Achievement

Materials based on molecular compasses and gyroscopes will have addressable mechanical, dipolar, and optical properties for electrooptic and dielectric applications. In analogy to liquid crystals, they will possess optical responses that can be switched on-and-off, but they should be much faster. While the challenges involved in their realization are many, Cortnie Vogelsberg has shown that reorientation in solids can reach the Teraherz regime. Recognizing that complex materials will rely on two or more input, Patrick Commins has prepared molecular gyroscopes that change their state of motion upon exposure to light. Finally, with fast motion and handles to modify it becoming available, Melissa Hughs has prepared a set of linearly conjugated rotors that display large spectral changes as a function of rotor orientation in the ground state. Their combined achievements suggest that these materials may become a reality within a short time.