A Japanese research group developed an organic photochromic compound that changes from colorless to blue when irradiated with UV light.
The group, which is led by Jiro Abe, an associate professor of Science and Engineering at Aoyama Gakuin University, will commercialize the compound and release it May 1, 2009.
The new photochromic compound turns back to colorless in about 30ms after it is shielded from UV light. When the compound is provided in a polymer film, the bleaching rate is about 20ms, according to the research group.
In addition, the compound has an excellent durability such that its properties are less likely to deteriorate even after repeated coloration and decoloration. Kanto Chemical Co Inc will be in charge of manufacturing.
The photochromic compound can be applied, for example, to light adjusting sunglasses that rapidly color under sunlight and instantly turn back to colorless indoors. The company is expecting to use it for 3D holographic displays, memory elements, etc.
In the summer of 2008, the research group unveiled an organic photochromic compound that changes from colorless to green when irradiated with UV light. This compound drew attention because its bleaching rate was higher than that of existing photochromic compounds used for light adjusting sunglasses. Even so, it took about 200ms for decoloration after light is shielded, leaving a slight afterimage.
The research result was published in the April 1, 2009 edition of the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
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