Abstract
Fluorozirconate glasses, such as ZBLAN (ZrF 4 -BaF 2 -LaF 3 -AlF 3 -NaF ), have the potential for optical transmission from 0.3 μm in the ultraviolet to 7 μm in the infrared regions. However, crystallites formed during the fiber-drawing process prevent this glass from achieving its desired transmission range. The temperature at which the glass can be drawn into a fiber is known as the working range, defined as (Tx-Tg), bounded by the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the crystallization temperature (Tx). In contrast to silica glasses, the working temperature range for ZBLAN glass is extremely narrow. Multiple ZBLAN samples were subjected to a heating and quenching test apparatus on the parabolic aircraft under a controlled μ-g and hyper-g environments and compared with 1-g ground tests. Optical microscopy examination elucidates that crystal growth in ZBLAN is suppressed and initiates at a later temperature when processed in a microgravity environment. Thus, the crystallization temperature, Tx, at which the crystals form has increased. The glass transition temperature, Tg, remains constant, as crystallization does not occur until approximately 360°C for this composition of ZBLAN. Therefore, the working temperature range for ZBLAN has been broadened.
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