Accelerating Non-Phase-Change Photochromism and Upconversion Modulation in Double Perovskite Ba₂LaNbO₆ via Ag⁺ Doping

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Solid-State Chemistry
• Optoelectronics

Background:

• Double perovskites (DPs) are promising lead-free photochromic materials with unique optoelectronic properties.
• Achieving real-time reversible optical modulation in DPs faces challenges in response rate and photochromism control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel DP material with significantly enhanced photochromic response speed.
• To investigate the mechanism behind the accelerated photochromism and its potential for optical information storage.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of rare-earth-doped Ba2LaNbO6: Yb3+, Er3+, Ag+ (BLNO) phosphor.
• Experimental characterization of photochromic properties and defect analysis.
• Theoretical calculations to understand defect formation energy and trap mechanisms.

Main Results:

• The developed BLNO phosphor exhibits a photochromic response within 1 second, accelerating the rate by two orders of magnitude compared to previous studies.
• Silver ion (Ag+) doping was found to increase defect concentration and carrier availability, crucial for photochromism.
• Theoretical calculations confirmed reduced defect formation energy and the creation of new deep traps.

Conclusions:

• The rare-earth-doped BLNO phosphor offers a breakthrough in fast photochromic response for double perovskite oxides.
• The findings provide insights into defect engineering for enhanced photochromic performance.
• Demonstrated high-speed dual-mode optical information storage using BLNO flexible thin films highlights practical applications.