Low-wavenumber Raman scattering spectroscopy in studies of new gallium-doped silica glass-based transparent vitroceramic medium

Optically transparent, silica glass-based vitroceramic material doped with gallium oxide was obtained by standard glass fusion and appropriate thermal treatments. Low-wavenumber Raman scattering spectroscopy allowed the determination of the microstructure and in particular the size distribution of nanoparticles embedded in the amorphous matrix. The nanocrystal growth was accurately controlled by heat treatment conditions. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements revealed the presence of a single crystalline phase, spherical-shaped nanoaggregates, homogeneously distributed in the transparent composite medium. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.