CHARACTERIZATION OF FLUORIDE GLASSES IN ZRF4-ZNF2-ALF3 BASED SYSTEM

Stable fluoride glasses have been obtained in the ZrF4-ZnF2-AIF(3) bas ed system. Compared with ZBLAN, glass with composition 23ZrF(4).25ZnF( 2).15AIF(3).I4BaF(2). 13SrF(2).10YF(3) in ZrF4-ZnFr2-AIF(3) possesses favourable mechanical strength, improved chemical durability and good stability against crystallisation. It shows good glass forming ability which allows one to make a glass rod with a 10 mm diameter and longer than 100 mm, although the critical cooling rate is estimated to be la rger than that of ZBLAN system glasses. The fluoride glasses in ZrF4-Z nF2-AIF(3) mag, be used for infrared optics.