Tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato)ytterbium(III)

Overview

Tris(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato)ytterbium(III), abbreviated Yb(TMHD)₃, is a heavy rare-earth beta-diketonate complex used as a precursor for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃) and Yb-doped thin films. Ytterbium's 4f¹³ configuration makes it an efficient sensitizer for erbium in 1550 nm optical amplifiers, and Yb₂O₃ itself is a high-κ, wide-bandgap oxide of interest for dielectric and optical applications.

Key Advantages

• High Purity: ≥99.0% with controlled rare-earth cross-contamination, critical for optical performance of Er/Yb co-doped systems
• Good Volatility: Sublimes at moderate temperatures compatible with standard bubbler and solid-source delivery
• Clean Decomposition: Yields Yb₂O₃ films with low carbon and halide residues
• Optical-Grade Quality: Suitable for waveguide amplifier and photonic device deposition
• Inert Atmosphere Packaging: Sealed under nitrogen or argon for long-term stability

Applications

Er/Yb Co-Doped Optical Amplifiers

Yb³⁺ is the primary sensitizer for Er³⁺ in 1550 nm telecommunications amplifiers. Yb(TMHD)₃ co-deposited with Er(TMHD)₃ and a host oxide (Al₂O₃, SiO₂, or Y₂O₃) enables integrated on-chip waveguide amplifiers with high pump absorption efficiency and low noise figure.

Yb₂O₃ High-k Dielectrics

Ytterbium oxide (κ ≈ 11–13) is investigated as a high-k dielectric for advanced gate stacks and DRAM capacitors. Yb₂O₃ offers a large conduction band offset with Si, good thermal stability, and is compatible with standard CMOS processes.

Yb-Doped Scintillator Coatings

Yb-activated oxide scintillators deposited from Yb(TMHD)₃ are explored for X-ray and neutron detection applications where thin-film scintillator geometry improves spatial resolution compared to bulk crystals.

Upconversion & Luminescent Films

Yb³⁺ sensitizer co-doped with Er³⁺ or Tm³⁺ enables near-infrared-to-visible upconversion photoluminescence. ALD-deposited Yb/Er or Yb/Tm films from TMHD precursors are studied for solar cell enhancement layers and bioimaging substrates.

Manufacturing Capabilities

We offer Yb(TMHD)₃ from research quantities (25g) to production scale with consistent quality. Custom packaging under inert atmosphere available. Glass packaging required for all orders.

Important Safety Information

Warning: This compound should be handled by qualified professionals in a laboratory environment. Store under inert atmosphere to prevent hydrolysis. Use appropriate PPE including gloves, safety glasses, and lab coat. Refer to SDS for complete safety information.