High-energy ultraviolet (UVC) irradiation induces surface oxygen vacancies in metal oxides used in energy, sensing, and biomedical applications, but there is no consensus on its penetration depth. Here, using optical transmission and time-resolved atomic force microscopy, the authors observe UVC irradiation hundreds of micrometers deep into the bulk of titanium dioxide samples – orders of magnitude larger than previously postulated values.
- Bugrahan Guner
- Mohammad Safikhani-Mahmoudi
- Omur E. Dagdeviren