Transparent IR glass ceramics: Requirements for the dispersed structure and for the methods of its control

• Published in: Journal of the European Ceramic Society Vol. 41; no. 15; pp. 7852 - 7861
• Main Authors: Ketkova, L.A., Velmuzhov, A.P., Sukhanov, M.V., Stepanov, B.S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2021
• Subjects: Chalcogenide glass ceramics; Dispersed structure; Light scattering models; Transmission; Dispersed structure; Light scattering models; Chalcogenide glass ceramics; Transmission
• ISSN: 0955-2219; 1873-619X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurceramsoc.2021.08.019

Prediction of the material dispersed structure that provides a required transparency is of considerable interest for producing optical glass ceramics (GCs) and two-phase ceramics. А general approach to such prediction is developed using the known light scattering models. The limiting parameters of the IR GC dispersed structure (sizes, contents, refractive indices of crystals) providing the required transmission for the material IR applications are determined. For the first time, along with the IR GC basic structure (crystals smaller than n*100 nm), special attention is paid to the inevitable appearance of larger "erroneous" crystals in the material. Even 10−6-10−4 vol. fractions of 1–10 μm crystals can noticeably reduce the IR GC transmission. The extremely strong influence of "erroneous" crystals on the IR GC transmission and on the results of testing the material for "long-distance" applications is considered. The necessity of their control is demonstrated, and suitable methods are proposed.