Formation and properties of glasses in the CaF2AlF3P2O5 system

Glasses from the system CaF₂AlF₃P₂O₅ have been synthesized. Glass formation characteristics, thermal expansion, and optical transmission of these glasses in the visible and infrared regions are described. Incorporation of P₂O₅ in the system greatly suppressed the spontaneous crystallization tendencies of the CaF₂AlF₃ binary system. The glasses obtained from the system transmit in the mid-infrared range. A strong absorption band centerd at 4.8 microns is a characteristic of these glasses. The absorption band is related to the presence of P₂O₅ in the glass.