New lead-fluorozirconate glasses containing BIF3

Abstract New lead-fluorozirconate glasses in the system ZrF4–PbF2–BiF3 were investigated. The stabilizing effect of BiF3 on the binary system ZrF4–PbF2 glasses was established. A complete investigation of this system allowed us to obtain samples of up to 3 mm in thickness. Its further optimization was achieved by introduction of other fluorides resulting in increased resistance to devitrification. Thermal and optical data are reported.