Effects of TiO2 and ZrO2 on optical properties of organic–inorganic hybrid polymers and thin films
TiO2- and ZrO2-doped hybrid polymers were prepared by an anhydrous sol–gel process, and their optical properties were studied. Incorporation of TiO2 and ZrO2 was found useful in promoting sol–gel condensation reactions and reducing the OH absorption and optical losses of the hybrid polymers. The thermo-optic properties of the TiO2- and ZrO2-doped hybrid polymer thin films were measured, and linear functions were observed for the changes in film thickness and refractive index during thermal scanning tests. The photosensitivity of the hybrid materials upon UV irradiation was observed to increase with the increase of the content of TiO2 and ZrO2, and the mechanisms for TiO2 and ZrO2 enhancing the photosensitivity of the hybrid polymers are discussed.