Photochromism: Molecules and Systems Heinz Durr, Henri Bouas-Laurent
Publisher: Elsevier Science

[CrossRef] [details] Filarowski, A., Koll, A. Inspired by their smart photo-switchable characteristics, a variety of light-driven functional materials have been exploited, such as ultrahigh-density optical data storage, molecular switches, logic gates, molecular wires, optic/electronic devices, sensors, bio-imaging and so on. To make the Transitions lenses respond to UV light, photochromic molecules are applied to the surface of the lens in a dye. Photochromism: Molecules and Systems. Molecular systems with integrated chemical reactivity and photochromic functions are potentially beneficial for the development of novel functional materials. An organic thin-film transistor with the new semiconducting layer. This system allows the frame to flex a bit without bending the lenses and distorting your view. As the pi-system extends further and further, the wavelength of light absorbed becomes longer and longer, until extended pi-systems begin to absorb light in the visible spectrum – and the molecule becomes colored (see figure). UV light excitation occurs Absorption Spectra of Spirooxazine Photochromic System. [CrossRef] [details] Farrugia, L. Many windshields block UV light, thus the UV light can't interact with the photochromic molecules, and the wearer could experience no sunglasses effect when driving. Image credit: an additional layer of photochromic molecules apart from the semiconducting layer. Photochromic molecules can be loosely divided into two types: those that returnto their initial state at a rate dependent on the ambient temperature ("thermally reversible" photochromic materials), and those which are thermally stable, . The researchers predict that the new semiconducting thin film, with its molecules that have electrically and optically tunable states, could lead to a variety of semiconducting systems. This review Further development of these photo-switchable systems into practical applications as well as existing challenges are also discussed and put in prospect. The hybrid material consists of two photochromic molecules that can be quickly switched between two states with a laser. A molecule will typically absorb one . Among the most important categories of photochromic molecules there are spirocompounds which can induce excellent colouration during irradiation [7–9].