Multimodal sensing in rewritable, data matrix azobenzene-based devices

Here, we exploited the UV light and thermal triggered E <-> Z photoisomerization of an azobenzene compound to fabricate multimodal readable and rewritable data matrix based devices. We first demonstrated that the UV light sensing capabilities can be simultaneously monitored by the change in optical, spectroscopic, and electrical properties. Then we exploited this capability by integrating tetra(azobenzene)methane crystals in a micrometric TAG whose information can be modified and repristinated by local UV treatment and thermal annealing. The system was characterized by polarized optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, conductive atomic force microscopy and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy.

Automated summary

In this study, we utilized the photoisomerization of azobenzene compound triggered by UV light and thermal treatment to fabricate multimodal readable and rewritable data matrix-based devices. The UV light sensing capabilities were monitored through changes in optical, spectroscopic, and electrical properties. By integrating tetra(azobenzene)methane crystals in micrometric tags, the information could be modified and repristinated through local UV treatment and thermal annealing.