Broadband photochromic effect and photoluminescence modulation in rare-earth-doped (Pb,La) (Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics

The broadband photochromic effect on undoped and rare-earth-doped lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) ceramics was studied under the illumination of ultraviolet light at 360 nm. The photocarriers' trapping and detrapping processes of thermal disconnected traps played the vital role in both darkening and bleaching processes. The interaction between photocarrier traps and rare-earth ion energy levels was demonstrated, which influenced the photochromatic darkening performance greatly. The transformation of photoluminescence spectra in Er3+-doped PLZT ceramics also improved the physical picture of the trap's distribution of the materials. This work could be used to modulate the photoluminescence and lasing behavior.