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At least 1,081 records · Page 60

Solid state synthesis, crystal growth and optical properties of urea and p-chloronitrobenzene solid solution

Urea is an attractive material for frequency conversion of high power lasers to UV (for wavelength down to 190 nm), but its usage is hindered due to its hygroscopic nature, though there is no alternative organic NLO crystal which could be transparent up to 190 nm. The hygroscopic character of urea has been modified by making the solid solution (UCNB) of urea (U) and p-chloronitrobenzene (CNB). The formation of the solid solution of CNB in U is explained on the basis of phase diagram, powder XRD, FTIR, elemental analysis and single crystal XRD studies. The solubility of U, CNB and UCNB in ethanol solution is evaluated at different temperatures. Transparent single crystals of UCNB are grown from its saturated solution in ethanol. Optical properties e.g., second harmonic generation (SHG), refractive index and the band gap for UCNB crystal were measured and their values were compared with the parent compounds. Besides modification in hygroscopic nature, UCNB has also shown the higher SHG signal and mechanical hardness in comparison to urea crystal. - Highlights: • The hygroscopic character of urea was modified by making the solid solution • Solid solution formation is support by elemental, powder- and single crystal XRD • Crystal of solid solution has higher SHG signal and mechanical stability. • Refractive index and band gap of solid solution crystal have determined.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Cysteine sensing by plasmons of silver nanocubes

Noble metal nanoparticles are considered to be valuable nanostructures in the field of sensors due to their spectral response sensitivity to small changes in the surrounding refractive index which enables them to detect a small amount of molecules. In this research, we use silver nanocubes of about 50 nm length to detect low concentrations of cysteine, a semi-essential amino acid. Following cysteine adsorption onto the nanocubes, a redshift in the plasmonic modes was observed, enabling the detection of cysteine down to 10 µM and high sensitivity of about 125 nm/RIU (refractive index units). Furthermore, we found that multilayer adsorption of cysteine leads to the stabilization of the silver nanocubes. The cysteine growth onto the nanocubes was also characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). - Highlights: • Silver nanocubes (50 nm length) are used to detect low concentrations of cysteine. • A redshift in the plasmonic modes was observed following cysteine adsorption onto the nanocubes. • The cysteine growth onto the nanocubes is also characterized by TEM.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Physical and absorption properties of titanium nanoparticles incorporated into zinc magnesium phosphate glass

We report the influences of Titania (TiO{sub 2}) nanoparticles (NPs) on the physical and optical properties of melt quench synthesized zinc magnesium phosphate glasses. Five glass samples with composition (42 − x)P{sub 2}O{sub 5}–50ZnO–8MgO–xTiO{sub 2}, where x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 mol% are prepared and characterized. XRD pattern verified the amorphous nature of all samples. TEM images manifested the growth of Ti NPs of average size ≈ 5.78 nm. TiO{sub 2} NP concentration dependent variation in the physical properties including glass density, molar volume, molar refractivity, electronic polarizability and ionic packing density are determined. The values of glass refractive indices, density and ionic packing density are increased with the increase of TiO{sub 2} NP contents. Conversely, the Urbach energy, direct and indirect optical band gap are found to decrease with the increase of TiO{sub 2} NP concentration. These glass compositions may be potential for various solid state devices including laser. - Highlights: • TiO{sub 2} NP embedded self-cleaning phosphate glass are synthesized for the first time. • Well dispersed and uniform sized TiO{sub 2} NPs are grown. • Absorption spectra revealed prominent peak in the UV region. • TiO{sub 2} NPs strongly influenced the physical and absorption features of synthesized glasses. • The effects of TiO{sub 2} NPs on the physical and optical properties of these glasses are determined.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Characterization of thin films prepared by co-sputtering iron and titanium precursors and thermal oxidation under air atmosphere

