Versatile Papertronics: Photo-Induced Synapse and Security Applications on Papers.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Electronics

Background:

• Paper is an affordable, eco-friendly, and flexible substrate suitable for fabricating electronic devices.
• Solution-processed electronics offer cost-effective manufacturing alternatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate and characterize light-modulated artificial synapse devices on paper substrates.
• To explore the potential of paper-based devices as security features for banknotes using Physically Unclonable Functions (PUF).

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of electronic devices using polyvinylcarbazole (PVK) and tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles on paper.
• Testing of photosynaptic behavior under ultraviolet (UV) pulse illumination.
• Evaluation of artificial synapse performance using the Yale Face Database.
• Characterization of a 20x20 array of devices for PUF key generation.
• Assessment of device stability under mechanical stress (curvature) and environmental conditions (bias, UV irradiation).

Main Results:

• Devices exhibited photosynaptic behavior on paper substrates due to SnO2 nanoparticle interactions.
• A light-modulated artificial synapse achieved a 91.7% recognition rate at -0.01 V.
• A 20x20 array of devices showed random electrical characteristics suitable for PUF keys with good unpredictability.
• The devices demonstrated long-term stability for over 210 days under various stress conditions.

Conclusions:

• Paper-based electronic devices with SnO2 nanoparticles are viable for artificial synapse applications.
• These devices can be effectively utilized as secure PUF keys on banknotes.
• The developed technology offers a low-cost, flexible, and stable solution for advanced electronic functionalities.