Open AccessPhoto-responsive properties of azobenzene small molecules in sol-gel hybrid TiO_2/ormosil organic-inorganic matrices
Author(s) -
Wenxiu Que,
Xiao Hu,
Xulin Xia,
Lu Zhao
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.15.000480
Subject(s) - ormosil , materials science , hybrid material , azobenzene , sol gel , photoisomerization , photodarkening , visible spectrum , molecule , doping , optoelectronics , chemical engineering , optics , polymer , nanotechnology , catalysis , organic chemistry , chemistry , composite material , isomerization , wavelength , fiber laser , engineering , physics
Azodye-doped TiO(2)/ormosil hybrid materials for photonic applications were prepared by a low temperature sol-gel process from an organic-inorganic hybrid system. Acid-catalyzed solutions of gamma-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane and methyltrimethoxysilane mixed with tetrapropyl orthotitanate were used as hybrid matrix precursors. The trans-cis-trans photoisomerization of azobenzene small molecules in sol-gel hybrid organic-inorganic matrices was induced by a photoirradiation with UV light and subsequent visible light. It was found that the hybrid film doped with azodyes and heated at a lower temperature was much better for applications in optical storage or optical switch. The planar waveguide properties of the hybrid films were also investigated by using a prism coupling technique. These results indicates that it is possible for the as prepared hybrid films to allow directly integrating on the same chip the optical storage or optical switch devices with the pump source.