Optical switching devices using redox polymer nanosheet

Optical switching devices, which control the current direction by light stimuli, were constructed using redox polymer nanosheet assemblies. Two kind of nanosheet-photodiode, which can operate by different light irradiation wavelength were assembled in a series so that each current direction becomes opposite. In the nanosheet photodiodes, one photodiode contains ruthenium complex as a sensitizer and the other contains anthracene. When 460 nm light was irradiated to the nanosheet assemblies, only the photodiode containing the ruthenium complex becomes active and an anodic photocurrent was observed. On the other hand, when 390 nm light was irradiated to the photodiode assemblies, only the photodiode containing the anthracene chromophore becomes active and a cathodic photocurrent was observed. This means that we can control the photocurrent direction by 460 nm and 390 nm irradiation as input signals.