Dynamic Control of Multiple Optical Patterns of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Microdroplets by Light-Driven Molecular Motors

The key to high-level encryption and anti-counterfeiting techniques is the storage of multiple levels of distinct information that can be individually and precisely addressed by certain stimuli. This continues to be a formidable challenge as the concealed images or codes must be read with fast response and high resolution without cross-talk to the first layer of information. Here, we report a non-fluorescence-based strategy to establish responsive encryption labels taking advantage of solely tuning multiple optical patterns of cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) microdroplets doped with light-driven molecular motors. The photo-triggered unidirectional rotation of the motor induced not only changes in the helical twist power value but the opposite helical orientation of the superstructure in CLCs as well, resulting in changes in both the structural color and the selective reflection of circularly polar light. The designed labels, which featured highly selective addressability of dual-level distinct information, good reversibility, and viewing angle-independence, were applied to build devices for daily practical use, demonstrating great potential in anti-counterfeiting technology and provide a versatile platform for enhanced data protection and encryption of authentic information.