Inspired by naturally occurring light-active molecular systems such as photosynthesis, scientists have long devoted their efforts to understanding how light and molecules interact. Based on a raft of knowledge on light absorption, energy migration and electron transfer, fluorescence and phosphorescence, and various photochemical reactions, light can now be utilized for energy conversion, information storage, medical applications, and development of next-generation photofunctional materials that cannot be obtained via conventional organic synthesis.

This book overviews some of the cutting-edge p-conjugated molecular and polymer materials for organic photovoltaics, artificial photosynthesis, and organic light-emitting devices. It gives insights into the interactions between light and molecules and discusses sophisticated molecular designs, self-assembly and self-organization strategies, and state-of-the-art unconventional analytical methods.

Hiroko Yamada is full professor at Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST), Japan. She received her PhD from Kyoto University, Japan, in 1992. She joined Ehime University, Japan, as associate professor in 2003 after working in Ciba-Geigy Japan Ltd. and as a postdoc in Osaka University, Japan. She moved to NAIST in 2011 and was promoted to the rank of full professor in 2012. Prof. Yamada was also a PRESTO researcher of JST during 2006–2009 and has received the Japanese Photochemistry Association Award (2012) and the Chemical Society of Japan Award for Creative Work (2018). Her research areas are organic chemistry, organic photochemistry, and organic electrochemistry.

Shiki Yagai is full professor at Chiba University, Japan. He received his PhD from Ritsumeikan University, Japan, in 2002. He joined Chiba University as assistant professor soon after and subsequently became an associate professor in 2010. He was promoted to the rank of full professor in 2017. Prof. Yagai was a PRESTO researcher of JST during 2006–2009 and was awarded the Chemical Society of Japan Award for Young Chemists (2010), Young Scientist Commendation for Science and Technology from the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (2011), and Swiss Chemical Society Lectureships (2017). His current research focuses on supramolecular functional materials.