Selective Metal Deposition Based on Photochromism of Diarylethenes

Abstract

Various novel functions on photochromic surfaces have been attracting interest. Selective metal deposition on a photochromic diarylethene surface is one such function and signifies that metal vapor atoms are deposited on the colored surface but not on the uncolored surface. This chapter introduces the phenomena, origin, extension, and applications of selective metal deposition. The origin of selective metal deposition is in a large change in the glass transition temperature (T g) based on the photoisomerization of diarylethene. Low-T g uncolored surface with active molecular motion causes metal atom desorption from the surface. The selective metal deposition phenomenon can be extended to various aspects including organic crystal and polymer surfaces. We demonstrate the following applications of selective metal deposition: patterned cathode preparation for organic light-emitting devices, micro thin-film fuse, multifunctional diffraction grating, and metal vapor integration. Selective metal deposition is expected for applications in various electric and optic fields.