Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

The study of mixed-valence complexes will increase the basic knowledge of these compounds and lead to new theories. This greater understanding will be used to optimize mixed-valence properties for faster and smaller devices in the field of photonics (light controlled devices). One of the simplest devices is the on/off switch. A photoswitch is the ultimate goal of research into photoisomerism and cyanamide mixed-valence complexes. In this case, a light-driven change in geometry alters the flow of electrons within a compound. Incorporation of this compound into a conducting material would have the effect of controlling electrical current by exposure of the material to light. Another type of photoswitch is one which controls the intensity of light exiting a device by taking advantage of the hyperpolarizability of cyanamide mixed-valence complexes. When the dipole moment of the mixed-valence complex is aligned with other mixed-valence complexes in a polymer matrix, it will be possible to change the non-linear properties of the material by application of an electric field and in so doing control the phase of light passing through the material. Devices such as Mach-Zehnder interferometers, birefringent modulators and directional couplers can make use of these novel materials.