Ceramics-Silikáty 58 (3) 198-201 (2014)

HOW THE SOL AFFECTS QUALITY OF OPTICAL LAYERS CONTAINING Cu⁺ IONS

The aim of the presented research is to design and experimentally verify preparation of multiple optical layers (covers) containing copper 1+ (I) ions for utilization in active photonic structures (devices). The layers were deposited on the surfaces of common silicate glasses by sol-gel method using dip-coating technique. The sols were CuCl, TEOS and three types of surfactants as Triton, Ludox or PEG. The deposited layers were tested with regard to their quality and optical properties. The resulting Cu⁺ containing layers were then covered with silicate thin film in order to preserve the oxidation state of Cu⁺. The best quality of the examined layers were found with three-layers (2 containing Cu⁺ plus one cover layer) ones prepared using PEG-400. We have proved that by modification of experimental conditions of the deposition it is possible to significantly affect not only quality but also blue-green luminescence of the samples.

Keywords: Sol-gel coating, Dip-coating technique, Copper, Optical properties