Glass-forming region, structure, and properties of Ba(PO3)2- and Zn(PO3)2-based fluorophosphate glasses

Fluorophosphate (FP) laser glasses exhibit high rare-earth solubility, low nonlinear refractive index, and a high Abbe number. Fundamental research into their glass-forming regions (GFRs) has significant implications for the development of new FP glass systems. In this research, a thermodynamic prediction method was applied to predict the GFRs of the Ba(PO3)2/Zn(PO3)2-AlF3-RFn (R=Na, K, Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba) system theoretically. Based on predicted results, only a few experiments are needed to confirm actual GFRs. The large overlapping area between the actual and predicted GFRs suggests that this method could serve as an effective means for exploring new FP glass systems. The influence of different alkali/alkaline-earth metal ions on the GFR, physical, and optical properties of FP glass was investigated. The results revealed that Ba(PO3)2-AlF3-RFn systems had a wide composition adjustment range within GFRs for properties adjustment.