Highlights: • Thin films of mixed iron and titanium oxide were prepared by Ti-Fe annealing. • Segregation and phase separation of iron and titanium oxides are observed. • Formation of iron rich (Fe{sub x}O) nanoparticles at the surface region is revealed. • Formation of thin films with high refractive index can be obtained. - Abstract: Nanocomposites of metal oxides are useful materials for operation in many energy conversion systems. In this study, such nanocomposites were prepared by oxidation of mixtures of iron and titanium precursor metallic thin films at 520 °C under air atmosphere. The metallic films with different iron percentages were obtained by radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering on glass and silicon substrates. The films were characterized by means of X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, High Resolution Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRSTEM), Ellipsometry and X-ray Photo-electron Spectroscopy (XPS). The results show that these films present mainly two nanometric phases, namely Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} and TiO{sub 2}. A phase separation was observed; the film surface was found to be iron rich oxide or clusters of iron rich oxide (Fe{sub x}O{sub y}, x > y), whereas titanium accumulated deeply in the bulk, forming TiO{sub 2} far below the film surface. A red shift of optical absorption as well as a relatively stable high refractive index (varying between 3.1 and 3.5) over a broad band of optical frequencies was observed for the films containing higher iron initial concentrations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Optical constants and crystal chemical parameters of Sc{sub 2}W{sub 3}O{sub 12}

Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Single crystal growth of Sc{sub 2}W{sub 3}O{sub 12}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Optical constants of Sc{sub 2}W{sub 3}O{sub 12} redetermined. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Difference between obs. and calc. polarizabilities attributed to crystal structure. -- Abstract: The refractive indices of Sc{sub 2}W{sub 3}O{sub 12}, measured at wavelengths of 435.8-643.8 nm, were used to calculate n{sub a} = 1.7331, n{sub b} = 1.7510, n{sub c} = 1.7586 at {lambda} = 589.3 nm and n{sub {infinity}} values at {lambda} = {infinity} from a one-term Sellmeier equation. Mean refractive indices, Left-Pointing-Angle-Bracket n{sub D} Right-Pointing-Angle-Bracket , and mean dispersion values, Left-Pointing-Angle-Bracket A Right-Pointing-Angle-Bracket , are, respectively, 1.7475 and 110 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup -16} m{sup 2}. Total electronic polarizabilities, {alpha}{sub obs}, were calculated from n{sub {infinity}} and the Lorenz-Lorentz equation. The unusually large difference between the observed polarizability of 28.415 Angstrom-Sign {sup 3} and the calculated total polarizability {alpha}{sub T} of 26.74 Angstrom-Sign {sup 3} ({Delta} = +6.3%) is attributed to (1) a large M-O-W angle, and (2) a high degree of W 5d-O 2p and Sc nd-O 2p hybridization, where n signifies unspecified Sc d orbitals.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Solution-deposited GdCeO{sub x} thin films: Microstructure, band structure, and dielectric property

Highlights: ► Microstructural and electrical properties of sol–gel-deposited GdCeO{sub x} thin films with different mixing ratios. ► Ce incorporation enhanced crystallization and refractive index, reduced hysteresis, and increased dielectric constant. ► Bandgap gradually decreased with increasing Ce, which was primarily affected by VBO reduction. -- Abstract: The microstructural and electrical properties of solution-deposited GdCeO{sub x} dielectric thin films with different mixing ratios were studied. The Ce incorporation enhanced the degree of crystallization and the refractive index of the Gd{sub 2}O{sub 3} film, reduced the hysteresis and increased the dielectric constant. According to reflective electron energy loss spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, the bandgap of the GdCeO{sub x} film gradually decreased with increasing Ce/(Gd + Ce) atomic ratio, which was primarily affected by the reduction of the valence band offset.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Optical properties of SiOC film by PL spectrometer and reflectance

SiOC films made by the inductive coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition were analyzed by the photo luminance spectra and reflectance. Chemical shift obtained by PL spectra was observed and the reflectance was decreased at sample with low refractive index. The refractive index was in inverse proportion to the thickness of SiOC film. Lowering the reflectance caused to decrease the energy band gap and polarization, so increased an absorbance of the light. Low polarization of SiOC film was induced from the recombination and dissociation of alkyl sites by neighboring high electro negative oxygen. The electron affinity related to the energy band gap at surfaces increased at sample with low polarization, and finally, the reflectance decreased according to the reduction of polarity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Modification of the optical properties of ZnO thin films by proton implantation

Highlights: ► Optical properties of proton-implanted ZnO thin film prepared by rf magneton sputtering were studied. ► Increase in the ordinary refractive index after proton implantation was explained by the polarizability. ► A slight decrease in the optical bandgap by proton implantation was identified. -- Abstract: Optical properties of proton-implanted ZnO thin film prepared by radio-frequency (rf) magneton sputtering have been studied, the optical constants being obtained from the reflectance measurements by employing Cauchy–Urbach model. Increase in the ordinary refractive index after proton implantation was explained by that in the polarizability. Besides, a slight increase in the optical band gap by proton implantation was identified and discussed in terms of the hydrogen shallow donors introduced by the proton implantation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Zinc concentration effect on structural, optical and electrical properties of Cd{sub 1−x}Zn{sub x}Se thin films

