Steric-Hindrance-Controlled Laser Switch Based on Pure Metal–Organic Framework Microcrystals

Herein, we demonstrated a steric-hindrance-controlled laser switch in pure metal–organic framework (MOF) microcrystals. The well-faceted MOF microwires with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) lumnogens as linkers function as typical Fabry–Pérot microlasers. The steric hindrance around the AIE linkers can be reduced by the loss of guest molecules, which lead to the enhanced rotation of linkers with red-shifted gain behavior. On this basis, the gain region was readily switched through changing the steric hindrance via the desorption/adsorption of guests. As a result, the reversible switching of the dual-wavelength lasing from MOF microwires was achieved. The results provide a promising route to the development of versatile micro-/nanolasers with desired applications.