Tellurite-based (TeO2) glass systems are known to have relatively high chemical and thermal stability, high transmittance in the infrared region as well as low light dispersion. They also stand out for being excellent host-matrix for rare-earth ions in order to improve the high optical linearity. On the other hand, additional applications involve their use as acoustic-optical materials and photochromic glasses. Parallel to the investigations of the optical properties of TeO2-based glasses, there is a growing interest in the manufacture of transparent oxides containing specific nanocrystals in the glass-matrix, thus promoting the formation of glass-ceramic materials. These new class of materials are very interesting for new optical-glasses applications. In this case, I would be possible, for instance, the investigation of the effect of second-harmonic generation from the incorporation of ferroelectric nanocrystals (NCs) in the glass-matrix. The objective of the present work is to investigate the synthesis and formation of ferroelectric nanocrystals in tellurite glasses-matrix. The samples will be obtained by the quenching method and crystallization kinetics will be studied by using the differential thermal analysis (DTA), Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques.
The authors would like to thank to FAPEMIG, FAPEG and CNPq Brazilian agencies for financial support. R. C. Oliveira also thanks the Materials Science Post-Graduation Program (PPGCM), UNESP, Ilha Solteira – SP, Brazil.