A simplicity-guided approach toward molecular set–reset memories

Photochromic switches fulfill the general molecular design criteria for the surprisingly straightforward small-scale integration of seemingly complex set–reset latches. The implications of this re-interpretation are discussed with the example of a dithienylethene photochrome. The concept is shown to be valid for a multitude of well-introduced bistable switches with clearly differentiated output signals, e.g., optical signals for the presented example.