Aromatic hydrocarbon probes of aromaticity and photochromic switching

我们研究了当暴露在不同波长（颜色）的光下时可逆改变性质的分子。一种颜色的光将分子切换到“开”状态，而另一种颜色的光将分子切换到“关”状态。我们正在研究这个“开关”是否可以连接到其他分子来改变可观察到的特性，就像房间里的灯开关要么允许电流通过电路（亮），要么不允许（关）。电灯开关和电线很大，分子很小。如果我们可以用我们的分子作为开关，用其他分子作为导线，那么这个过程就可以比传统的开关小得多，而且我们可以有选择地用光来开关，而不是用机械装置。潜在的应用是在需要开关的未来计算机和电子设备中。

We investigate molecules that reversibly change properties when exposed to light of different wavelengths (color). One color of light switches the molecule to an "on" state, while a different color of light switches the molecule to an "off" state. We are investigating whether this "switch" can be connected to other molecules to change an observable property, just as a room light switch either permits electricity to flow through a circuit (light on) or not (light off). Light switches and wires are large, molecules are small. If we can use our molecules as the switch and other molecules as a wire, then this process can be made much smaller than with conventional switches, and as well we can selectively turn the switch on or off with light, rather than a mechanical device. Potential applications are in future computers and electronic devices that require switches.