Optical characterization of oxadiazoles analogues doped PMMA film for photonic application

In the present study, newly synthesized nitrobenzene derivatives (PBT and PBF) doped poly(methyl methacrylate) films were prepared using spin coating techniques, and their optical properties were analyzed. The absorption spectra of various weight percentages (0.02%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%) of nitrobenzene derivative-doped polymer films were recorded using a UV–visible spectrometer. From the absorption spectra, optical properties such as refractive index, band gap energy, extinction coefficient, and dielectric constant were calculated. The effect of doping on the optical properties of PMMA was investigated, with results revealing normal dispersive behavior from the refractive index and extinction coefficient. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy images indicated that the synthesized films have a low degree of roughness and a smooth surface. Additionally, the nonlinear optical properties of the PBF-doped polymer film were investigated, and the β value was determined to be 7.403 cm/W. Overall, the findings suggest that PBF-doped polymer films are promising candidates for photonic applications.