Raman Spectrum and Thermal Stability of a Newly Developed TeO2-BaO-BaF2-La2O3-LaF3 Glass

In this work, a new TeO2-BaO-BaF2-La2O3-LaF3 oxyfluorotellurite glass system is investigated. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) and structural analysis by Raman scattering spectra are reported on the glasses. The DTA results indicated that an increase of fluoride content in the glasses decreases the glass transition temperature (Tg) and increases the crystallization onset temperature (Tx). As a result the 70TeO2•20BaF2•10LaF3 glass showed a large Hruby's parameter, possessing excellent thermal stability. Changes in glass network structure with fluoride content are discussed based on the Raman scattering spectra of glasses. The glass network structures in the 70TeO2• (20-x)BaO•xBaF2• (10-y)La2O3•yLaF3 glasses are basically composed of both Te(O, F)4 and Te(O, F)3 units, but the Te(O, F)4/Te(O, F)3 ratio in the glass becomes higher with increasing fluoride content. This may be considered one of the reasons why the 70TeO2•20BaF2•10LaF3 glass exhibits excellent thermal stability.