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Published on: December 11, 2014
Photochromic optical memory based on non-destructive IR read-out
Yong-Chul Jeong1, Seon Ho Kim, Hyejin Ko
1College of Environment and Applied Chemistry and MRCID, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 446-701, Korea.
Summary
A novel photochromic material, DMTFO2, enables rewritable memory through reversible light-induced reactions. Its distinct IR spectra allow for non-destructive data readout, offering a promising solution for advanced memory devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Organic Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Photochromic materials undergo reversible changes in color or other properties upon light exposure.
- Developing materials for rewritable optical data storage is crucial for advanced memory technologies.
- Infrared (IR) spectroscopy offers a non-destructive method for analyzing molecular changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the photochromic properties of 1-(2,5-dimethylthien-1,1-dioxide-3-yl)-2-(2,5-dimethylthien-3-yl)hexafluorocyclopentene (DMTFO2).
- To explore the potential of DMTFO2 for non-destructive data readout in rewritable memory devices.
- To understand the IR spectral differences between the open- and closed-ring isomers of DMTFO2.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of the photochromic material DMTFO2.
- Irradiation experiments using UV and visible light to induce reversible photocyclization and ring opening.
- Theoretical calculations using Gaussian 03 at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level to analyze IR spectra.
- Demonstration of non-destructive readout using IR spectral differences in thin films.
Main Results:
- DMTFO2 exhibits reversible photocyclization and ring opening upon alternate UV and visible light irradiation.
- The closed-ring isomer of DMTFO2 shows a distinct IR absorption band at 1532 cm(-1), absent in the open-ring isomer.
- DMTFO2 demonstrates a higher contrast ratio for IR image readout compared to DMTF6.
- The material shows high fatigue resistance, indicating durability for memory applications.
Conclusions:
- DMTFO2 is a promising photochromic material for photon-mode rewritable memory devices.
- The distinct IR spectral signatures of its isomers facilitate non-destructive data readout.
- Its high contrast ratio and fatigue resistance make it suitable for advanced optical storage applications.
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