Preparation of Heavy Metal Fluoride Glasses in the Bulk Form.
Abstract
A controlled atmosphere glass melting facility has been designed and built at SpecTran. A program has been established to developing a reproducible process for the preparation of high purity, fluoride glasses in the bulk form. A dry-box (approx. 10 ppm H2O) has been installed. In addition, a melting furnace has been designed and built. The glasses have been melted under a dry, inert atmosphere, either nitrogen or argon. Both vitreous carbon and platinum crucibles have been used. A black phase has occurred in ten of the first twelve melts. Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy, as well as remelting in CC14 have been used to identify the black phase. It has been determined that water and oxygen have leaked into the melting atmosphere and caused cation reduction. With improved furnace seals, five clear melts have resulted. The inert atmosphere process which has been established appears promising, and should be further developed. Originator supplied keywords include: Optical materials, Infrared materials, Fiber optics.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA153784
Entities
People
- Peter A. Schultz
- R. Beni
- R. Kirk