Steady-state absorption and emission measurements for an infrared (IR) dye
have been reported. Measurements in liquid solutions and in hybrid organic/
inorganic zirconia-based thin films synthesized with a sol-gel technique ha
ve been carried out. The optical properties of films as a function of the d
ensification temperature have also been investigated. The results are discu
ssed in terms of the presence of monomer and dimer species of the dye and o
f the physical and chemical interactions with the host matrix. (C) 2000 Els
evier Science S.A. All rights reserved.