INCLUSION OF FLUOROPHORES IN HYBRID SOL-GEL COATINGS - APPLICATION TOIN-SITU TEMPERATURE-MEASUREMENTS

New organic-inorganic sol-gel films have been prepared starting from a mixture of silicon and zirconium alkoxides using a synthesis process of several steps. Coatings loaded with a fluorescent CaF2:Yr(2+) powde r have been deposited on stainless steel rendered adhesive by a specia l oxidative surface treatment. The final deposits have successfully su pported drastic adherence standard tests after several dips into liqui d nitrogen, and have been used for temperature-dependent fluorescence decay measurement. The loaded gels have been coated on a rotating cyli nder into liquid nitrogen and the fluorescence decay measurement devic e is described. Efficient measurements can be registered at rotating s peeds as fast as 4000 rpm.