Effects of Large Modifiers in Amorphous Materials Using Time-Domain Terahertz Spectroscopy
Date
2014-03
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering.
Abstract
Terahertz Spectroscopy of glasses is a relatively new field due to recent
developments in terahertz generation and detection. These high frequencies open a range
of possibilities in terms of communication and electronic capabilities. In order to actually
develop these technologies, an understanding of how materials react in this frequency
range is necessary for both photonics and electronics. Oxide glasses are typically used for
their optical properties and also are less subjected to electrical properties with respect to
temperature and aging (i.e. higher reliability).
This study is based on alkaline earth modifiers in glass and its effect on Terahertz
radiation. The alkaline earth modifiers used were barium oxide (BaO), strontium oxide
(SrO), and calcium oxide (CaO). Sodium oxide modifier was also used to aid in forming
the glass, and therefore the effects of sodium oxide addition are presented in this study as
well.
In addition to the Terahertz effects, physical properties of each glass were
characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Density (Archimedes
method), Ultraviolet-Visible absorption (UV-Vis), and Infrared absorption (FTIR). The
glasses were confirmed to be amorphous via X-Ray Diffraction. Differential Scanning
Calorimetry is used to define the glass transition temperature (Tg), and density which
gives insight to the glass structure and the effects in the Terahertz range. Ultravioletvisible
and infrared transmission were used to additionally characterize the glasses in
terms of optics.
The manufacturer of the Terahertz Spectrometer had also given an alternative
method of measurement where powders are mixed with transparent High-Density
Polyethylene (HDPE). This process was explored with glass frit that was quenched by
various methods to induce a change in structure. This was characterized through density;
via Helium Pycnometery and also Differential Scanning Calorimetry.
Also characterized were the terahertz properties of ion-diffused commercial float
glass, as well as glass thickness with respect to terahertz transmission. The paper also
establishes practices for glass characterization of terahertz spectroscopy.
Description
Advisory committee members: S.K. Sundaram, Matthew Hall. Dissertation completed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Glass Science at the Kazuo Inamori School of Engineering, New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University
Type
Thesis