Investigation into form factors for mechanical-resonance-based methods of information storage

Non-traditional information storage has become increasingly ubiquitous as a means of providing interactive, environment-specific information. With this in mind, we have investigated potential form-factors for a PZT-based information storage method that has visibly indistinguishable features for improved security. By manipulating the poling of PZT transducers, we developed a frequency-dependent, embedded array of transducers which, when excited at the relevant frequencies, reveal an engineered velocity profile. This velocity profile is then measured using a scanning laser Doppler vibrometer and decoded. Since this storage method is capable of storing frequency-dependent information, it can also store multiple layers of information that can be easily separated by applying a fast-Fourier transform. These multiple layers can be used for storing additional information or further hiding the encoded data. Two potential form factors are simulated and discussed in this proceedings, one has a flat profile while the other has a cylindrical profile.