Just as our hands are mirror images of each other, light itself can also exhibit mirror-image or “chiral” behavior. The controlled modulation of such chiral light signals plays an important role in sensor technology, asymmetric synthesis, and optical signal and information processing.

A novel method for controlling chiral light output signals—again via light input signals—is made possible by the nanoencapsulation of molecular photoswitches. As the Dube group at FAU in Chem reports [1], trapping photoswitches in a small hollow capsule with a diameter of less than 1.5 nanometers allows for an enormous amplification of the chiral light signal. Additionally, after trapping, this signal can be switched ON and OFF by irradiation with different colors of light. A second level of control is possible by replacing the photoswitch in the capsule with a better-fitting ammonium molecule, thereby resetting the system.

This supramolecular control not only enables the development of new concepts for optical memories but also opens up new avenues for chemical sensing.

Further information:

[1] Chem (2026), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chempr.2026.102953

Contact