A molecular system is provided for electric field activated switches, such as
optical
switches. The molecular system has an electric field induced band gap change that
occurs via a molecular conformation change, based on a rotor/stator construction
of the molecular system, involving a rotating portion (rotor) connected between
two stationary portions (stators). Nanometer-scale reversible optical switches
are thus provided that can be assembled easily to make a variety of optical devices,
including optical displays.
