Manipulating Elliptical Photonic Orbits in Microlasers for High-Dimensional Encryption

Abstract

Multidimensional optical encryption is crucial for enhancing information security. The manipulation of laser spatial modes has emerged as an advanced technique for expanding encoding dimensions. However, relying exclusively on mode orders as the encoding dimension in mode-division multiplexing (MDM) still limits the potential for improving encryption security. In this study, multidimensional optical encryption is achieved by manipulating elliptical orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes within microlasers. By governing the photonic orbits in a Fabry–Pérot (FP) microcavity, four independent optical dimensions are established within a single elliptical OAM mode: azimuthal order, radial order, ellipticity, and long-axis direction. This configuration enables 4D encryption through the construction of a microcavity array. Moreover, the distinct laser patterns provide the microcavity array with a physical unclonable function (PUF), which further enhances the security level of the encryption device. This study presents a strategy for increasing the multiplexing capacity in microlasers, offering promising platforms for high-security optical encryption and anticounterfeiting.