NSF-Europe Materials Collaboration: Synthesis, Characterization and Physical Properties of IR Glass-Ceramics with New Functionalities

该项目旨在开发具有定制功能的新一代先进玻璃陶瓷，用于红外光学领域的一系列应用。在硫系玻璃基体中加入不同的成核剂可制备纳米晶体，从而制备出性能新颖、独特的材料。这导致了广泛的潜在应用，包括二次谐波产生的非线性特性，红外传感的纳米孔结构，高灵敏度光学系统的近零热色散和高效发光的稀土掺杂。精细控制玻璃基体中纳米晶体的形态和数量对于提供适当的性能至关重要，因此将使用调制差热法研究成核和生长的基本机制。此外，将研究光致成核现象，以产生局部结晶和产生热不可及的图像化结构。最后，用平均配位数来评价快速冷却的硫族玻璃纤维的机械电阻损失与老化之间的相关性，以提高光学传感器中使用的纤维的电阻。此外，还将研究光致流动性现象，以制备高性能光纤传感器。该项目将汇集两个具有互补技能的研究小组，以加强亚利桑那大学和法国雷恩大学的合作研究。该项目旨在吸引代表性不足的群体进入玻璃科学领域，并向他们传授一系列尖端技术。学生将从该项目中受益，因为他们将在两所机构完成部分课程和研究，并获得两所机构认可的联合博士学位。光学材料是一个快速发展的领域，对光通信、光学传感器、激光制导武器等新技术的实现产生了重大影响。特别是，该项目开发的红外光学系统在危险生化物质的先进检测、改善电信网络的信号传输和为激光防御系统开发稳定的光学系统方面具有独特的潜力。因此，这项研究将在国土安全、信息技术和智能武器设计领域对社区产生影响。此外，该计划将允许学生从代表性不足的群体吸引到材料科学领域，并培养他们在国际背景下的前沿科学，这在当今的全球经济和科学世界中变得至关重要。

This project aims at developing a new generation of advanced glass ceramics with tailored functionalities for a range of application in infrared optics. Various nucleating agents can be added to a chalcogenide glass matrix to produce nano-crystal and generate materials with new and unique properties. This results in a wide range of potential applications including, non-linear properties for second harmonic generation, nanoporous structures for infrared sensing, near-zero thermal dispersion for highly sensitive optical systems and rare earth doping for high efficiency luminescence. A fine control of the morphology and number of nano-crystals in the glass matrix is crucial to deliver the appropriate properties hence the fundamental mechanism of nucleation and growth will be investigated using modulated differential calorimetry. Additionally, the phenomenon of photoinduced nucleation will be investigated in order to generate localized crystallization and produce patterned structures not accessible thermally. Finally, the correlation between loss of mechanical resistance and aging in rapidly cooled chalcogenide glass fiber will be evaluated in terms of average coordination number, in order to improve the resistance of fibers used in optical sensors. Additionally the phenomenon of photoinduced fluidity will be investigated for processing high performance fiber sensors. This program will bring together two research groups with complementary skills to enhance collaborative research at the University of Arizona and University of Rennes, France. The program will seek to attract under-represented groups to the field of glass science and educate them to a range of cutting edge techniques. Students will particularly benefit from the program by performing course work and research partly at both institutions and earning a joint Ph.D. degree recognized at both institutions. Optical materials is a fast developing field that has a large impact on enabling new technologies such as optical communications, optical sensors, laser guided weapons etc... In particular, the infrared optics developed in this project have unique potentials for advanced detection of hazardous bio-chemicals, for improving signal transmission in telecom networks and developing stable optics for laser defense systems. This research will therefore impact the community in the field of homeland security, information technology and smart weapons design. Additionally, this program will allow to attract students from under-represented groups to the field of material science and to train them to cutting-edge science in an international context that is becoming crucial in today's global economy and scientific world.