TUNABLE CHIRAL FILM OPTICAL FILTER

摘要

An optically active composition ( 100 ) for optical applications has been identified. The optically active composition ( 100 ) can include at least one cyclic molecule having a nanocore ( 112 ) disposed within the cyclic molecule to form a filled ring ( 108 ). The composition ( 100 ) is optically transmissive for at least one photonic wavelength that would not otherwise be transmitted by the composition ( 100 ) if the nanocore were absent from the cyclic molecule. The cyclic molecule can be a carbon ring, an aromatic ring, or a heterocyclic ring. The filled ring ( 108 ) can be attached to a chiral molecule which is a repeat unit ( 102 ) in a polymeric backbone. A second filled ring ( 110 ) which causes the composition to be optically transmissive at a second wavelength also can be attached to the chiral molecule ( 102 ) as well. An electric field can be applied to the filled ring ( 108 ) to adjust the wavelength at which filled ring ( 108 ) is transmissive.