Multi-Colored Photochromic Crystals of Diarylethene Mixtures

Abstract

Multi-colored photochromic single crystals of diarylethene mixtures composed of two compounds have been prepared. Upon irradiation with different wavelengths of light, the colorless crystals turn red, blue, or purple (see Figure), as the two components selectively undergo photochromic reactions. Such multi-colored photochromic crystals have potential for applications in high-density memories and multi-color displays.