OPTICAL-PROPERTIES OF CHLOROPHYLL-DOPED SILICA-GELS

Optical characterization is presented for a silicon oxide amorphous ma trix (prepared by the sol-gel method) doped with chlorophyll. The gel fabrication procedure and the doping process are first described. Then the optical behaviour from ultraviolet to far infrared is analysed. G el samples with and without chlorophyll are studied morphologically by SEM in order to determine the spatial homogeneity of the gel matrix a nd the chlorophyll distribution. Finally, a mathematical model is prop osed for behaviour of the gel-doped absorption coefficient as a functi on of chlorophyll concentration.