High-Security X-Ray Imaging Encryption Based on Irreversible Acid-Responsive Radioluminescence Memory Scintillator

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Cryptography
• Radiochemistry

Background:

• X-ray imaging encryption faces challenges with information leakage and breach detection.
• Existing methods lack robust real-time monitoring and irreversible security features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an advanced encryption material for X-ray imaging with enhanced security and leakage detection.
• To create an irreversible, acid-responsive radioluminescent memory scintillator for secure data storage.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Zn_1.3Ga_1.4Ge_0.3O₄:Cr³⁺@Zn₂GeO₄:Eu³⁺ (ZGGO@ZGO) scintillator.
• Utilizing dual-emitting persistent radioluminescence (PRL) with visible and near-infrared (NIR) signals.
• Implementing an acid-triggered transformation of dual-emitting PRL to single-emitting NIR PRL.

Main Results:

• The ZGGO@ZGO scintillator exhibits dual-emitting PRL, with the visible signal acting as a decoy.
• Acid treatment irreversibly converts dual-emitting PRL to imperceptible NIR PRL, requiring CCD camera for decryption.
• A dual-layer security system combining visual misdirection and sequential logic gates was engineered.

Conclusions:

• The developed scintillator offers enhanced information security and real-time leakage detection capabilities.
• The irreversible acid-responsive PRL transformation provides permanent data locking and breach identification.
• This approach represents a significant advancement over traditional encryption methods for sensitive applications.