+ hybridized polyvinylidene difluoride film is then proposed to increase the security level. Accordingly, this work provides a feasible way to rationally design dynamic PL material offering more creative designs for safeguarding information via encryption.