Promoting luminescence of Yb/Er codoped ferroelectric composite by polarization engineering for optoelectronic applications

Ferroelectric oxide nanocrystals, in combination with the robust coupling of an electric field with crystal structure symmetry, makes such systems agreeable to field-induced crystal structural transformation. The luminescent properties of rare earth ions are sensitive to the symmetry of the surrounding crystal field. The luminescence tuning of rare earth ions is an important assignment in the research of luminescent materials. However, the current conditional feasibility and reversibility in the exploration of luminescence modification remain major challenges. In this article, the luminescence modulation of rare earth ions has been developed in Yb3+/Er3+ codoped ferroelectrics glass ceramics containing Bi4Ti3O12 nanocrystals through an electric field. The inclusion of nanocrystals in the glass matrix greatly enhances the electrical resistance. Both upconversion and near-infrared emissions of rare earth ions are effectively enhanced more than twice via polarization engineering. The electric field regulates the photonic properties of rare earth ions with excellent reversibility and nonvolatility in ferroelectrics. The effective modification by electric field provides a new scheme for optical storage and optoelectronic devices.