Structure of sol-gel derived Nb2O5 films for active coating devices

Abstract

This work presents the results of structure investigations of sol-gel derived Nb2O5 thin films. Traditional thermal annealing of as-prepared films leading to Nb2O5 crystalline structure formation [1] was substituted by microwave irradiation. The proposed method allows for covering substrates with a different size and shape. The structure of the films was studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and VIS optical absorption measurements. The films exhibit a quantum size effect. The diameter of nanocrystals depends on microwave radiation power and irradiation time. © 2011 Photonics Society of Poland.