X-ray-Irradiation-Induced Discoloration and Persistent Radioluminescence for Reversible Dual-Mode Imaging and Detection Applications

Abstract

The combination of X-ray-irradiation-induced photochromism and persistent radioluminescence in a single material presents an exciting avenue for multi-functional applications such as optical memory, anti-counterfeiting, and X-ray detection and imaging. However, developing such a material remains a significant challenge. Here, a white Ba3MgSi2O8:Mn2+ photochromic phosphor was prepared, exhibiting a white-to-orange color change (>20 h for bright field) and good persistent radioluminescence emission (>90 min for dark field) in response to X-ray radiation. The photochromic phosphor also demonstrated accelerated bleaching and recovery after 14 min of 254 nm UV light stimulation. This Ba3MgSi2O8:Mn2+-based flexible film displayed simultaneous reversible photochromism and recoverable persistent luminescence, providing dual-mode X-ray imaging and detection capabilities, as well as good reproducibility and read/write erasability. This study suggests that combining X-ray-induced photochromism and persistent radioluminescence in a single material is a promising approach to design advanced photonic materials for information security, cryptography, and smart anti-counterfeiting applications.

Temporal dynamic photochromic materials for advanced anticounterfeiting

“…The incorporation of Er 3+ ions ( r = 0.88 Å, CN = 6) is predicted to preferentially replace Mg 2+ ( r = 0.72 Å, CN = 6) sites in the MgO 6 octahedra rather than the Ba 2+ ( r = 1.35 Å, CN = 10 or 12) sites. 37,38 With the ionic radius of Er 3+ being larger than that of Mg 2+ , a subtle shift to a lower angle in the XRD peak was observed with increasing Er 3+ content, as presented in Fig. S1 (ESI†).…”

“…During the high-temperature sintering of BMS ceramics, defects such as V Ba , V Mg , and V O are formed, and they are positioned between the conduction band (CB) and the valence band (VB). 26,37,54 Under the influence of 330 nm illumination, electrons situated at the VB or intermediate defect states undergo excitation to higher energy levels, with some of them becoming trapped by defects like oxygen vacancies, thus leading to the creation of F-centers. Then, under the daylight conditions, a portion of the incident photons are absorbed by the ceramics, triggering the liberation of electrons sequestered within the oxygen vacancies.…”

Bi3+/Sm3+ co-doped LiTaO3 photochromic perovskites: an ultrafast erasable optical information storage medium

“…The O 1s signal is well fitted into three peaks, which correspond to lattice oxygen (530.1 eV), (531.7 eV), and absorbed oxygen (533.5 eV). 49–52 Following irradiation, the proportion of the fitted area for increased from 42.19% to 45.86%, indicating a rise in the content within the crystal, which is conducive to photochromism. The emission of Sm 3+ mainly comes from the transition between the energy of 4 G 5/2 → 6 H i /2 ( i = 5, 7, 9, 11).…”

Photochromism and Photomagnetism in Two Ni(II) Complexes Based on a Photoactive 2,4,6-Tris-2-Pyridyl-1,3,5-Triazine Ligand

“…Photochromic smart molecules, as one of the famous multifunctional materials, have been widely used in optical switch, information storage, sensor, and other fields. − They can show color changes under light irradiation with reversible changes in physicochemical properties (such as luminescence, − magnetism, − , and conductivity − ). So far, the metal–organic hybrid photochromic family has increased the possibilities for integrating the merits of inorganic and organic units at the molecular scale, providing a platform for researchers to design and create novel photochromic materials with diverse photoresponsive functionalities. − Especially, electron-transfer (ET) photochromic complexes containing viologen ligands and their derivatives have attracted extensive attention. − However, works on this photochromic system constructed by new photoactive ligands are still challenging due to the difficulty of synthesis and serendipity of photochromism.…”