Tough transparent glass ceramics for multi-mode programmable dynamic tunable persistent luminescence via phase
Yixi Wu1, Xinkuo Li1, Chao Ruan1
1State Key Laboratory of Extreme Photonics and Instrumentation, College of Optical Science and Engineering, and School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Nature Communications
|February 6, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed new transparent glass ceramics with tunable persistent luminescence. This breakthrough enables multi-dimensional information storage and encryption by controlling light emission in a single solid material.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Solid-State Chemistry
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Achieving multi-mode programmable dynamic tunable persistent luminescence in a single solid is crucial for advanced applications like multi-dimensional information storage and encryption.
- A significant challenge lies in effectively coupling luminescent centers with differentiated defect states within the material.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop transparent glass ceramics capable of photo/thermally dynamic tunable afterglow.
- To establish a method for controlling the precipitation of defective nanocrystals and engineer the distribution of activators for tunable luminescence.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a lithium-ion doping-assisted phase separation principle to control nanocrystal precipitation (Zn 1.7 SiO 4 : Li) within a glass matrix.
- Constructing a biphasic microenvironment with differentiated defect states.
- Engineering the distribution of Mn 2+ activators in both the amorphous glass matrix and nanocrystals to manipulate persistent luminescence color.
Main Results:
- Successfully created transparent glass ceramics exhibiting photo/thermally dynamic tunable afterglow.
- Demonstrated control over persistent luminescence color by engineering activator distribution.
- Achieved excellent material hardness (up to 10 GPa) and high thermal stability, suitable for harsh environments.
Conclusions:
- Pioneered a novel strategy for modulating dynamic afterglow in a single solid material.
- The developed transparent composites offer a promising platform for multi-dimensional information storage and encryption.
- The findings inspire further research into advanced luminescent materials for data security and storage.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Toughness and Hardness of Aggregate
629
Toughness and hardness are critical properties of aggregate materials used in concrete, particularly on pavement surfaces and industrial flooring subjected to heavy loads. Toughness is defined as the aggregate's resistance to failure by impact and is measured by the aggregate impact value (AIV). For this, the aggregate impact value test is performed, wherein the impact is delivered by a standard hammer, which falls freely under its own weight onto the aggregates. The aggregates fragment in...
629
01:28The Looking Glass Self
373
The concept of the looking-glass self describes how an individual's self-concept is shaped by their perception of how others see them. This psychological theory, first introduced by sociologist Charles Horton Cooley in 1902, posits that self-identity emerges in a social context and is influenced by the judgments—real or imagined—of others.Research suggests that individuals frequently overestimate how positively others perceive them. This is particularly evident in physical...
373
01:07What is a Mode?
26.3K
The mode is one of the commonly used measures of a central tendency. It is defined as the most frequent value in a data set.
There can be more than one mode in a data set if multiple values have the same highest frequency. For instance, suppose that the Statistics exam scores of 20 students are: 50; 53; 59; 59; 63; 63; 72; 72; 72; 72; 72; 76; 78; 81; 83; 84; 84; 84; 90; 93. Here, the mode is 72, as it occurs most frequently, five times.
A data set with two modes is called bimodal. For example,...
There can be more than one mode in a data set if multiple values have the same highest frequency. For instance, suppose that the Statistics exam scores of 20 students are: 50; 53; 59; 59; 63; 63; 72; 72; 72; 72; 72; 76; 78; 81; 83; 84; 84; 84; 90; 93. Here, the mode is 72, as it occurs most frequently, five times.
A data set with two modes is called bimodal. For example,...
26.3K
02:31Phase Transitions
23.2K
Whether solid, liquid, or gas, a substance's state depends on the order and arrangement of its particles (atoms, molecules, or ions). Particles in the solid pack closely together, generally in a pattern. The particles vibrate about their fixed positions but do not move or squeeze past their neighbors. In liquids, although the particles are closely spaced, they are randomly arranged. The position of the particles are not fixed—that is, they are free to move past their neighbors to...
23.2K
01:14Ventilatory Modes
1.6K
Mechanical ventilators are life-saving devices that support or replace spontaneous breathing. They deliver breaths to patients through varying methods known as ventilator modes. Understanding these modes is critical for healthcare providers managing patients with respiratory failure.
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
1.6K
02:20Dynamic Equilibrium
63.0K
A reversible chemical reaction represents a chemical process that proceeds in both forward (left to right) and reverse (right to left) directions. When the rates of the forward and reverse reactions are equal, the concentrations of the reactant and product species remain constant over time and the system is at equilibrium. A special double arrow is used to emphasize the reversible nature of the reaction. The relative concentrations of reactants and products in equilibrium systems vary greatly;...
63.0K