Absorption Related to Electrochromism in Cubic Boron Nitride Single Crystals

A unusual electrochromism is observed in amber cubic boron nitride (cBN) single crystals when breakdown possibly related to impurities and defects occurs. The electrochromism induces an abrupt increase in the absorption coefficient of the cBN crystals within the visible and infrared region. The change of the absorption coefficient of cBN crystal can be increased linearly by raising the current after the electrochromism occurs, whereas it is irrelevant to the polarization of the incident light. The absorption related to the electrochromism in the cBN single crystal has potential applications in designing and manufacturing electro-optical modulators, optical switches, and other optoelectric devices.