THE SOL-GEL GROUP

Varadh Ranganathan 

"Sol-gel Derived Organic / Inorganic Hybrid Nanocomposites for Optical Applications" 

  Inorganic glasses have been studied to a vast extent for optical applications(integrated optics, optical sensors etc.,). Another class of materials called the "organic/inorganic hybrids" has been of interest in the last few years, for similar applications. This is because these materials allow us to draw from the advantages of both these
materials. For instance, it is possible to:

1. form macropore-free films at lower temperatures,

2. tailor the refractive index

3. achieve good optical clarity (due to the inorganic matrix)

  The focus of this research effort is to synthesize low-loss planar waveguides based on these hybrids, through the Sol-gel route. Sol-gel, being a low temperature processing route has several advantages over other techniques, particularly for introduction of the organics. The project is in its nascent stage still and the materials systems we are looking at are

SiO₂-TiO₂

SiO₂-Y₂O₃

  As a second step, introduction of organics into these inorganic matrices will be taken up. 

  More information on the actual synthesis of the active and passive planar waveguides will be posted as the project progresses.

This page is maintained by Manuel A. Alvarez.
Last updated April 4, 2002.
For any comments or questions please send e-mail to: solgel@rci.rutgers.edu