Dc field induced optical effects in ZnF2-PbO-TeO2:TiO2 glass ceramics

ZnF2-PbO-TeO2 glasses doped with different concentrations of TiO2 were synthesized and subsequently crystallized. The prepared samples were characterized by XRD, SEM and DSC. IR, ESR and optical absorption were studied to explore the influence of titanium valance states and their coordination with oxygen on structural and optoelectronic aspects of the samples. These studies have indicated that there is a possibility for the titanium ions to exist in Ti3+ and Ti4+ states in these glass ceramics and participate in the glass network forming. Finally, we have undertaken second harmonic generation (after the samples were dc field treated at elevated temperatures) with 10 ns Er3+: glass laser (of wavelength 1540 nm with power densities up to 1.5 GW/cm(2)) and birefringence studies (in the wavelength range 420-750 nm) to examine the suitability of these materials for optically operated devices. The results of non linear optical studies were discussed in the light of nature of different micro/nano crystallites ingrained in the glass ceramic samples. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.