Electric-field-induced bleaching of ion-exchanged glasses containing copper nanoparticles

Combined action of a dc electric field and elevated temperature on ion-exchanged glasses containing copper nanoparticles leads to the dissolution of nanoparticles in a sample region near the positive electrode. As a result, the sample, which was initially red, becomes transparent in the near-surface region under the positive electrode, this effect being readily observed by the naked eye. An important feature of this phenomenon, which can be of interest for practical applications, is the local dependence of the optical density in the surface layer of the sample on the shape and the surface relief of the electrode. This dependence is manifested by the formation of an image of the electrode surface (facing the sample) on the glass surface. Conditions necessary for the manifestation of these phenomena are discussed.