Novel Perspective Coatings for the Optoelectronic Elements: Features of the Carbon Nanotubes to Modify the Surface Relief of BaF2 Materials

Abstract

It is well known that the optimization of the basic properties of materials is related not only to changes of the substance of the material itself, but can also predict the change of their surface. In this regards, the search for, and study of, new nanostructured coatings based on the laser deposition method becomes extremely promising. Here, we used a laser-oriented deposition technique in order to place carbon nanotubes in a vertical position on the BaF2 surface to modify it. Such modification affected the increasing material transparency, connected with a decrease of the reflection via change the Fresnel losses; hydrophobicity and microhardness as well. Characteristics of the obtained material were studied via spectral analysis, AFM-method, wetting-angle measurements, microhardness estimations to support the possible covalent bonding between the carbon atoms and the interface materials atoms. Moreover, the quantum–chemical calculations completely confirmed the experimental results of the changes of electronic properties of BaF2 substrate after deposition of the CNTs. As the results novel optimized structure based on BaF2 is presented to be used in general optoelectronics, cosmos and laser technique as well.