Confocal Raman investigations on hybrid polymer coatings

Abstract Confocal Raman spectroscopy has been applied to investigate polycarbonate substrates equipped with sol–gel derived hybrid polymer films 20.2 and 6.2 μm in thickness. The spatial intensity distribution of the Raman bands by varying the focal position within the sample has been studied by means of confocal Raman spectroscopy. The dimensions of the focus within the different sample regions have been characterized by a modified theoretical model that considers not only the refraction effect, but also diffraction effect. The interfacial coating/substrate region has been experimentally and theoretically studied.