J. A. Burunkova

Self-Organization of ZnO Nanoparticles on UV-Curable Acrylate Nanocomposites

Our work focused on synthesis and investigation of nanoparticles role in structuring of homogenous nanocomposite based on ZnO nanoparticles in UV-curable monomers mixture. Due to strong interaction between nanoparticles surface and polymerizable carboxylic acid, nanoparticles were distributed homogeneously, and density of nanocomposite increased also in comparison with pure polymer matrix. Light scattering, plasticity, and water sorption non-monotonically depends on the concentration of nanoparticles concentration. UV-curable active matrix polymerization on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles was investigated using IR spectroscopy. The set of structural modifications of polymeric nanocomposites were observed by ASM, light scattering, Brinell hardness, and water sorption.Suggestions that the nanoparticles in the polymerization process play the role of photocatalysts and provide structuring effect on the nanocomposite were discussed.

Optical Nanocomposites Based on High Nanoparticles Concentration and Its Holographic Application

© 2012 Denisyuk et al., licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Optical Nanocomposites Based on High Nanoparticles Concentration and Its Holographic Application

Fabrication and properties of luminescence polymer composites with erbium/ytterbium oxides and gold nanoparticles

Summary Rare-earth-doped optical materials are important for light sources in optoelectronics, as well as for efficient optical amplification elements and other elements of photonics. On the basis of the previously developed method of anhydrous, low-temperature synthesis of Er/Yb oxides from their chlorides we fabricated proper nanoparticles with defined parameters and used them for the development of optically transparent, luminescent polymer nanocomposite with low optical scattering, suitable for direct, light-induced formation of photonic elements. Introduction of preformed gold nanoparticles in such a nanocomposite was also performed and an enhancement of luminescence due to the influence of plasmon effects was detected.

Subwavelength microstructures fabrication by self-organization processes in photopolymerizable nanocomposite

This paper describes our research results on nanometers sizes subwavelength nanostructure fabrication by UV curing of special nanocompositematerial with self-organization and light self-focusing effects. For this purpose, special UV curable nanocomposite material with a set of effects was developing: light self-focusing in the photopolymer with positive refractive index change, self-organization based on photo-induced nanoparticles transportation, and oxygen-based polymerization threshold. Both holographic and projection lithography writing methods application for microstructure making shows geometrical optical laws perturbation as result of nanocomposite self-organization effects with formation of nanometers-sized high-aspect-ratio structures. Obtained results will be useful for diffraction limit overcoming in projection lithography as well as for deep lithography technique.

TiO 2 -acrylate nanocomposites elaborated by UV-curing with tunable properties

Abstract. Homogeneous TiO2–acrylate nanocomposite with low optical scattering were prepared by UV curing. The surface of the nanoparticles was modified by carbonic acids to control the aggregation between the nanoparticles. Effects of TiO2 content on the properties of nanocomposite (transmission, refractive index, mechanical properties, internal structure) were investigated. Depending on the composition of the matrix hard materials with high refractive index or light sensitive layers for holographic recording can be obtained. The first are interesting for medical applications, the last for photonics. For example, TiO2 nanocomposite was used for in situ fabrication of holographic gratings by interference lithography. Formation of the grating samples with high diffraction efficiency (20 %) is based on the light-stimulated mass-transport processes in the polymerized layer during the recording without any additional treatments. The relief formation has been investigated by AFM measurements too. These materials are designed for applications in integrated optics, elements of optics, in nanolithography.

Optical recording in functional polymer nanocomposites by multi-beam interference holography

Our investigations relate to the development of new polymer nanocomposite materials and technologies for fabrication of photonic elements like gratings, integrated elements, photonic crystals. The goal of the present work was the development and application of the multi-beam interference method for one step, direct formation of 1-, 2- or even 3D photonic structures in functional acrylate nanocomposites, which contain SiO2 and Au nanoparticles and which are sensitized to blue and green laser illumination. The presence of gold nanoparticles and possibility to excite plasmonic effects can essentially influence the polymerization processes and the spatial redistribution of nanoparticles in the nanocomposite during the recording. This way surface and volume phase reliefs can be recorded. It is essential, that no additional treatments of the material after the recording are necessary and the elements possess high transparency, are stable after some relaxation time. New functionalities can be provided to the recorded structures if luminescent materials are added to such materials.

Holographic nanocomposite and a related diffraction element

Highly selective volume-diffraction gratings are recorded on a holographic acrylate nanocomposite. The holographic characteristics of the gratings are studied. It is shown that the diffraction efficiency of gratings can reach 50% and a 3D hologram is formed. The refractive index modulation is 0.048–0.065.

Patterning photosensitive layers for optoelectronic applications

The technology of light-sensitive amorphous chalcogenide layers, made from As-Ge-Se raw glasses, thick layers of acrylic polymers, made from mixture of isomers as well as two types of nanocomposites of these materials with gold nanoparticles was developed. These layers were used for direct, one-step surface geometrical and optical (amplitude-phase) relief recording by laser- or electron-beams. Investigations were directed to the establishment of giant geometrical relief formation processes, which resulted elements like bumps, single lines and diffractive gratings applicable as elements of integrated optics. The mechanism of the recording processes, which include excitation of electron-hole processes, structural transformation or polymerization, as well as mass-transport component was accepted for explanation of comparable effects at light- and electron beam recording. Selection of the materials and recording conditions with best resulting parameters was done.