Some properties of rare earth doped soda glass.

To ascertain which properties are sensitive to a crystalline environment about the constituent ions of a normal glass, or included impurity ions, prepared specimens were subjected to a variety of experimental techniques. Measurements were made on soda glasses doped with the elements of the rare earth series using the following techniques: (i) X-Ray Diffraction Spectra; (ii) Conductivity (ionic) Measurements; (iii) Magnetic Susceptibility Measurements; (iv) Optical Absorption Spectra; (v) Electron Spin Resonance. As a result of these measurements it is clear that, for a study of glass systems using rare earth probes, experiments involving either optical or E.S.R. measurements will provide most information about the glass matrix. The electrical conductivity is less likely to provide direct structural information since its value depends upon so many parameters. However, the observed dependence of the resistivity on the ionic moment of the dissolved ions is extremely interesting and requires further investigation.