Persistent light-induced absorption in oxidized iron-doped barium titanatecrystals

Illumination of oxidized iron-doped BaTiO3 crystals with visible or ultravi olet light yields absorption changes of as much as 1300 m(-1) that are stab le at room temperature. These photochromic effects cannot be erased by ligh t, but heating the crystal to a moderate temperature (100 degrees C) can sn itch 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. (C) 1999 Optical Soc iety of America OCIS codes: 160.5320, 210.4810, 300.1030, 300.6440.