Molecular materials displaying spin-crossover (SCO) behaviour or electron transfer coupled spin transition (ETCST) may have the potential to act as nano-scale switches in future technologies – thermally switching between paramagnetic and diamagnetic phases in conditions close to room temperature. The combination of thermal bistability with photo-induced (low temperature) switching phenomena (which can exist in such species) mean that suitably responsive molecular systems can exhibit at least three stable states, and have the potential to exhibit different functionalities in each phase.

In the Oshio group, we are developing new external-stimuli responsive systems, and novel ways of stimulating contrasting physical responses under identical conditions. We are also interested in extending the range of potential stimuli for such systems and the scope of their switchable functionalities.

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