Reactive Ormogels: A New Class of Hybrid Materials for Photonics

Abstract

A newly emerging class of inorganic-organic hybrids is presented as promising materials for passive and active components of photonic devices. Reactive (photopolymerizable) ormogels (organically modified gels) are inorganic-organic macromers equipped in reactive groups capable of heat or radiation induced polymerization. They are similar to reactive oligomers, components of UV-curable formulations, but differ in that their main backbone is inorganic in nature. Strategies leading to the synthesis of reactive ormogels include: hydrolytic and non-hydrolytic sol-gel processing of organosilanes, and metal alkoxide and functional silylation of colloidal inorganic oxides. Potential applications of the photopolymerizable ormogels are discussed. The most promising applications include: • Host materials for rare earth ions and organic laser dye dopants. • UV-imprinted channel and planar waveguides for IO devices. • Protective coatings and claddings for optical fibers.