Improvement of infrared transmission of oxynitide glasses

Oxynitride glasses have high mechanical properties in view of their structures. The basic reason of these property is the replacement of nitrogen with oxygen and the ability of performing triple bonding in the structure. Chalgojen and halojen glasses are being commonly utilised for their good light transmittance. However, the oxynitride glasses may be an alternative for chalgojen and halogen glasses with the enhancement of their optical properties.In this study, the optical and mechanical properties of oxynitride glasses were investigated and the effect of different kind of rare earth elements and different nitrogen quantities on the properties of oxynitride glasses were also sought. Besides, the results of hardness, density, optical transmission, bonding characterization tests were explained and interpreted. The highest transmisson values were found in Eu rare earth element doped CaSiAlON and 5 e/o nitrogen included YSiAlON glass systems. Hardness, density, bonding characterisation and Tg tests indicated that nitrogen has the bonding ability to the structure.The results obtained regarding the optical and mechanical properties of oxinitride glasses are going to be a preparatory work for another project, where the production of fiber-glasses are aimed. The compositions known to possess the highest infrared transmission are going to be used initially for the production of fiber-glasses. It is aimed to use the fiber form oxynitride glasses as the carrier of Er:YAG laser.Keywords:Oxynitride glass, mechanical properties, characterisation, infrared transmission.