We report on absorption and emission measurements relative to four differen
t infrared (IR) dye molecules (IR1051, IR26, IR5 and IR1100), incorporated
in hybrid organic/inorganic zirconia-based thin films synthesised with soi-
gel technique. For comparison, measurements in liquid solutions have also b
een carried out. An estimation of the relative quantum efficiency in solid
glassy material with respect to liquid solution is reported for the IR1051
specie. Absorption and emission spectra are discussed in terms of physical
and chemical interactions with the host matrix. To our knowledge, this is t
he first evidence of successful doping of solid films with dyes for planar
waveguides emitting in the infrared region up to 1.3 mu m. (C) 2000 Elsevie
r Science B.V. All rights reserved.