Synergistic Dual‐Excitation‐Induced Reversible Photochromism and Luminescence Modulation in BaTiO 3 Nanocrystal‐Embedded Glass

ABSTRACT Photochromic glasses have attracted increasing interest for photonic information storage and optical modulation because of their transparency and reversible color switching. However, most reported photochromic systems are predominantly governed by either valence‐state conversion or defect‐mediated carrier trapping, while simultaneously coupling both processes to achieve strong reversible coloration in a transparent glass ceramic for multifunctional photonic applications remains challenging. Here, we report a transparent BaTiO 3 nanocrystal‐embedded glass that exhibits reversible photochromism under both 365 nm light and x‐ray irradiation, attributed to Ti 3 + formation and oxygen‐vacancy‐related trap states. The resulting broad absorption enables pronounced modulation of Eu 3 + emission, with attenuation contrasts of 49.5% under 365 nm stimulation and 85.1% under x ‐ray irradiation. The photochromic states can be efficiently erased by thermal treatment or 532 nm laser illumination, allowing reversible and repeatable optical switching. Additionally, the intrinsic radioluminescence of Eu 3 + provides an integrated optical response that couples photochromism, luminescence modulation, and x‐ray sensitivity within a single transparent glass platform, enabling proof‐of‐concept demonstrations of reversible all‐optical information storage and dual‐mode x‐ray imaging. This work establishes nanocrystal‐embedded photochromic glass as a promising transparent photonic platform for multifunctional optical and radiation‐responsive applications.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Optical Materials
Published
2026-10-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.72003
Primary Topic
Glass properties and applications
Type
article
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article

Synergistic Dual‐Excitation‐Induced Reversible Photochromism and Luminescence Modulation in BaTiO 3 Nanocrystal‐Embedded Glass

Zhiguo Song, Zhengwen Yang, Jianbei Qiu, Jiayan Liao et al.
Advanced Optical Materials
Glass properties and applications
article

Synergistic Dual‐Excitation‐Induced Reversible Photochromism and Luminescence Modulation in BaTiO 3 Nanocrystal‐Embedded Glass

Zhiguo Song, Zhengwen Yang, Jianbei Qiu, Jiayan Liao, Yuen Yee Cheng, Yingzhu Zi, Shasha Fu, Yang Ci, Ji Zhou, Heping Zhao, Yueteng Zhang
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Photochromic glasses have attracted increasing interest for photonic information storage and optical modulation because of their transparency and reversible color switching. However, most reported photochromic systems are predominantly governed by either valence‐state conversion or defect‐mediated carrier trapping, while simultaneously coupling both processes to achieve strong reversible coloration in a transparent glass ceramic for multifunctional photonic applications remains challenging. Here, we report a transparent BaTiO 3 nanocrystal‐embedded glass that exhibits reversible photochromism under both 365 nm light and x‐ray irradiation, attributed to Ti 3 + formation and oxygen‐vacancy‐related trap states. The resulting broad absorption enables pronounced modulation of Eu 3 + emission, with attenuation contrasts of 49.5% under 365 nm stimulation and 85.1% under x ‐ray irradiation. The photochromic states can be efficiently erased by thermal treatment or 532 nm laser illumination, allowing reversible and repeatable optical switching. Additionally, the intrinsic radioluminescence of Eu 3 + provides an integrated optical response that couples photochromism, luminescence modulation, and x‐ray sensitivity within a single transparent glass platform, enabling proof‐of‐concept demonstrations of reversible all‐optical information storage and dual‐mode x‐ray imaging. This work establishes nanocrystal‐embedded photochromic glass as a promising transparent photonic platform for multifunctional optical and radiation‐responsive applications.

Advanced Optical Materials
Kunming University of Science and Technology (CN), University of Technology Sydney (AU), State Key Laboratory of New Ceramics and Fine Processing (CN), Tsinghua University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 25%
Glass properties and applications
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