High-contrast photochromic Eu-doped K_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃ ceramics with prominent pellucidity

Abstract

The Eu-doped K_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃ 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 K_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃ 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 K_0.5Na_0.5NbO₃ transparent ceramics possess multifunctionality including photochromism, photoluminescence and optical switching properties, and that they exhibit promising potential for non-destructive optical data storage application.