Synthesis and optically induced transformation of metal TCNQF 4 thin films

Thin films of the composition Ag ₂TCNQF ₄ and Cu ₂TCNQF ₄, made with the tetrafluorinated derivative of TCNQ, have been prepared and characterized. These charge transfer compounds of TCNQF ₄^2- do no absorb strongly in the visible, but absorbed light at low power causes an electron transfer reaction resulting in formation of the highly absorbant TCNQF _{4 ^-}. This optical record is formed with low power and is erasable thermally.