Optical materials articles from across Nature Portfolio

Enantioselective triple [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions are reported that enable the synthesis of 3D π-extended carbo[11] and [13]helicenes, which show excellent circularly polarized luminescence brightness (up to 513 M⁻¹ cm⁻¹), the highest value among helicene derivatives.

Chiral recognition of amino acids with luminescence, despite its advantages, is usually slow and lacks generality. Here, the authors demonstrate that L-phenylalanine derived benzamide can manifest the structural difference between the natural, left-handed amino acid and its right-handed counterpart via the difference in room-temperature phosphorescence, irrespective of the specific chemical structure.

The preparation of systems that give blue circularly polarised organic afterglow is desirable but challenging. Here, the authors confine a chiral chromophore within a polymer matrix to limit non-radiative transitions and give blue circularly polarised organic afterglow.

It is challenging to achieve multicolor long-lived room temperature phosphorescence in intrinsic polymers, especially for white afterglow. Here, the authors report a strategy to obtain pure white afterglow micro-crosslinked polymers by covalently coupling different conjugated chromophores with precursors through a simple and rapid one-pot reaction.

Chiral luminescent materials are of increasing interest in various applications, but achieving a desirable balance of properties can be challenging. Here, the authors report the development of Eu-based complexes with chiral luminescence and aggregation induced emission.

An article in Nature Communications presents a method for converting wood into superblack materials.

A nonlinear optical crystal permits harmonic generation of coherent radiation deep into the ultraviolet, reaching below 200 nm.

Lead-halide perovskites could revolutionize the provision of low-cost solar energy but are limited by their neurotoxic lead content, which can readily dissolve in water. A supramolecular complex has now been developed to suppress lead release.

Inspired by catenane chemistry, mechanically interlocked plasmonic nanostructures are synthesized in a bottom-up approach. The nanocatenanes exhibit mechanical helical chirality and, when combined with a thermoresponsive polymer, can actuate mechanical motion.

Interfacing ultrasmall metal nanoclusters (NCs) with proteins can present a dual opportunity: proteins can be used for protecting NCs, and the surface ligands of NCs may interact with proteins. Here, the authors identify and discuss remaining open questions surrounding the bio-NC interface that call for future research efforts.