Surface polariton excitation in a ceramic surface

This final report relates to the work done within the framework of the innovation project "Ceramic based Surface Polariton SensoC. The activity includes literature studies, calculations of optical properties of thin films, deposition experiments with titanium oxide on different substrates, and measurements of reflectance and transmittance in the infrared wavelength range. A number of possible combinations of IR-transmitting substrates and ceramic reststrahlenband materials have been identified as possible candidates in the proposed poiariton sensor. The calculations have shown that excitations can be obtained in a Ti02 film on a dielectric substrate, A number of Ti02 filMS with a thickness of 100 to 1760 nm have been deposited in two different magnetron sputtering units. These coatings have been analysed with respect to IR-reflectance and transmittance. Reststrahlen bands have been observed in accordance with the thin film calculations regarding the position of the band, but not to its strength. Finally, some suggestions are made for further work.