Radiation Oncology/RT Techniques/Photochemistry


 * Photochemistry is the branch of chemistry concerned with the chemical effects of light
 * Generally, this term is used to describe a chemical reaction caused by absorption of ultraviolet (wavelength from 100 to 400 nm), visible light (400–750 nm) or infrared radiation (750–2500 nm)
 * In nature, photochemistry is of immense importance as it is the basis of photosynthesis, vision, and the formation of vitamin D with sunlight
 * Photochemical reactions proceed differently than temperature-driven reactions
 * Photochemical paths access high energy intermediates that cannot be generated thermally, thereby overcoming large activation barriers in a short period of time, and allowing reactions otherwise inaccessible by thermal processes
 * Photochemistry is also destructive, as illustrated by the photodegradation of plastics