Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 677 - Function by Switching
Subprojects

A01: Ultrafast dynamics of photoinduced switching processes

Summary:

Project A01 combines ultrafast spectroscopy and theoretical simulations to understand the light-induced dynamics of molecular photoswitches in some detail. After previous work on isolated chromophores in solution and on model systems with coupled chromophores, the molecular switching dynamics will now be studied in environments directly relevant to applications: colloidal micronetworks and thin films. Targeted variations of system characteristics like chromophore-polymer attachment, polymer flexibility and dye load will allow us to isolate influences of free volume, chromophore-chromophore coupling and effects of strain on switching mechanisms and yields. The expected results provide valuable insights towards rational improvements of important photoresponsive functional systems.

Project Graphical Abstract