A comparison of crystalline and vitreous lead borates using laser photoionization mass spectroscopy

A high resolution, laser desorption time of flight mass spectrometer (LITOF-MS) was used to study lead borate glasses and crystals. This technique provides valuable information about glass structure, including the superstructural network units. Several structural units were identified and we found evidence of a lead substructure beginning to form in the glass with increased lead content.