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.