Molecular light switch

By David Bradley2007-03-01T00:00:00

Source: Shutterstock

Scientists have developed the molecular equivalent of a solar panel, which can act as a light signal processor

Vincenzo Balzani of the University of Bologna and colleagues have developed the molecular equivalent of a solar panel with a power source, an extension cable, and a 'drain'.

In a dichloromethane solution the tiny device can function as a signal processor responding to a flash of light.¹Such molecular-scale devices could be used as the components of a chemical computer in the future.

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