OPTICAL INFORMATION-STORAGE AND CHARGE TRAPS IN PZT THIN-FILMS

Storage of optical data in thin film PZT has been demonstrated for the first time at a wavelength of 833 nm. A method for the storage and detection of simple optical-data images in thin PZT films is described. Dots and bars were stored in a 0.5-mu-m thick 0/50/50 PZT film using 488, 543, 633, and 833 nm wavelengths, and detected by measuring photocurrents while scanning a low-power read beam across the film. Data presented here suggest that traps and related photoinduced charge carrier generation play an important role in this optical-storage mechanism.