High-contrast photochromic Eu-doped K 0.5 Na 0.5 NbO 3 ceramics with prominent pellucidity

The Eu-doped K Na NbO 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. Eu ions were selected as the luminescent activator for detecting the local environment of the K Na NbO host. Meanwhile, the effects of the amount of Eu present on phase structures, microstructures, optical transmittance and photoluminescence intensities were systematically investigated. The results suggest that Eu-doped K Na NbO transparent ceramics possess multifunctionality including photochromism, photoluminescence and optical switching properties, and that they exhibit promising potential for non-destructive optical data storage application.