The Properties of Photochromic Materials

Abstract

The types of systems available are briefly mentioned, together with the mechanisms involved in the photochromic changes. The behaviour of the materials under irradiation, both for activation (colouring) and reversal (erasure), the effect of temperature, and reversibility and resolution are discussed. The optimum performance to be expected for an organic system is noted for comparison. Some properties of commercially available films are given and comparisons made with photographic film. Uset which have been made of photochromic materials and future research trends in their development are summarized.