Highlights: ► Cd{sub 1−x}Zn{sub x}Se thin films were deposited using SILAR method. ► The electron effective mass, refractive index, dielectric constant values were calculated by using the energy bandgap values as a function of the zinc concentration (x). ► The resistivity and activation energy changed as a function of the zinc concentration (x). -- Abstract: Cd{sub 1−x}Zn{sub x}Se thin films with different compositions (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) were deposited on glass substrates using successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method at room temperature and ambient pressure. The zinc concentration (x) effect on the structural, morphological, optical and electrical properties of Cd{sub 1−x}Zn{sub x}Se thin films were investigated. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies showed that all the films exhibited polycrystalline nature and were covered well on glass substrates. The energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) analysis confirmed nearly stoichiometric deposition of the films. The energy bandgap values were changed from 1.99 to 2.82 eV depending on the zinc concentration. Bowing parameter was calculated as 0.08 eV. The electron effective mass (m{sub e}*/m{sub o}), refractive index (n), optical static and high frequency dielectric constants (ε{sub o}, ε{sub ∞}) values were calculated by using the energy bandgap values as a function of the zinc concentration. The resistivity values of the films changed between 10{sup 5} and 10{sup 7} Ω cm with increasing zinc concentration at room temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electronic structure and vibrational properties of KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}

Graphical abstract: With the KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} powder formed by solid state synthesis (left), Raman spectrum (right upper) and XPS valence electronic states (right lower) were measured, agreed with the first-principles results. Highlights: ► KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} powder was obtained by solid state synthesis. ► Vibrational properties of KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} were determined by unpolarized Raman spectrum. ► Electronic structures of KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} were measured by XPS. ► Experimental electronic structure is consistent with the first-principles result. ► KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} has a noticeable refractive indices increase and small NLO effects decrease compared to K{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}. - Abstract: The physical properties of KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} have been considered in comparison with those of K{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} and Rb{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}. The vibrational parameters of KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} have been measured by Raman spectroscopy as very similar to those of K{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}. The electronic structures of KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} have been evaluated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ab initio computations using CASTEP package. A noticeable refractive indices increase and small decrease of nonlinear optical properties have been found in KRbAl{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7} in reference to optical parameters of K{sub 2}Al{sub 2}B{sub 2}O{sub 7}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of oxygen partial pressure on microstructural and optical properties of titanium oxide thin films prepared by pulsed laser deposition

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Microstructural and optical properties are studied systematically. • The optical properties are studied by UV–visible and photoluminescence. • The PL spectra shows two peaks correspond to bandgap of anatase and rutile. • The maximum refractive index of 2.73 is obtained for rutile phase of titania. - Abstract: Nanocrystalline titanium oxide (TiO{sub 2}) thin films were deposited on silicon (1 0 0) and quartz substrates at various oxygen partial pressures (1 × 10{sup −5} to 3.5 × 10{sup −1} mbar) with a substrate temperature of 973 K by pulsed laser deposition. The microstructural and optical properties were characterized using Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence. The X-ray diffraction studies indicated the formation of mixed phases (anatase and rutile) at higher oxygen partial pressures (3.5 × 10{sup −2} to 3.5 × 10{sup −1} mbar) and strong rutile phase at lower oxygen partial pressures (1 × 10{sup −5} to 3.5 × 10{sup −3} mbar). The atomic force microscopy studies showed the dense and uniform distribution of nanocrystallites. The root mean square surface roughness of the films increased with increasing oxygen partial pressures. The UV–visible studies showed that the bandgap of the films increased from 3.20 eV to 3.60 eV with the increase of oxygen partial pressures. The refractive index was found to decrease from 2.73 to 2.06 (at 550 nm) as the oxygen partial pressure increased from 1.5 × 10{sup −4} mbar to 3.5 × 10{sup −1} mbar. The photoluminescence peaks were fitted to Gaussian function and the bandgap was found to be in the range ∼3.28–3.40 eV for anatase and 2.98–3.13 eV for rutile phases with increasing oxygen partial pressure from 1 × 10{sup −5} to 3.5 × 10{sup −1} mbar.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of cation compositions on the electronic properties and optical dispersion of indium zinc tin oxide thin films by electron spectroscopy

