The scientists succeeded in synthesizing a light-sensitive molecular magnet based on spiropyrans and two metals (dysprosium and terbium) that can store information in a single molecule, opening up new possibilities for miniaturizing optoelectronic devices, according to the news release.

Experiments showed that the dysprosium complex molecules act as monionic magnets at low temperatures, retaining magnetization after exposure to a magnetic field.

The complexes could be controlled by light: (under green light they disintegrated and under ultraviolet light they were restored).

This discovery could lead to the creation of optoelectronic devices where information is stored in molecules.

The head of the laboratory of promising polyfunctional materials at the Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics, Dmitry Konarev, noted that this material could form the basis for recording and storing information, where each bit is stored by a molecule.

This could contribute to the miniaturization of devices, as well as to the use of complexes that operate at very low temperatures, the expert said.

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