Frequency converting and digital modulation of light derived from lanthanide for signal encoding and logic computing

Modulation of light underpins a central part of modern optoelectronics. Conventional optical modulators based on refractive-index and absorption variation in the presence of an electric field serve as the workhorse for diverse photonic technologies. However, these approaches based on electro-refraction or electro-absorption effect impose limitations on frequency converting and signal amplification. Lanthanide-activated phosphors offer a promising platform for nonlinear frequency conversion with an abundant spectrum. Here, we propose a novel approach to achieve frequency conversion and digital modulation of light signal by coupling lanthanide luminescence with an electrically responsive ferroelectric host. The technological benefits of such paradigm-shifting solution are highlighted by demonstrating a quasi-continuous and enhancement of the lanthanide luminescence. The ability to locally manipulate light emission can convert digital information signals into visible waveforms, and visualize electrical logic and arithmetic operations. The proof-of-concept device exhibits perspectives for developing light-compatible logic functions. These results pave the way to design more controllable lanthanide photonics with desired opto-electronic coupling.