Abstract 9408780 Dunn This research is concerned with the development of optical diagnostic techniques for solution-based processing of inorganic materials. The overall objective of the research program is to develop and create optical probes and spectroscopic methods for solution-based processing of inorganic solids. The dip coating of inorganic films from sol-gel precursors will be emphasized to carefully evaluate the optical probe methods in terms of their effectiveness and sensitivity. In addition, the studies will be extended to include a variety of compositions, another solution-based film deposition method (spin coating) and a different film configuration (multilayers). The outcome of the research will be the science and spectroscopy of optical probes for solution-based processing of materials. The proposed techniques offer the opportunity to use optical signals to characterize processing parameters in real-time. The techniques are compatible with computer-controlled, "intelligent manufacturing" for materials processing. %%%% The research program has two complementary goals. The first goal is to develop optical probes and spectroscopic methods to characterize the most important ppocessing parameters which will include film viscosity, drying, stress generation and uniformity. The second objective is to utilize the probes to characterize the related chemical and structural changes which occur during film evolution. The different probes will be sensitive to such features as film orientation effects, solvent composition changes, capillary pressure and network collapse. The outcome of the research will be the science and spectroscopy of optical probes for solution-based processing of materials. The techniques discussed in this proposal offer the opportunity to use optical signals to characterize processing parameters in real-time. The techniques are compatible with computer-controlled, "intelligent manufacturing" for materials processing.
