Trace Doping for Changing the Crystallization of Photonic Glass

Abstract

ABSTRACT Crystallization in glasses is a universal phenomenon and nucleating agents are often employed as they are essential for controlling this crystallization process. It is widely recognized that nucleating agents, such as TiO 2 and ZrO 2 , function by forming heterogeneous interface, which thermodynamically reduce the energy barrier of the nucleation process. In this study, we propose a novel and non‐classical mechanism of nucleation in glasses doped with trace transition metal oxide, such as Fe 2 O 3 . Unlike conventional nucleating agents, this nucleation process is mediated by the formation of crystallization‐active local microstructure rather than through heterogeneous interface. This mechanism is experimentally observed in a protype ZnO nanocrystallized photonic glass doped with trace‐Fe 2 O 3 , and it was further elucidated through theoretical simulations. Additionally, we investigated the influence of the trace Fe 2 O 3 dopant on the optical property of nanocrystallized glasses. Notably, strong localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) related near infrared (NIR) absorption was achieved in the Fe 2 O 3 ‐doped glass with Fe 3+ ‐doped ZnO nanocrystals. Furthermore, the potential application of these glass‐ceramics as saturable absorber for Q‐switching laser was demonstrated. These findings provide deeper insights into the crystallization theory in glass materials and open new opportunities in glass science and technology.