Deep Learning Inverse Design of Phase‐Change Reconfigurable Terahertz Metadevices for Multidimensional Secure Communication

Y Yisheng Dong (Center for Terahertz Waves and College of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments Tianjin University Tianjin China) X Xieyu Chen A Aarthy Nagarajan (Department of Computer Science and Engineering University of Notre Dame Notre Dame Indiana USA) Y Yi Yang Z Zhihao Wang (Center for Low-Carbon Conversion Science and Engineering; State Key Laboratory of Low Carbon Catalysis and Carbon Dioxide Utilization, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute) R Rui Yu C Chuang Zheng C Chunmei Ouyang (Center For Terahertz waves and College of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments Tianjin University Tianjin China) X Xueqian Zhang (State Key Laboratory for Vegetation Structure, Function and Construction, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University) T Tun Cao (School of Optoelectronics Engineering and Instrumentation Science Dalian University of Technology Dalian China) R Ranjan Singh Z Zhen Tian (Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Aggregate Science, School of Science and Engineering)

Abstract

ABSTRACT The exponential rise in data exchange and cyber threats in next‐generation 6G networks demands communication systems that are inherently secure at the physical layer. Terahertz (THz) waves combine huge bandwidth with strong directionality, offering a fertile platform for high‐capacity and covert data transfer. Here, we introduce a deep‐learning‐enabled inverse‐design framework that enables the creation of dynamically reconfigurable THz metadevices capable of adaptive, multidimensional encryption. By using a residual neural network trained to directly map target electromagnetic responses to device geometries across continuous material phase transitions, our approach eliminates traditional iterative design bottlenecks and enables rapid, high‐precision generation of versatile meta‐architectures. The resulting devices exhibit multiplexed control over polarization, depth, and phase transitions in Ge 2 Sb 2 Te 5 (GST), enabling eight‐channel encrypted holography with minimal crosstalk and near‐diffraction‐limited fidelity. Furthermore, we realize a reconfigurable diffractive THz neural metadevice that performs universal logic operations under a dual‐key security protocol, requiring both the physical hardware and a digital key sequence for accurate decryption. This combination of intelligent design automation and physical‐layer encryption establishes a new paradigm for secure, high‐capacity, and adaptive THz communication, paving the way for dynamically reconfigurable wireless architectures in 6G and beyond.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 39
Published July 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (12)

Y

Yisheng Dong

Center for Terahertz Waves and College of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments Tianjin University Tianjin China

X

Xieyu Chen

A

Aarthy Nagarajan

Department of Computer Science and Engineering University of Notre Dame Notre Dame Indiana USA

Y

Yi Yang

Z

Zhihao Wang

Center for Low-Carbon Conversion Science and Engineering; State Key Laboratory of Low Carbon Catalysis and Carbon Dioxide Utilization, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute

R

Rui Yu

C

Chuang Zheng

C

Chunmei Ouyang

Center For Terahertz waves and College of Precision Instrument and Optoelectronics Engineering State Key Laboratory of Precision Measurement Technology and Instruments Tianjin University Tianjin China

X

Xueqian Zhang

State Key Laboratory for Vegetation Structure, Function and Construction, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University

T

Tun Cao

School of Optoelectronics Engineering and Instrumentation Science Dalian University of Technology Dalian China

R

Ranjan Singh

Z

Zhen Tian

Guangdong Basic Research Center of Excellence for Aggregate Science, School of Science and Engineering