Preparation and characterization of MgF2 thin film by a trifluoroacetic acid method

The preparation of magnesium fluoride (MgF2) thin films on silica glass substrates was studied by a trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) method using trifluoroacetic acid as a fluorine source. The coating solution was prepared by stirring a mixture of magnesium ethoxide, isopropanol and TFA. 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 scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) observation revealed a particle size of less than 50 nm in the films. The formation process of MgF2 from trifluoroacetate gels was discussed according to the results of the thermal analysis of the gel. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science S.A.