High-contrast photochromic Eu-doped K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramics with prominent pellucidity

The Eu-doped K0.5Na0.5NbO3 pellucid ceramics were first prepared via a conventional solid-state reaction, and they exhibited light illumination-induced high-contrast photochromism of both optical transmittance and photoluminescence behaviors. Through thermal treatment, the optical performances could return to their initial states and displayed excellent reversibility. Eu3+ ions were selected as the luminescent activator for detecting the local environment of the K0.5Na0.5NbO3 host. Meanwhile, the effects of the amount of Eu3+ present on phase structures, microstructures, optical transmittance and photoluminescence intensities were systematically investigated. The results suggest that Eu-doped K0.5Na0.5NbO3 transparent ceramics possess multifunctionality including photochromism, photoluminescence and optical switching properties, and that they exhibit promising potential for non-destructive optical data storage application.

Automated summary

Eu-doped K0.5Na0.5NbO3 pellucid ceramics prepared via solid-state reaction exhibit high-contrast photochromism induced by light illumination, with excellent reversibility and multifunctionality for potential non-destructive optical data storage applications.