Abstract: A method for transferring inorganic oxide nanoparticles from aqueous phase to organic phase. A modifier is used to change the surface polarity of inorganic oxide nanoparticles, followed by using proper solvents to transfer the modified inorganic oxide nanoparticles form aqueous phase to organic phase. The organic dispersion of modified inorganic oxide nanoparticles can be combined with a polymer to provide a polymer composite with the nanoparticles uniformly dispersed therein.

Abstract: A method for transferring inorganic oxide nanoparticles from aqueous phase to organic phase. A modifier is used to change the surface polarity of inorganic oxide nanoparticles, followed by using proper solvents to transfer the modified inorganic oxide nanoparticles form aqueous phase to organic phase. The organic dispersion of modified inorganic oxide nanoparticles can be combined with a polymer to provide a polymer composite with the nanoparticles uniformly dispersed therein.

Abstract: A method of preparing a sol-gel material is described. A M(OR)x and an organically modified Si-alkoxide having a predetermined functional group are dissolved in a first solvent and a second solvent to form a first solution and a second solution, respectively. The first solution and the second solution are then mixed and heated. As a result, the M(OR)x reacts with the organically modified Si-alkoxide to form a functionalized sol-gel material. Furthermore, the solid content of the functionalized sol-gel material is increased by transferring the same into another solvent. Therefore, a thick sol-gel film is fabricated by means of the transferred functionalized sol-gel material.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator and a method of manufacturing thereof are described. First, a bottom cladding is formed on a substrate. A waveguide structure having a core region and an attenuation region is subsequently formed on the bottom cladding by photolithography. A top cladding is then formed on the bottom cladding and the waveguide structure, and an electrode is next disposed thereon and is aligned above the attenuation region of the waveguide structure. Further, the waveguide structure is composed of a sol-gel material, which is obtained by mixing a solution of metal alkoxide with a solution of organically modified Si-alkoxide and heating the same.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator and a method of manufacturing thereof are described. First, a bottom cladding is formed on a substrate. A waveguide structure having a core region and an attenuation region is subsequently formed on the bottom cladding by photolithography. A top cladding is then formed on the bottom cladding and the waveguide structure, and an electrode is next disposed thereon and is aligned above the attenuation region of the waveguide structure. Further, the waveguide structure is composed of a sol-gel material, which is obtained by mixing a solution of metal alkoxide with a solution of organically modified Si-alkoxide and heating the same.