Self-Erasable and Rewritable Optoexcitonic Platform for Antitamper Hardware

Abstract

In this work nanoscale strain engineering is utilized to create a self-erasable and rewritable platform for antitamper hardware. The reversible structural change between trans and cis isomers in azobenzene (A3) molecules is utilized to strain the overlying tungsten diselenide (WSe2) monolayer, thereby affecting its optical bandgap. Using such hybrid material combination, large (>1%) local effective strain is generated that results in dramatic shift (>11 nm) in photoluminescence wavelength. The strain can be rapidly relaxed under exposure to visible light or can be retained up to seven days under dark condition. Thus, by utilizing hyperspectral imaging, a self-erasable and rewritable optoexcitonic platform is demonstrated that responds to environmental changes (light/temperature) to detect tampering of hardware system. In addition, the results open avenues for varied applications in information storage, time sensitive self-destructive memories to light detection.