Synthesis, characterization, and potential application of highly chemically durable glasses based on AlF₃

Fluorozirconate glasses are stable with respect to devitrification but have poor chemical durability and only fair mechanical strength. AlF₃-based glasses with improved chemical durability and enhanced mechanical strength are reported here. The optical, mechanical, and thermal properties of these glasses are contrasted to the more familiar ZBLAN composition. The infrared edge of these glasses lies at shorter wavelengths than ZrF₄-based glasses, but aluminum fluoride glasses offer some interesting opportunities for short-range IR fiber applications such as sensing, remote spectroscopy, and laser power propagation.