Abstract

Photochemical technology is utilized industrially for organic and polymer synthesis, for thin-film fabrication, and for the manufacture of laser video and compact audio disks. Photochemistry is also employed in medicine. Applications have grown as light sources and corresponding instrumentation have been developed, and the processes involved have become better understood. The photophysical basis of energy transfer is presented. Photohalogenation of aliphatic hydrocarbons, including the photochlorination of poly(vinyl chloride) is discussed as is the synthesis of vitamin D and techniques such as laser photochemical vapor deposition for semiconductor epitaxy. Polymer-based technologies such as stereolithography is presented. The field of phototherapy, including the use of laser-activated sensitizers for treatment of cancers and the use of light therapy for infants, is discussed.