Highly luminescent thin films of the dense framework ∞(3)[EuIm2] with switchable transparency formed by scanning femtosecond-pulse laser deposition.

Highly luminescent switchable thin films of the dense framework ∞(3)[EuIm2] were deposited by a scanning laser ablation technique using a femtosecond laser. The films can be controlled in terms of film thickness and amount of material deposited such that the material properties of the bulk material are retained on the nanometer scale. Polycrystalline films are formed that can be switched between transparent at visible light and nontransparent at UV light due to the intrinsic luminescence of the hybrid material, expanding the concept of smart films. The new femtosecond pulsed laser deposition method also provides a novel approach for coatings with framework compounds and coordination polymers.