Abstract
We investigate here the properties of fast sol-gel for optical bonding. The precursors of the fast sol-gel material are organically modified alkoxides generating a transparent hybrid (organic-inorganic) substance with silica glass-like properties whose index of refraction can be modified by the addition of various metal-oxides. The fast sol-gel method consists of rapid fabrication of a viscous resin and its subsequent dilution for long shelf life use. This material, when used as an adhesive offers the option of either a thermal or UV curing procedure. We demonstrate a bonding strength of ~ 10 MPa when a 15 µm layer is applied between two glass elements. The bonding remained stable after an extensive -40ºC – 120ºC temperature cycling with minimal residual solvent evaporation at 150ºC. The fast sol-gel material was tested for optical bonding between silica bulks, between silica bulk and silicon wafers and as an adhesive in silica fibre couplers.
Highlights
Robust optical bonding is essential for advanced optical systems
We present here an alternative bonding method, based on fast sol-gel, which successfully combines the simplicity of organic bonding materials with optical and physical properties of glass-like materials
The adhesive material is easy to process and its optical and physical properties can be adapted to specific requirements
Summary
Robust optical bonding is essential for advanced optical systems. Most optical adhesive materials that are in use today are based on organic constituents such as epoxy, UV-cured acrylic and silicone polymers, and suffer from poor thermal and irradiation stability and limited transparency [1]–[4]. We present here an alternative bonding method, based on fast sol-gel, which successfully combines the simplicity of organic bonding materials with optical and physical properties of glass-like materials This method provides high optical quality bonding with high thermal and irradiation power stability. The fast sol-gel method allows preparation of crack-free bulks or films without shrinkage and with low residual organic content (∼ 20 wt%) in a relatively short process [26]–[28] These materials exhibit excellent optical qualities, are thermally stable and have good adhesive properties. The fast sol-gel method uses a combination of organically modified alkoxides with traditional alkoxides as precursors, obtaining a final product which is an organic-inorganic hybrid with properties that vary from silicone rubber to silica glass We have adapted this method for manufacturing optical bonding materials
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