NiO-induced crystallization and optical characteristics of Li2O-CaF2-P2O5 glass system

Li2O-CaF2-P2O5 glasses mixed with different concentrations of NiO (ranging from 0 mol% to 2.0 mol%) were crystallized. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy and differential thermal analysis. Studies were extended to optical absorption and magnetic susceptibility of these glass ceramic samples. The XRD and SEM studies reveal the presence of lithium phosphate, calcium phosphate and nickel phosphate crystal phases. The optical absorption studies together with magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate a gradual transformation of nickel ions from tetrahedral sites to octahedral sites (lasing sites) as the concentration of NiO is increased beyond 0.8 mol%.