| The following thesis will discuss new applications of sol-gel derived materials designed to tune specific optical properties of optical resonant cavities. Sol-gel thin films are modified through the use of titanium precursors, surfactant templating models, and annealing method. Optical properties of the sol-gel thin films can be studied using high Quality factor microcavities. Characterization is also preformed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Specroscopy, Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).;Using a combination of Finite Element modeling and resonant wavelength tracking, we can determine the thermo-optic coefficient and materials loss of a high refractive index composite sol-gel thin film. Determining a material's thermo-optic coefficient is important to determine its suitability in optical switches. For doping purposes, a low temperature curing method is studied using ultraviolet radiation as a substitute for thermal energy will be discussed in Chapter 5. Finally, Chapter 6 will study the deposition of an ordered porous thin film can be templated using organic surfactant molecules.;These three methods of modifying sol-gel thin films present important applications to that can modify the optical properties of resonant cavities. Further examination of the thin films properties is important for their applications in optical sensing and I will discuss the ramifications of their applications in integrated optical systems. |
