NEW FLUOROINDATE GLASS COMPOSITIONS

New multicomponent InF3-based bulk glasses have been investigated. The molar composition of the base glass is 28% InF3-20% ZnF2-16.5% BaF2-1 2% GaF3-9% PbF2-6% NaCl-5% SrF2-3% CaF2-0.5% PrF3. A number of variati ons of the base glass were prepared and their refractive indices and d ensities measured. Resistance to crystallization allowed the preparati on of large pieces of the base glass. The infrared and Raman spectra s how that the base composition has a longer wavelength multiphonon edge at 10 mu m and a phonon energy of 509 cm(-1), in comparison with 8 mu m and 574 cm(-1) for ZBLAN. which reveals that the present glasses ha ve a lower phonon energy and a greater transparency in the infrared th an ZBLAN. Reduction of PbF2 concentration in the base composition prov ided glasses with smaller refractive indices than the base glass.