The Effects of Gravity and an Axial Magnetic Field on the Crystallization of ZBLAN Glass

Abstract

ZBLAN (ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF) glass is of great interest due to its potential low loss characteristic which is an order of magnitude greater than fused silica. However, it is a fragile glass with a tendency to crystallize which affects the loss coefficient. Results are given showing that microgravity and an axial magnetic field suppress crystallization.