Effect of dopant on the physical properties of polymer films for microphotonics

This paper presents experimental results concerning the influence of the additives on the physical properties of polymer films. Metal oxides/inorganic salts were used as additives in vinyl-polymers solutions. The physical properties of the metal doped polymer films can be significantly modified by the composition of the doping elements and the curing conditions of the polymer. Morphologic, electronic, magnetic and optic properties of the doped polymers were analysed by AFM, SEM, Mössbauer spectroscopy and optical measurements. The film composition and the deposition processes were optimized to allow a better control of the optical parameters (refractive index, transmission), to reduce the processing temperatures and to improve the chemical sensitivity of the films for sensor applications. These compounds can be easily spin coated onto a variety of directly patterned semiconductor substrates.