Facile Strategies for Incorporating Chiroptical Activity into Organic Optoelectronic Devices

Abstract

Chiral optoelectronics, which utilize the unique interactions between circularly polarized (CP) light and chiral materials, open up exciting possibilities in advanced technologies. These devices can detect, emit, or manipulate light with specific polarization, enabling applications in secure communication, sensing, and data processing. A key aspect of chiral optoelectronics is the ability to generate or detect optical and electrical signals by controlling or distinguishing CP light based on its polarization direction. This capability is rooted in the selective interaction of CP light with the stereogenic (non-superimposable) molecular geometry of chiral substances, wherein the polarization of CP light aligns with the intrinsic asymmetry of the material. Among the diverse chiral materials explored for this purpose, π-conjugated molecules offer special advantages due to their tunable optoelectronic properties, efficient light–matter interactions, and cost-effective processability. Recent advancements in π-conjugated molecule research have demonstrated their ability to generate strong chiroptical responses, thereby paving the way for compact and multifunctional device designs. Building on these unique advantages, π-conjugated molecules have advanced organic electronics into rapidly evolving technological fields. The combination of chiral π-conjugated molecules with organic electronics is anticipated to simplify the fabrication of chiroptical devices, thereby lowering technical barriers and accelerating progress in chiral optoelectronics.