Iranian scientists have successfully designed and simulated a simple but effectual butadiene-based light-sensitive molecular nano-switch.
A molecular switch is a molecule that can be reversibly shifted between two or more stable states in response to various changes including light. These switches are of interest in nanotechnology and biology.
Recent studies on molecular switches had focused on the discovery of molecules with various forms and conduction properties.
According to the study published in Physics Letters A, butadiene is a good choice for light-sensitive molecular switches as it can convert between a trans and a cis configuration upon photoexcitation, and therefore manifest various electrical characteristics.
Research team-leader, Masoud Darwish Ganji told the Iranian Nanotechnology Initiatives (INI) website that the findings could pave the way for the development of other molecules effective in electronics industry.
