R&D: Photoinduced Transition from Quasi-2D Ruddlesden–Popper to 3D Halide Perovskites for Optical Writing of Multicolor and Light-Erasable Images

The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters has published an article written by Sergey S. Anoshkin, Ivan I. Shishkin, Daria I. Markina, Lev S. Logunov, ITMO University, Kronverkskiy pr. 49, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia, Hilmi Volkan Demir, UNAM-Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National Nanotechnology Research Center, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Department of Physics, Bilkent University, Ankara 06800, Turkey, and LUMINOUS! Center of Excellence for Semiconductor Lighting and Displays, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, School of Physical and Materials Sciences, School of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Andrey L. Rogach, Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Centre for Functional Photonics (CFP), City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR 999077, P. R. China, and Qingdao Innovation and Development Center, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong, P. R. China, Anatoly P. Pushkarev, ITMO University, Kronverkskiy pr. 49, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia, and Sergey V. Makarov, ITMO University, Kronverkskiy pr. 49, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia, and Qingdao Innovation and Development Center, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong, P. R. China.

Abstract: “Optical data storage, information encryption, and security labeling technologies require materials that exhibit local, pronounced, and diverse modifications of their structure-dependent optical properties under external excitation. Herein, we propose and develop a novel platform relying on lead halide Ruddlesden–Popper phases that undergo a light-induced transition toward bulk perovskite and employ this phenomenon for the direct optical writing of multicolor patterns. This transition causes the weakening of quantum confinement and hence a reduction in the band gap. To extend the color gamut of photoluminescence, we use mixed-halide compositions that exhibit photoinduced halide segregation. The emission of the films can be tuned across the range of 450–600 nm. Laser irradiation provides high-resolution direct writing, whereas continuous-wave ultraviolet exposure is suitable for recording on larger scales. The luminescent images created on such films can be erased during the visualization process. This makes the proposed writing/erasing platform suitable for the manufacturing of optical data storage devices and light-erasable security labels.“