Highlights: • REELS analysis can provide optical dispersion and electronic properties of oxide materials. • The band gap varied with In/Zn/Sn compositions and increased after annealing. • The optical properties were examined using REELS in conjunction with the Tougaard–Yubero model. • The dispersion parameters were determined by a single-oscillator Wemple–DiDomenico model. • The Zn and Sn contents play a crucial role in determining the single-oscillator constant and dispersion energy of IZTO thin films. - Abstract: The electronic properties and optical dispersion of indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO) films with different cation compositions were investigated by reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy (REELS). The REELS spectra of IZTO films revealed that the band gap varied with different Sn/Zn ratios and In content. The optical properties were examined with REELS data using Tougaard–Yubero model and the results were compared with the envelope of the transmission spectra obtained using a UV-spectrometer. The dispersion behavior of the refractive index from REELS results was studied in terms of the single-oscillator Wemple–DiDomenico model. The results showed that the different compositions of In/Zn/Sn caused a change in the dispersion parameters of IZTO thin films in contrast to the static values of refractive indices and dielectric constant which remained the same. Our work demonstrated that REELS is an efficient tool to study the optical properties of a material by obtaining the optical parameters.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Growth and characterization of a third order nonlinear optical single crystal: Ethylenediamine-4-nitrophenolate monohydrate

Highlights: • EDA4NPH crystal possesses negative nonlinear refractive index. • The crystal exhibits high third-order NLO susceptibility. • Wide transparency of the crystal makes it suitable for NLO applications. • Dielectric studies substantiate the suitability for electro-optic applications. • The crystal possesses suitable mechanical strength for device fabrication. - Abstract: Bulk crystals of the charge-transfer complex, ethylenediamine-4-nitrophenolate monohydrate, were grown by slow solvent evaporation method from aqueous solution at room temperature. The X-ray diffraction measurements showed that the crystal belongs to centrosymmetric space group C2/c of monoclinic system. The functional groups in the complex were identified using FTIR, FTRaman and FTNMR analyses. The Z-scan measurements revealed the negative nonlinear refractive index of the crystal. The nonlinear absorption coefficient and third order nonlinear optical susceptibility calculated from the measurements were −3.5823 × 10{sup −3} cm/W and 2.3762 × 10{sup −6} esu respectively. The crystal was shown to be highly transparent above 366 nm by UV–vis spectroscopy and a yellow fluorescence was observed from PL spectrum. The TG–DTA and DSC analyses showed that the crystal is thermally stable up to 117.4 °C. The crystals were characterized by dielectric, etching and microhardness studies.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of deposition temperature on the structural and optical properties of CdSe QDs thin films deposited by CBD method

Highlights: • Synthesis of CdSe QDs with L-Cysteine capping agent for applications in nanodevices. • The films of CdSe QDs present uniform and good dispersive particles at the surface. • Effect of bath temperature on the structural and optical properties of CdSe QDs thin films. • Investigation of the optical constants and dispersion parameters of CdSe QDs thin films. - Abstract: Cadmium selenide quantum dots (CdSe QDs) thin films were deposited onto glass substrates by a chemical bath deposition (CBD) method at different temperatures from an aqueous solution containing L-Cysteine (L-Cys) as capping agent. The evolution of the surface morphology and elemental composition of the CdSe films were studied by AFM, SEM, and EDX analyses. Structural and optical properties of CdSe thin films were investigated by XRD, UV–vis and PL spectroscopy. The dispersion behavior of the refractive index is described using the single oscillator Wemple-DiDomenico (W-D) model, and the physical dispersion parameters are calculated as a function of deposition temperature. The dispersive optical parameters such as average oscillator energy (E{sub o}), dispersion energy (E{sub d}), and static refractive index (n{sub o}) were found to vary with the deposition temperature. Besides, the electrical free carrier susceptibility (χ{sub e}) and the carrier concentration of the effective mass ratio (N/m*) were evaluated according to the Spitzer-Fan model.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of GLAD technique on optical properties of ZnS multilayer antireflection coatings

