Atomic force microscopy of heavy metal fluoride glasses

Atomic force microscopy has been used to investigate the nanotopology of fracture surfaces of heavy metal fluoride glasses. Results on ZrF4-BaF2-LaF3-AlF3-NaF-InF3, with and without Ag as a nucleating agent, are presented. The fracture surfaces of thermally untreated glasses show a typical glass pattern, with small ripples a few nanometers high. The glasses heated to the maximum nucleation temperature did not show any crystalline inclusions with scanning electron microscopy. However, high resolution atomic force microscopy made the nanostructural features visible. The ripples increased in size with increasing holding time and a more regular and elongated shape developed.