PagetiUnderstanding light-driven molecular switches
Computer simulations enable targeted chemical design of nanotechnological devices
RUB researchers publish their findings in the professional journal “Angewandte Chemie”
The colour of light causes the molecule to switch over
Chemically modified azobenzene was used for the computer simulation based on the laws of quantum mechanics. The azobenzene molecule can have two forms and vary between them, different coloured light triggering the switching processes. The researchers carried out a detailed computer simulation study of the switchover processes of the two molecular forms, attaining unprecedented insight into the atomic resolution. Dr. Markus Böckmann explained that it is important that the switching process is fast and highly efficient in all devices in which it is used. Recent experiments have shown that particular chemical modifications in azobenzene can significantly enhance this process. However, to date the reasons for this improvement have not been understood. The computer simulation study could explain the experimental results for the first time. The researchers reported that they have been able to establish a clear relationship between the structure and switching properties of the molecule. This is a decisive step for the chemical design of azobenzene-based light-driven nanotechnological devices and thus the development of improved light-controlled materials.
Title
Marcus Böckmann, Nikos L. Doltsinis and Dominik Marx: Unraveling a Chemically Enhanced Photoswitch: Bridged Azobenzene. In: 'Angewandte Chemie', Int. Ed. 2010, 49, 3382 –3384. DOI: 10.1002/ange.200907039, http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/123329687/PDFSTART
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/123329687/PDFSTART
