Synthesis and properties of Lu2O3 sol-gel films

Lutetium oxide films have been prepared by the sol-gel method and the dip-coating technique. Transparent and crack free coatings are obtained. Differential Thermal Analysis and infrared spectroscopy were conducted on the dried sol-gel solution in order to determine the structure dependence of the material with temperature. The film microstructure was studied by Raman microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The crystallization of the lutetium oxide phase occurs at 600 degreesC. Opto-geometrical parameters were determined depending on the annealing temperature. After heat treatment at 1000 degreesC, very dense lutetium oxide films are obtained exhibiting a refractive index around 1.8 at 543.5 nm and a thickness of 410 nm. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science BN. All rights reserved.