Performance and structure evolution of fluoindinate glass at high temperatures

Abstract

AbstractFluoindinate glass (FIG) is considered an ideal material for fiber laser devices and mid‐infrared bulk optics components owing to its ultra‐low phonon energy and broad transparency window. However, the heat generated by devices fabricated with FIG during their operation limits its application. Therefore, there is an urgent need to study its high‐temperature properties. In this study, the thermal properties, microstructure, crystal phase behaviors, and optical and luminescent properties of high‐temperature FIG were comprehensively evaluated. We also attempted to reveal the changes in its structure at high temperatures using variable‐temperature Raman spectroscopy. We first found that the stretching vibration intensity of nonbridging F(Fnb) decreases, and the bending vibration of FIG increases with an increase in temperature, indicating that high temperatures could lead to the fracture of bridge bonds between some [InF6]3− octahedrons. Certainly, this will lead to glass structural instability, which will further increase the tendency of FIG to undergo devitrification in high‐temperature conditions. We believe that this work will provide a reference for the performance improvement and application of fluoride glass at high temperatures.