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A Reversible 900 nm Near-Infrared Photoswitch for Invisibly Writable 2D and 3D Displays.

Elias Ciekalski¹, Henry Dube¹

¹Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.

Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)

|June 11, 2026

Summary

Scientists developed a novel molecular photoswitch, peri-benzo[a]fluoranthenethioindigo (PBFT), that works with near-infrared (NIR) light. This breakthrough allows for non-damaging information storage in optical displays and memory devices.

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Organic Chemistry
Photonics

Background:

Molecular photoswitches are crucial for controlling nanoscale changes using light.
A key challenge is shifting their absorption to lower-energy light (near-infrared) to prevent photodamage and expand color palettes.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop a novel photoswitch motif with absorption in the near-infrared (NIR) spectrum.
To evaluate its performance for optical data storage applications.

Main Methods:

Synthesis of the peri-benzo[a]fluoranthenethioindigo (PBFT) photoswitch.
Characterization of its photochemical and thermal properties.
Integration into a polymer matrix for optical data inscription.

Main Results:

Keywords:

indigoid near‐infrared light peri‐benzo[a]fluoranthenethioindigo photochromic display photoswitching

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PBFT exhibits reversible switching with near-infrared (NIR) light up to 900 nm.
Achieved high isomer yields, good thermal stability, and distinct color changes (pale green to deep blue).
Demonstrated reversible, spatially resolved information inscription in 2D and 3D polymer-based optical media.

Conclusions:

PBFT is a novel photoswitch enabling NIR light-triggered optical data storage.
This technology allows for non-damaging information writing in optical displays and memory devices.
The developed photoswitch offers a promising platform for advanced optical information technologies.