TECHNIQUES FOR OBTAINING FAR-INFRARED TRANSMISSION SPECTRA OF HIGH-TC SUPERCONDUCTORS AND RELATED SYNTHETIC PRECURSORS

The far infrared (FT-IR) spectra off Y2O3, CuO, BaO2, YBa2Cu3O7-delta and Tl2Ca2Ba2Cu3O10 have been recorded in the range of 350-60 cm-1. A variety of sample handling techniques have been utilized which include dispersion of the samples in nujol and fluorolube. Additionally, we present preliminary results of a technique of preparing thin films (1-20 mum thick) of these materials. These films do not require a substrate but are dispersed in a polyethylene matrix fused between two polyethylene plates. Such films are suitable for optical applications.