Laser glasses with high damage threshold and method of making such glasses

US3954656A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• American Optical Corporation · US

Inventors

• Emil W. Deeg · Woodstock, US
• Robert E. Graf · Southbridge, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 3, 1974
• Grant date: May 4, 1976
• Expiry date: Jun 3, 1994

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C03C3/095
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Laser glasses having high resistance to self-damage during operation are formed in all ceramic melting units, in the presence of a fining agent to eliminate the formation of metallic inclusions and semi-conductive inclusions and using base glass compositions with reduced tendency toward microphase separation and devitrification. The major ingredients of the glass batches include silicon dioxide, alkali and alkaline earth nitrates, carbonates and fluorides. The method involves introducing oxidizing compounds into the reaction mixture in a sufficient amount that during the reaction and fining phase, oxidizing conditions are maintained throughout the entire volume of the glass melt.