Photoacid generators are compounds that release protons upon exposure to light, typically in the ultraviolet or visible light range. These compounds are commonly used in photoresist materials for photolithography processes in the semiconductor industry. Photoacid generators enable the patterning of electronic devices by selectively exposing and developing areas of a photosensitive material. They are also used in other applications such as microfabrication, surface modification, and optical imaging. Research in this area focuses on developing new photoacid generators with improved properties such as higher photochemical efficiency, thermal stability, and sensitivity to different wavelengths of light.