A molecular device based on light controlled charge carrier mobility

Electrical properties of binary samples containing photoconducting poly[methyl(phenyl)silylene] with admixed photochromic spiropyran were investigated. A reversible chemical reaction of the photochromic system, driven by light and producing highly polar metastable species, manifests itself in a reversible modification of dark currents and photocurrents. The behaviour of the samples is explained assuming a reversible production and annihilation of dipolar traps associated with the polar molecules produced in the photochromic process. Use of similar materials as elements of molecular electroactive systems is postulated. # 2004 Published by Elsevier B.V.