Photoaddressable

Photoaddressable refers to a material or system that can be selectively modified or patterned using light. This process typically involves light-sensitive molecules that undergo a chemical change when exposed to specific wavelengths or intensities of light. This change can alter the material's properties, such as its solubility, conductivity, or reactivity, in the illuminated areas.

The concept of photoaddressability is crucial in various fields, including microfabrication, lithography, and data storage. In lithography, photoaddressable resists are used to create intricate patterns on substrates for semiconductor manufacturing. When exposed to light through a mask, the resist changes its chemical structure, allowing developers to selectively remove either the exposed or unexposed areas, thereby transferring the pattern.

Beyond lithography, photoaddressable materials are being explored for applications in optical data storage, where information can be written and read using light. They also play a role in creating smart surfaces and responsive materials that can change their characteristics in response to light stimuli. The precision and non-contact nature of light-based modification make photoaddressable systems highly attractive for advanced technological applications.