A Melting Apparatus for the Synthesis of Bulk ZrF sub 4 -Based Fluoride Glass

Heavy metal fluoride glasses are currently prepared by melting of the solid fluoride precursors. We have constructed a melting facility for the synthesis of bulk ZrF sub 4 -based fluoride glass cullet. This stand-alone system provides a controlled (dry and reactive) atmosphere and in-situ quenching of the melts.