Si-integrated lanthanide-doped ferroelectrics for a photomemory based on a photochromic reaction

Abstract

We describe a Si-integrated photochromic photomemory based on lanthanide-doped ferroelectric Na0.5Bi2.5Nb2O9:Er3+ (NBN:Er) thin films. We show that upconversion emission can be effectively modulated by up to 78% through the photochromic reaction. The coupling between lanthanide upconversion emission and the photochromic effect ensures rewritable and nondestructive readout characteristics. Moreover, integrating photochromic thin films with Si would benefit from its compatibility with the mature complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technique. These results demonstrate the opportunity to develop more compact photochromic photomemories and related photonic devices.

Inorganic photochromic materials: Recent advances, mechanism, and emerging applications

“…Impressively, the coupling between lanthanide UC emission and the photochromic effect ensured rewritable and nondestructive readout characteristics. [151] In 2024, Feng et al developed the photochromic Ba 2 YTaO 6 : Yb 3þ , Er 3þ , Co 2þ double perovskite materials with UC luminescence reversible modulation properties. The UC luminescence of Er 3þ ions was reversibly modulated by the photochromic effect (from white to pink), exhibiting excellent reproducibility and high stability.…”