PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MGF2 THIN-FILM BY A TRIFLUOROACETIC-ACID METHOD

The preparation of magnesium fluoride (MgF2) thin films on silica glas s substrates was studied by a trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) method using trifluoroacetic acid as a fluorine source. The coating solution was pr epared by stirring a mixture of magnesium ethoxide, isopropanol and TF A. MgF2 thin films were obtained by heat-treatment of the slain-coated films below 500 degrees C in air. Higher optical transmittance of the films was observed as compared to the substrates. Field emission scan ning electron microscope (FE-SEM) observation revealed a particle size of less than 50 nm in the films. The formation process of MgF2 from t rifluoroacetate gels was discussed according to the results of the the rmal analysis of the gel. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.