Photonic Molecular Devices: Reversibly Photoswitchable Fluorophores for Nondestructive Readout for Optical Memory

Abstract

The reversible photochemical conversion between the open form 1, a strong fluorophore, and the closed form containing a central, hexyl-substituted six-membered ring, which fluoresces only weakly, makes modulation of emitted light possible. This readily adjustable system is of interest for optical data storage. R = CH, counterion = CF3SO.