Stepwise "dark Photoswitching" of Photochromic Dimers in a Junction

Stine T. Olsen, Thorsten Hansen, Mogens Brøndsted Nielsen, Mark A. Ratner, Kurt V. Mikkelsen*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Molecular photoswitches incorporated in a junction present a way to achieve light-controlled conductance switching by photoisomerization. Yet, the two isomers might also interconvert upon charging of the molecule if this results in a change in their relative energies. This behavior (current-induced switching) has been termed dark photoswitching and was observed for the dihydroazulene-vinylheptafulvene couple in a junction. In this theoretical study, we expand this concept to dimeric structures containing two dihydroazulene units linked through meta- or para-phenylene bridges and anchored to the electrodes through different linkers. In particular, we show how stepwise dark photoswitching can be achieved for certain redox states.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3163-3170
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry C
Volume121
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 16 2017

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • General Energy
  • Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
  • Surfaces, Coatings and Films

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