Photochromism is the reversible phototransformation of a chemical species between two forms having different absorption spectra. During the phototransformation not only the absorption spectra but also various physicochemical properties change, such as the refractive index, dielectric constant, oxidation/reduction potential, and geometrical structure. The property changes can be applied to photonic equipment such as erasable memory media, photo-optical switch components, and display devices. This book compiles the accomplishments of the research project titled “New Frontiers in Photochromism” supported by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan. The project focused not only on the above-mentioned classical subjects in photochromism, such as color changes, optical memory, and optical switches, but also on fundamental physicochemical studies and unprecedented application fields that have not yet been explored in photochromism. The latter topics include light-driven mechanical motion, photocontrol of surface wettability, metal deposition on solid materials, photocontrol of chiral properties, ultrafast decoloration dyes, and femtosecond laser experiments, among others.

Photochromism is simply defined as the light induced reversible change of colour. The field has developed rapidly during the past decade as a result of attempts to improve the established materials and to discover new devices for applications.As photochromism bridges molecular, supramolecular and solid state chemistry, as well as organic, inorganic and physical chemistry, such a treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach and a broad presentation. The first edition (1990) provided an enormous amount of new concepts and data, such as the presentation of main families based on the pericyclic reaction mechanism, the review of new families, some bimolecular photocycloadditions and some promising systems. This new edition provides an efficient entry into this flourishing field, with the core content retained from the original work to provide a basic introduction into the different subjects. *Second edition of a work first published in 1990, now revised due to constant development of research. *Including updated lists of references (1989-2001), offering immediate access to recent developments.*Providing great basic interest and high application potential bringing scientists together from chemistry, physics and engineering.

Providing an entry point both for new researchers and for established ones, this book develops and investigates new applications for colour chemistry.

This major treatise on photochromism involving organic molecules and derived systems offers a detailed examination of the synthesis and specific photochromic properties of the best-known photochromic and thermochromic compounds. It includes practical information and commercial applications for known photochromic families.

Summarizing all the latest trends and recent topics in one handy volume, this book covers everything needed for a solid understanding of photochromic materials. Following a general introduction to organic photochromic materials, the authors move on to discuss not only the underlying theory but also the properties of such materials. After a selection of pplications, they look at the latest achievements in traditional solution-phase applications, including photochromic-based molecular logic operations and memory, optically modulated supramolecular system and sensors, as well as light-tunable chemical reactions. The book then describes the hotspot areas of photo-switchable surfaces and nanomaterials, photochromic-based luminescence/electronic devices and bulk materials together with light-regulated biological and bio-chemical systems. The authors conclude with a focus on current industrial applications and the future outlook for these materials. Written with both senior researchers and entrants to the field in mind.

An exhaustive review of the history, current state, and future opportunities for harnessing light to accomplish useful work in materials, this book describes the chemistry, physics, and mechanics of light-controlled systems. • Describes photomechanical materials and mechanisms, along with key applications • Exceptional collection of leading authors, internationally recognized for their work in this growing area • Covers the full scope of photomechanical materials: polymers, crystals, ceramics, and nanocomposites • Deals with an interdisciplinary coupling of mechanics, materials, chemistry, and physics • Emphasizes application opportunities in creating adaptive surface features, shape memory devices, and actuators; while assessing future prospects for utility in optics and photonics and soft robotics

This major treatise on photochromism involving organic molecules and derived systems is a result of increased international interest in the field. Volume 1 offers a detailed examination of the synthesis and specific photochromic properties of the best-known photochromic and thermochromic compounds. It includes numerous physico-chemical methods by which photochromic substances can be studied as well as practical information and commercial applications for known photochromic families.