Chiral Covalent Organic Frameworks for Circularly Polarized-light Detection: A Review

Abstract

Chiral covalent organic frameworks (CCOFs) integrate programmable chiral backbones, ordered π-conjugated networks, and defined pores, combining chiral optical selectivity with efficient charge transport. These features enable direct electrical readout of circularly polarized light (CPL) without external optics. This review summarizes recent advances in CCOF-based CPL detection, covering unified performance metrics including the asymmetry factor g, responsivity R, specific detectivity D* and bandwidth f_−3Db and three major synthetic strategies: postsynthetic modification (PSM), direct chiral synthesis (DCS), and chiral induction synthesis (CIS). We discuss the representative device architectures and emerging applications. Finally, we outline future directions for scalable low-energy synthesis, oriented film fabrication, and array-level integration. Multiscale cooperation among chemistry, photonics, and device physics is essential to transition CCOF-based CPL detection from proof-of-concept toward practical implementation.

Keywords

Chiral covalent organic framework / Circularly polarized light detection / Asymmetry factor / Chiral photonics / Chiral-induced spin selectivity / Photodetector

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