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Optical and structural properties of LaF3 thin films
Martin Bischoff1, Dieter Gäbler, Norbert Kaiser
1Friedrich-Schiller-University, Institute of Applied Physics, Max-Wien-Platz 1, 07743 Jena, Germany. martin.bischoff@iof.fraunhofer.de
Applied Optics
|May 2, 2008
Summary
Lanthanum fluoride (LaF3) thin films were deposited on CaF2 and silicon substrates. These films exhibit excellent optical and mechanical properties, suitable for various applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Thin Film Technology
- Optical Coatings
Background:
- Lanthanum fluoride (LaF3) is a material with significant optical properties.
- Thin film deposition techniques are crucial for creating advanced optical components.
- Understanding the properties of LaF3 thin films is essential for their application in optics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the optical and mechanical properties of LaF3 thin films.
- To explore the influence of substrate type (CaF2 (111) and silicon) on film characteristics.
- To compare different deposition methods for achieving high-quality LaF3 films.
Main Methods:
- Deposition of LaF3 thin films of varying thicknesses on CaF2 (111) and silicon substrates.
- Low-temperature substrate deposition at 150 degrees C.
- Characterization using optical measurements (transmittance, reflectance, refractive index, extinction coefficient) and mechanical analysis (morphology, crystalline structure).
- Evaluation of boat evaporation and electron beam evaporation techniques.
Main Results:
- LaF3 thin films on CaF2 (111) substrates demonstrated monocrystalline structure and dense, bulk-like morphology.
- Films deposited at 150 degrees C exhibited desirable optical properties.
- Both boat evaporation and electron beam evaporation methods yielded low-loss LaF3 thin films.
Conclusions:
- Low-temperature deposition of LaF3 thin films is feasible and yields high-quality materials.
- LaF3 films on CaF2 (111) possess superior structural and morphological characteristics.
- Electron beam evaporation is a viable alternative to boat evaporation for producing low-loss LaF3 thin films.
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