Light-controlled reversible photoluminescence modulation in photochromic Sr2SnO4:Eu3+

Light-controlled reversible photoluminescence modulation has been achieved in photochromic Sr2SnO4:Eu3+. Upon x-ray or UV (280 nm) light irradiation, the material exhibits a significant photochromic phenomenon with color turning from white to purple, and after VIS light (450 nm) irradiation, the colored sample can almost return to white completely. Meanwhile, the photoluminescence emission from Eu3+ can be modulated by alternating 280 nm-light and 450 nm-light irradiation without obvious degradation after twenty periods, showing an excellent reversibility. Large photoluminescence decrease ratio (87.35%) after 280 nm-light irradiation for 6 min and increase ratio (446.33%) after 450 nm-light irradiation for 8 min are obtained. In addition, both the mechanism of photochromic reaction and photoluminescence modulation behavior are explained. The photochromic Sr2SnO4:Eu3+ with light-controlled reversible photoluminescence modulation has great potential for optical data storage, optical switches and x-ray detection.