Optical storage and encryption via efficient reversible luminescence modulation based on copper-doped borate glass

•Transparent copper-doped borate glass with tunable luminescence was prepared.•Photo-Induced valence transformation between cu+ and Cu0 was studied.•Efficient reversible luminescence modulation has been achieved in the glass.•The optical storage and encryption applications in Cu-contained borate glass were developed. Transparent glass is a promising candidate for optical storage media due to its large capacity and high stability advantages. Previously reported optical storage glass systems meet various problems, such as high manufacturing costs, low security levels, etc. Herein, a kind of copper-contained borate glass was designed and fabricated, emitting tunable broadband upon various ultraviolet light excitations. By alternating 360 nm laser (10.7 W/cm2) irradiation for 15 s and thermal treatment at 400 ℃ for 2 h, the emission intensity of the glass can be reversibly regulated, which is associated with the variation of oxidation states of the copper element. Relying on their efficient reversible luminescence modulation behaviors, the potential application of this glass as an optical storage and encryption media is developed, exhibiting the high performances of repeatable writing and erasing, dual mode readout, high-level safety, and good writing resolution for the Cu-doped borate glass.