Photoplastic effect in MgO single crystals

The photoplastic effect, phenomena that flow stress and/or hardness change by light illuminations, has been known mainly in II–VI compound semiconductors. In this study, it was revealed for the first time that magnesium oxide (MgO) single crystals exhibit increase in flow stress by light illumination, namely, the positive photoplastic effect. Scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) observations demonstrated that the plastic deformation of MgO is realized by generation of glide dislocations on the slip system of {110}〈110〉. Therefore, the observed positive photoplastic effect of MgO is likely due to interactions of the glide dislocations and photo-excited carriers. According to the theoretical calculations, individual dislocations in MgO had a specific band structure that differs from the bulk. This also indicates possible interactions between dislocations and carriers. It is expected that light illumination can reduce dislocation mobility in MgO, leading to the increase in flow stress under light illuminations.