Electrical Functions of Photochromic Molecules

Films of (or films doped with) photochromic molecules as well as polymers containing photochromic moieties in the main chain have been shown to undergo changes in conductivity upon irradiation. Optical memories and electric circuitries have been built on this base [10]. 

Clock = ln = 0, no irradiation, the switch (E-4 or 4-cycIic) and the fluorescence from it remains unchanged hence, current = Qnext results. 

Clock = 0, again no effect on the switch, current = gnext. 

In = 0, Clock, then always the nonfluorescent open-form E-4 prevails. Hence, gnext = 0 applies, regardless whether E-4 or 4-cyclic is irradiated. 

Traditionally, the pattern resolution is limited to about a half of the wavelength used. However, this limit can be overcome, e.g., by adopting a technique called absorbance modulation [12]. In this case, a thin him of a photochromic material 

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Tsujioka T, Irie M (2010) Electrical functions of photochromic molecules. J Photochem Photobiol C 11 1-14... 

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