TEM Specimen Preparation Techniques and Analysis of Photo-Thermo-Refractive Glasses (PTRG)

Abstract Due to their ability to undergo a refractive index change (Δn) induced by appropriate UV irradiation and thermal development, Photo-Thermo-Refractive (PTR) glasses are candidate materials for use in optical applications such as hologram recording, optical data storage, or spectral filters. Although this induced index modulation (Δn) has been characterized in terms of its optical ramifications, glass scientists are working to understand more clearly, the underlying mechanisms associated with the photo-induced crystallization process. For example, the phase, concentration and size of crystals responsible for the induced index change, the diffusion and growth process leading to the resultant optical behavior, and the precise role of the active components of PTR glasses, has yet to be completely elucidated. Numerous techniques have been employed to address these questions and this paper reports results of sample preparation and analysis of PTR glasses using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).