Preparation of tellurite thin films from tellurium isopropoxide precursor by sol–gel processing

An investigation into the use of sol–gel processing for the fabrication of tellurite (TeO2) thin films from tellurium isopropoxide (Te(OPri)4) is described. Commercial tellurium isopropoxide was characterised structurally and its hydrolysis was studied. The work also involved the identification of suitable strategies to control the hydrolysis reaction of tellurium isopropoxide to allow thin films to be successfully produced and characterised. The transmittance of thin films was investigated, together with their phase composition. The success in producing these thin films by sol–gel processing provides new opportunities for making tellurite thin film devices for practical applications, such as optical data storage and non-linear optical switching.