Development of strong elasticoluminescence from ferroelectric phase

Recently, we have found a new phenomenon, named elasticoluminescence, in which intensive visible light can be emitted by the application of mechanical stress in the elastic deformation region. This phenomenon, contrary to piezoelectricity, can sense changes in mechanical stress without any electrical contacts or electrodes. Elastico-deformation luminescence has been investigated systematically using precisely controlled pure-phase of various oxides and their mixed phases. This study reveals that only certain ferroelectric phases produce strong elastico-deformation luminescence; other pure-phases of non-piezoelectricity show no deformation luminescence. Correlation of deformation luminescence and crystal structure has been found. This finding can be applied in designing strong elastico-deformation-luminescent materials. Strong elasticoluminescence materials and/or coatings can give real-time stress images, so that it is a prospective candidate for developing a new non-destructive evaluation technology.