One 'ring' to rule them all: Curious interlocked molecules show dual response

Scientists design polymers infused with a stress-sensitive molecular unit that respond to external forces by switching on their fluorescence. The researchers demonstrate the fluorescence to be dependent on the magnitude of force and show that it is possible to detect both, reversible and irreversible polymer deformations, opening the door to the exploration of new force regimes in polymers.

source https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210625130136.htm