Síntese e fotosensibilização de nanotubos de titanatos

Nesta tese é descrita a preparação de nanotubos de titanatos (TNT) via síntese hidrotérmica alcalina, usando uma nova metodologia que evita a utilização de TiO2 cristalino como precursor. Foi estudada a influência da substituição sódio/protão na estrutura, morfologia e propriedades ópticas dos materiais preparados. Os resultados mostraram que a substituição Na+ → H+ resulta numa redução na distância intercamadas dos TNTs, tendo sido medidos valores entre 1.13±0.03 nm e 0.70±0.02 nm para aquele parâmetro. O comportamento óptico dos TNTs foi estudado na região UV-vis, estimando-se um hiato óptico de energia 3.27±0.03 eV para a amostra com maior teor de sódio enquanto que para a amostra protonada foi determinado um valor de 2.81±0.02 eV. Estes valores mostram que a troca iónica Na+ → H+ teve influência no desvio da banda de absorção dos TNTs para a região do visível próximo. A actividade fotocatalítica dos TNTs na degradação do corante rodamina 6G (R6G) foi posteriormente estudada. Verificou-se que, apesar de a amostra com maior teor de sódio ter sido a que exibiu maior capacidade para adsorver o R6G, foi a amostra protonada que apresentou a actividade catalítica mais elevada na fotodegradação deste corante. Numa segunda fase, e com o objectivo de preparar novos materiais nanoestruturados fotosensíveis, procedeu-se à decoração dos TNTs protonados com semicondutores (SC) nanocristalinos usando um método novo. Para o efeito os TNTs foram decorados com nanocristalites de ZnS, CdS e Bi2S3. Foi estudada a influência do tipo de semicondutor na estrutura, morfologia e propriedades ópticas dos SC/TNTs obtidos. Verificou-se que, para qualquer dos semicondutores usados no processo de decoração, a estrutura dos TNTs é preservada e não ocorre segregação do SC. Verificou-se ainda que a morfologia dos nanocompósitos preparados depende fortemente da natureza do semicondutor. No que respeita ao comportamento óptico destes materiais, foram determinados hiatos ópticos de energia 3.67±0.03 eV, 2.47±0.03 eV e 1.35±0.01 eV para as amostras ZnS/TNT, CdS/TNT e Bi2S3/TNT, respectivamente. Estes resultados mostram que através do processo de decoração de TNTs com semicondutores podem ser preparados materiais nanocompósitos inovadores, com propriedades ópticas novas e/ou pré-definidas numa gama alargada do espectro electromagnético.

New stacked photodevices for signal multiplexing and demultiplexing applications in the visible spectrum

Results on the use of a double a-SiC:H p-i-n heterostructure for signal multiplexing and demultiplexing applications in the visible range are presented. Pulsed monochromatic beams together (multiplexing mode), or a single polychromatic beam (demultiplexing mode) impinge on the device and are absorbed, accordingly to their wavelength. Red, green and blue pulsed input channels are transmitted together, each one with a specific transmission rate. The combined optical signal is analyzed by reading out, under different applied voltages, the generated photocurrent. Results show that in the multiplexing mode the output signal is balanced by the wavelength and transmission rate of each input channel, keeping the memory of the incoming optical carriers. In the demultiplexing mode the photocurrent is controlled by the applied voltage allowing regaining the transmitted information. A physical model supported by a numerical simulation gives insight into the device operation.

Optical demultiplexer device operating in the visible spectrum

In this paper, we present results on the use of multilayered a-SiC:H heterostructures as a device for wavelength-division demultiplexing of optical signals. These devices are useful in optical communications applications that use the wavelength division multiplexing technique to encode multiple signals into the same transmission medium. The device is composed of two stacked p-i-n photodiodes, both optimized for the selective collection of photo generated carriers. Band gap engineering was used to adjust the photogeneration and recombination rate profiles of the intrinsic absorber regions of each photodiode to short and long wavelength absorption in the visible spectrum. The photocurrent signal using different input optical channels was analyzed at reverse and forward bias and under steady state illumination. A demux algorithm based on the voltage controlled sensitivity of the device was proposed and tested. An electrical model of the WDM device is presented and supported by the solution of the respective circuit equations.

SiC pinpin photonic for linking the visible spectrum to the telecom gap

Expanding far beyond traditional applications at telecommunications wavelengths, the SiC photonic devices has recently proven its merits for working with visible range optical signals. Reconfigurable wavelength selectors are essential sub-systems for implementing reconfigurable WDM networks and optical signal processing. Visible range to telecom band spectral translation in SiC/Si can be accomplished using wavelength selector under appropriated optical bias, acting as reconfigurable active filters. In this paper we present a monolithically integrated wavelength selector based on a multilayer SiC/Si integrated optical filters that requires optical switches to select wavelengths. The selector filter is realized by using double pin/pin a-SiC:H photodetector with front and back biased optical gating elements. Red, green, blue and violet communication channels are transmitted together, each one with a specific bit sequence. The combined optical signal is analyzed by reading out the generated photocurrent, under different background wavelengths applied either from the front or the back side. The backgrounds acts as channel selectors that selects one or more channels by splitting portions of the input multi-channel optical signals across the front and back photodiodes. The transfer characteristics effects due to changes in steady state light, irradiation side and frequency are presented. The relationship between the optical inputs and the digital output levels is established. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Solution-Processable Donor-Acceptor-Donor Oligomers with Cross-Linkable Functionality

Electron-acceptor units, combined with bithiophene substituted with flexible chains end-functionalized with cross-linkable moieties, provide soluble donor-acceptor-donor (DAD) it-conjugated oligomer-type molecules with cross-linking ability and broad absorption in the visible spectrum. A study on the cross-linking conditions of the new oligomers to yield insoluble polymer networks is presented, including conditions for obtaining polymer films over poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate-covered substrates. The combination of the DAD molecular design and cross-linking functionality opens prospects for applications in solution-processed small-molecule solar cells with morphologically-stable organic layers.