Optical information storage and charge traps in PZT thin films

Storage of optical data in thin film PZT (lead zirconate titanate) has been demonstrated at a wavelength of 833 nm. A method for the storage and detection of simple optical-data images in thin PZT films is described. Dots and bars were stored in a 0.5-mum-thick 0/50/50 PZT using 488, 543, 633, and 833 nm wavelengths, and detected by measuring photocurrents while scanning a low-power read beam across the film. The data presented suggest that traps and related photoinduced charge carrier generation play an important role in this optical storage mechanism.