Nano-optical reversible switching of organic photochromes.
Photochromic fulgides are UHV-deposited in ultrathin films exhibiting intrinsic nanostructures. The two isomeric states (C and E) are detected in absorption via scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM). The optical image contrast measured in SNOM corresponds to the nanostructure topography observed in atomic force microscopy. Nano-optical reversible switching of individual nanostructures is demonstrated and possible applications to rewritable optical recording on the nanoscale are discussed.
Rath
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Universität Stuttgart, 3 Physikalisches Institut, Pfaffenwaldring 57, D-70550 Stuttgart, Germany.
Mager
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Klingler
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Port
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