Glasses and glass-ceramics based on GeSe2–Sb2Se3 and halides for far infrared transmission

New glass compositions have been studied by introducing metallic halides into the well known GeSe2–Sb2Se3 system. Glass forming region and thermo-mechanical properties have been investigated for each added constituent. Nanocrystals with controllable size were reproducibly and homogeneously generated in different glassy matrix with different annealing times and temperatures. We have demonstrated that a controlled crystal growth and a molding process can be combined together. The shaped glass-ceramics are still transparent and show improved mechanical properties.