Secure Microwave QR Code Communication Using Pseudo-Random Constellation Rotation

In contrast to the intelligent reflecting surface (IRS) as a pure reflection device in the past, in this letter, from a more micro perspective, we propose to employ pseudo-random constellation rotation to secure microwave quick response (QR) code communication. Specifically, confidential information is encoded into a QR code, which is displayed on an IRS. Pseudo-random constellation rotation is applied to each element of the IRS to encrypt the QR code. This ensures that only the authenticated user (Bob) can decode and access the confidential information, while an eavesdropper (Eve) is unable to correctly interpret the QR code. We derive a closed-form expression for the bit error rate (BER) and analyze the impact of various factors on the BER for both Bob and Eve, including the distance between Bob and the IRS, Bob’s transmit power, and the Rician factor. Simulation results demonstrate the proposed scheme’s effectiveness in achieving secure communication.