Theoretical Models, Preparation, Characterization and Applications of Cyanine J‐Aggregates: A Minireview

Cyanines are one of the few kinds of molecules whose absorbance and emission can be shifted in a broad spectral range from the ultraviolet to the near infrared. They can easily transform into J‐aggregates with narrow absorption and emission peaks, along with a redshift in their spectra. This mini‐review presents cyanine dyes and their J‐aggregates and discusses their structure and spectral properties that illustrate their specificities. We summarize the theoretical and experimental state of the art on cyanine J‐aggregates and their applications, also laying the groundwork for cyanine J‐aggregates synthesis and characterization methods.