DISCOS · Discreet Organic Superluminophores

Considering that all life on Earth ultimately relies on the interaction of carbon-based organic matter with light through photosynthesis, it is unsurprising that organic molecules which absorb and emit light broadly overarch scientific disciplines, with great implications in modern technologies related to sensing, bioscience, electronics and energy.Organic “superluminophores” (SLs) (J-aggregates) afford a unique synergy of properties, with fundamental advantages over traditional dyes – they absorb light more strongly and emit light more quickly and efficiently. Their sharp absorption and emission spectra also endow high colour purity and are desirable for selective and efficient excitation/ energy transfer in complex systems. SLs are hence very promising, both for facilitating new technologies, and for solving persistent issues faced by classical organics. However, current materials are critically limited by a need for supramolecular self-assembly. SL ensembles are formed, driven by interactions BETWEEN multiple molecules. Self-assembly is highly sensitive to changes in molecular structure, and dependent on both concentration and the local environment. This restricts predictable and reproducible processing and excludes SLs from applications where a low concentration/ discreet species is required.Here we aim to solve this longstanding limitation and propel SLs to the forefront. Firstly, systematic structural chemistry will afford robust design rules to construct Discreet Organic Superluminophores (DISCOS) that harness interactions WITHIN rigid molecules to enhance how they absorb and emit light, precluding self-assembly. Taking advantage of this fundamental advance, the DISCOS will next be broadly colour tuned to develop bespoke materials aimed at solving two of the most persistent applied problems facing luminescent organics – the instability of blue organic light emitting diodes, and the low luminescence efficiency of near-infrared dyes.