Persistent light-induced absorption in oxidized iron-doped barium titanate crystals

Illumination of oxidized iron-doped BaTiO(3) crystals with visible or ultraviolet light yields absorption changes of as much as 1300 m(-1) that are stable at room temperature. These photochromic effects cannot be erased by light, but heating the crystal to a moderate temperature (100 degrees C) can switch it back to its initial state. These effects, in particular the optical irreversibility, might be of interest, e.g., for optical control of charge-transport properties and for persistent data storage.