Long‐Duration Transmission of Information with Infofuses

Abstract

"Infofuse" for long: "Infofuses" − chemically based systems for non-electronic communication that can transmit alphanumeric information encoded as pulses of light − can now operate for hours without accidental extinction. These characteristics improve their functionality and potential for practical use, and make them more convenient as a test bed for a new approach to information technology that fuses chemistry and information-"infochemistry". 2/25This paper describes a new system for non-electronic communication that can transmit alphanumeric information as encoded pulses of light, over intervals of hours. The objective of this research is to design "infofuses" that improved the previously described systems [1] in three ways: i) they could transmit information for hours instead of seconds, ii) they could transmit long messages, and iii) they resisted accidental extinction. These characteristics improve the functionality and potential for practical use of infofuses, and make them more convenient to use as a test bed for a new approach to fusing chemistry and information-"infochemistry".We consider the elements of a system for manipulating information that comprises seven steps: i) generating the message (either by writing it, or by collecting it from a sensor), ii) encoding the information in a form that a device can transmit, iii) transmitting the information, iv) receiving the information, v) decoding the information, vi) interpreting the decoded information, vii) acting on this information. In this work, we focus on steps ii) -iii). To simplify the problem, we assume that reception and decoding will be accomplished optically and electronically, and that there are no constraints (that we must consider) on the complexity, cost, or performance of the systems that accomplish these functions. We also assume that generating the message involves a separate set of issues which may or may not be primarily chemical.Systems based on infochemistry combine the storage and transmission of encoded information with four attractive features of chemistry: i) high energy density; ii) autonomous generation of power that can be used for both sensing and for transmission; iii) no requirement for batteries; iv) facile coupling with certain kinds of chemical sensing. We have described two infochemical systems that do not require external electrical power (they use only chemical interactions or reactions) to transmit alphanumeric information. The first system-which we call an "infofuse"-is based on a strip of flammable polymer (nitrocellulose). [1], [2] In this system, 3/25 patterns of spots of thermally emissive salts encode information. The second-which we call a "droplet shutter"-is a microfluidic device that capitalizes on the high stability of operation of a flow-focusing nozzle to generate bubbles and droplets. [3] In this system, windows in an opaque mask encode information. The combination of optically transparent droplets and windows serve as optical shutters. A third system-a frequency-agile microdroplet-based laser-require...

Emerging Strategies in Infohybrid Systems

“…[18][19][20] They demonstrated the concept of infochemistry with metal-polymer hybrid materials: the information is encoded as a spatially ink-jet-printed pattern of different metallic salts on a thin string of the flammable polymer nitrocellulose, which they called "infofuse". [18][19][20] They demonstrated the concept of infochemistry with metal-polymer hybrid materials: the information is encoded as a spatially ink-jet-printed pattern of different metallic salts on a thin string of the flammable polymer nitrocellulose, which they called "infofuse".…”

“…This infofuse can emit short pulses of colored light (infrared spectrum) from the thermally emissive metal atoms at specific time intervals when it burns. [18] they suggested can transmit data over a distance through the multiplexing of optical frequencies at pulse rates (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20) that are sufficiently practical for real alphanumeric messages. According to their cryptography, each alphanumeric character is encoded as wavelengths composed of two consecutive pulses of light, where each pulse is digitally combined with Li, Rb, and Cs [ Figure 6(b)].…”

“…According to their cryptography, each alphanumeric character is encoded as wavelengths composed of two consecutive pulses of light, where each pulse is digitally combined with Li, Rb, and Cs [ Figure 6(b)]. [19,20] Such spatially arrayed information data can be detected by spectral-filtering techniques, and ultimately, it is then decoded into a message.…”

“…[1,[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] With respect to this newly emerging system, the convergence of nanochemistry/bioinformation science has been extensively explored: hybrid strategies based on materials or devices can be directly connected to identify information, and the gathered data can then be used as a tool for communication. [1,[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] With respect to this newly emerging system, the convergence of nanochemistry/bioinformation science has been extensively explored: hybrid strategies based on materials or devices can be directly connected to identify information, and the gathered data can then be used as a tool for communication.…”

New Encoding Schemes with Infofuses

“…Most information derived from chemistry, and especially from some form of analysis, proceeds by a path in which a sensor (e.g., an analytical instrument) using electrical power generates information, which is then encoded and transmitted in a separate step, again using electrical power, to a separate unit, which may be local or distant, for processing and interpretation. We2, 3 and others4–7 are exploring schemes in which information is transmitted directly, without using electrical energy. Such schemes have the potential to be useful where electrical power is not reliably available or where other constraints (e.g., size) argue for other types of solutions.…”