Infrared quenching of photoinduced persistent conductivity in YBa₂Cu₃O_6+x

Experimental evidence for infrared quenched photoinduced persistent conductivity in oxygen deficient YBa₂Cu₃O_6+x films is presented. Results are interpreted in terms of both a charge transfer model, in which photogenerated electrons are trapped in oxygen vacancy defects, and a photoassisted oxygen ordering model. Infrared illumination of the photoinduced state results in detrapping of electrons, a recombination of photogenerated holes/electrons, and a partial quenching of the photoinduced state. Experimental results suggest the possibility of optically controlled superconducting devices in which the superconducting state is generated and quenched with different colors of light.