Final Report: Optical Properties of ZBLAN Microspheres Produced in Microgravity
نویسندگان
چکیده
ZBLAN, a member of the heavy-metal fluoride family of glasses, develops microcrystal inclusions when produced in gravity. When solidified in microgravity in the proper way, this crystallization is absent. The mechanism for crystallization is a subject of current research. Microspheres of doped and undoped ZBLAN were fabricated in microgravity to compare their optical properties to spheres fabricated in a 1g environment. Silica-based fibers were produced as a control. Fabricating spheres promises a much simplified means of measuring the attenuation of ZBLAN. The optical transmission properties of ZBLAN can be deduced from the longevity of whispering gallery modes induced in the microspheres. This first trial of the experiment was troubled by surface contamination and material breakdown. The resulting microspheres were too poor in quality to be used as light resonators. A follow-up experiment will improve these issues. It employs a new heating method and improved contamination prevention measures.
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