Synthesis conditions influence on the properties of Bi-activated Mg-Al-silicate NIR-emitting glasses.

This paper examines the synthesis conditions which influence the optical properties of the glass. For the experiments, 12% mol. MgO + 30% mol. AI₂O₃ + 57%mol SiO₂ glass composition is chosen with additional Bi₂O₃ doping. This composition corresponds to ternary euthectic point with melting temperature 1350degC. The samples (~50g each) were sintered for 4 hours starting from reagent-grade oxide powders in alumina crucibles in air. After the synthesis the crucibles were extracted from the oven and cooled in air. The resulting scatter- and inclusions-free pink-colored glass was annealed starting from 700degC. 2-mm thick polished plates were fabricated of all the synthesized glasses.