Method for the preparation of photochromic insulating crystals

Patent · Fri Sep 28 00:00:00 EDT 1984

OSTI ID:5701770

Abraham, M M; Boldu, J L; Chen, Y; Orera, V M

A method for preparing reversible-photochromic magnesium oxide (MgO) crystals is disclosed. Single crystals of MgO doped with both lithium (Li) and nickel (Ni) are grown by a conventional arc fusion method. The as-grown crystals are characterized by an amber coloration. The crystals lose the amber coloration and become photochromic when they are thermochemically reduced by heating at temperatures greater then 1000/sup 0/K in a hydrogen atmosphere. Alternate irradiation with uv and visible light result in rejuvenation and bleaching of the amber coloration, respectively.

• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• Assignee: Dept. of Energy
• Patent Number(s): None
• Application Number: ON: DE85011606
• OSTI ID: 5701770
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
360201* -- Ceramics
Cermets
& Refractories-- Preparation & Fabrication
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
ALLOYS
BLEACHING
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COLORATION
CRYSTAL GROWTH
CRYSTALS
DOPED MATERIALS
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE
LITHIUM ADDITIONS
LITHIUM ALLOYS
MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS
MAGNESIUM OXIDES
MAGNETIC RESONANCE
MATERIALS
MONOCRYSTALS
NICKEL ADDITIONS
NICKEL ALLOYS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHOTOCHROMIC MATERIALS
RADIATIONS
REDUCTION
RESONANCE
ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
VISIBLE RADIATION