Abstract

Certain optical materials interact with high intensity light in a nonlinear way causing the emission of higher energy photons. Nonlinear optical thin films have many promising uses such as frequency converters, optical switches, and data storage devices. Betabarium borate (β-BaB204, β-BBO) was chosen for this investigation due to its large optical transparency range, high radiation damage threshold, and its ability to up-convert infrared light to the ultraviolet (UV) and visible region. The preparation and processing of two novel precursors for β-BBO nonlinear optical thin films were studied using 1) 2, 4, 6-triphenylcyclotriboroxine, cryptand 2.2.2, and barium hydride and 2) 2, 4, 6- trimethoxycyclotriboroxane, 18-crown-6, and barium metal. The precursors were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The solid state thermolysis products of Project 1, powders and thin films, were characterized by X-ray diffraction. The Project 1 precursor was successfully used to produce β-BBO thin film on sapphire substrate (R-plane, 1-102 orientation) via metalorganic deposition (MOD). The formation temperature of β-BBO, based on the XRD results of the thin film produced using the Project 1 precursor, was found to be as low as 550 °C. The formation temperature of β-BBO, based on the DSC results of the Project 2 precursor, was found to be near 560 °C.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Optical films--Design and construction; Nonlinear optics--Materials; Barium compounds--Properties

Publication Date

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Chemistry (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

School of Chemistry and Materials Science (COS)

Advisor

Marvin Illingsworth

Advisor/Committee Member

Terence Morrill

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at QC378 .F74 2007

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

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