Sol-gel materials investigation by means of Raman spectroscopy

Abstract − Raman spectroscopic studies were carried out to investigate the synthesis of hybrid polymers prepared for photonic applications by a sol-gel technology. The main aim was to analyse the ability of Raman measurements to estimate the efficiency and correctness of particular stages of the technological process. Parameters of measurement systems adequate for hybrid material characterisation were found. Dedicated fibre optic system was attached to reaction glass vessel and on-line monitoring was being performed during the first step of the process- gelation. Hybrid polymer thin films, after deposition on technological substrate, were studied by Raman microscopy. Efficiency and time of the most important reactions such as hydrolysis, epoxy ring opening, amine transformation, double bonds opening can be measured as well as thickness of thin films can be estimated