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The ability to tune molecular self-organization at nano- and meso-scopic length scales with an external stimulus is the main driving force in bottom-up nanofabrication of molecular devices. Liquid crystalline materials are able to self-assemble into smart supramolecular structures with desirable functionality and physical properties. While modifying the molecular structure, such systems can become responsive towards mechanical stress, light, electric or magnetic fields. The target photochromic structures will be varied among bent-shaped, hockey-stick and rod-like molecules with chiral and non-chiral chains, reactive mesogens and macromolecular materials. The main objective is to design new smart supramolecular photosensitive self-assembling materials of two types: (i) with a stabilized Z-form aimed for memory devices design; (ii) with fast response on UV irradiation can be successfully used in photonics. This simple approach will also contribute to establishing the molecular architecture – nano-organization relationship in such supramolecular photochromic systems.
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