Highlights: • ZnS multi-layer antireflection coatings have been prepared by GLAD technique. • XRD analysis depicts that all the multi-layer samples are crystallized in cubic structure. • FESEM images confirmed the multi-layer and inclined formation of specimens. • Transmission increment and refractive index decrement obtained for the multi-layer samples. • Incredible impression of GLAD technique on multi-layer coatings is realized. - Abstract: In this work, we prepared Zinc sulfide (ZnS) multi-layer antireflection coatings applying glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique by physical vapor deposition method. By comparing the structural and optical properties of the samples prepared at normal and inclined single layer coatings, salient effect of multi-layer coatings composed of normal and inclined layers are observed. Relative improvement in crystallinity of the GLAD produced films with respect to inclined single layer resulted from X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Despite high increment in average transmission, explicit reduction in refractive index of the multilayer specimens are obtained by Ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–VIS) analysis. Both the abovementioned changes are in the direction of improving the anti-reflectivity features.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Optical, morphological and durability studies of quaternary chalcogenide Ge-Sb(As)-(S,Te) films

Highlights: • Films of two glassy chalcogenide systems of Ge{sub x}-Sb/As{sub 40-x}-S{sub 50}-Te{sub 10} were studied. • Optical constants as function of films composition are obtained in 0.25–30 μm range. • The transparent zone of the films is in the (0.6–2.5) μm spectral range. • The vibrational modes were determined from IR-SE, FTIR and Raman. • The stability of the films after QT was proved by AFM, SEM and SE analyses. - Abstract: Thin films from two glassy systems of Ge{sub x}Sb{sub 40-x}S{sub 50}Te{sub 10} and Ge{sub x}As{sub 40-x}S{sub 50}Te{sub 10}, with compositions x = 10, 20 and 27 at. %, were deposited on optical glass substrates by vacuum thermal evaporation of powdered parent chalcogenide glasses. The complex refractive index and dielectric constants of the films are determined by ellipsometry in a wide spectral range of 0.25–30 μm. In the transparent spectral region of 0.6–2.5 μm the refractive index values are within 2.9–2.3 and 3.3–2.4 for the As-contained and Sb-contained films, respectively. From the IR and Raman data analysis the basic chemical and oxygen-related impurity bonds are identified. The films durability properties were established by applying the US Military Standard quality tests. The quality-test-induced-changes in surface morphology were evaluated. The films are relatively stable after quality test treatments, which cause a small degree of densification and surface roughening for Sb-containing films and surface flattening for As-containing ones.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Sequential Infiltration Synthesis of Bilayer Porous Alumina Nanostructures for Broad-Angle, Broadband Antireflective Coatings

Antireflective coatings (ARCs) are thin films engineered to reduce light reflections. Delivering broadband, wide-angle performance is essential for photovoltaics, imaging, and sensing, yet truly omnidirectional antireflection remains difficult due to angle-dependent optical paths and a narrow palette of suitable refractive indices. Here, in this study, we systematically investigate an emerging class of multilayer inorganic ARCs based on conformally coated nanoporous alumina templated by intrinsically microporous polymers (PIMs) and block copolymers (BCPs). We establish a design framework that maps thickness reflectance relationships to identify thickness pairs minimizing reflection across wavelength and incidence angle. We show that deliberately separating the local reflectance minima of the top and bottom layers in bilayer nanostructures broadens the antireflective bandwidth and angular range. We show that 235-nm single-side bilayer porous alumina nanostructures achieves under 2 % reflectance from 380–750 nm for incidence angles up to 45° with less than 0.6% reflectance for incidence angles under 20°. The approach is readily extensible to additional layers or materials with refractive indices tuned via templated nanoporosity and composition, enabling practical, etch-free ARC fabrication without HF or fluorinated precursors and advancing straightforward design of broadband, wide-angle (quasi-omnidirectional) ARCs for next-generation optical systems.

antireflective coatings↗

Measuring the complex optical conductivity of graphene by Fabry-Pérot reflectance spectroscopy [Determination of the optical index for few-layer graphene by reflectivity spectroscopy]

Here, we have experimentally studied the optical refractive index of few-layer graphene through reflection spectroscopy at visible wavelengths. A laser scanning microscope (LSM) with a coherent supercontinuum laser source measured the reflectivity of an exfoliated graphene flake on a Si/SiO 2 substrate, containing monolayer, bilayer and trilayer areas, as the wavelength of the laser was varied from 545nm to 710nm. The complex refractive index of few-layer graphene, n-ik, was extracted from the reflectivity contrast to the bare substrate and the Fresnel reflection theory. Since the SiO 2 thickness enters to the modeling as a parameter, it was precisely measured at the location of the sample. It was found that a common constant optical index cannot explain the wavelength-dependent reflectivity data for single-, double- and three-layer graphene simultaneously, but rather each individual few-layer graphene possesses a unique optical index whose complex values were precisely and accurately determined from the experimental data.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