Study of sol-gel ZrO2 thin film with high laser damage thresholds

ZrO2 Sol was prepared by controlling hydrolysis ZrOCl2 center dot 8H(2)O in heated alcoholic solution. The thin films were deposited by dip technique. The characterization of ZrO2 Sol was analyzed by viscosity, particle size analyzer, IR, DSC and AFM analysis. The results showed that the average size of sol particles was 18.9 nm; the refractive index of coatings treated at 300 degrees C was 1.95; the morphology of coatings surface was smooth, and its average roughness was only 0.561 nm. The laser induced damage threshold of ZrO2 coating was 14 j/cm(2) (1064 nm, 1 ns).