Structure-property correlation in glasses by infrared reflectance spectroscopy

Abstract

The two methods of analysis of infrared reflectance data, i.e. the Kramers-Kronig inversion and the fitting of reflectivity using classical dispersion theory, are reviewed and shown to lead to equivalent results. The potential of infrared reflectance spectroscopy for the quantitative determination of glass structure is demonstrated by showing how proper data analysis can lead to the evaluation of the fraction of four-coordinated boron atoms in single and mixed alkali diborate glasses, and to the fraction of six-coordinated germanium atoms in potassium germanate glasses. The glass transition temperature of modified borate glasses is found to be directly related to structural parameters evaluated by infrared reflectance spectroscopy.