Some effects of OH groups on sodium silicate glasses

Glasses of various compositions in the Na₂O-SiO₂ system were prepared with different levels of OH concentration. Phase separation kinetics, thermal expansion, radiation induced optical absorption, and internal friction of these glasses were studied. The increase in OH content in these glasses was found to (a) enhance the rate of phase separation; (b) increase thermal expansion above the glass temperature and change the dilatometric softening temperature in a way that depends on microstructure; (c) increase the radiation induced optical absorption bands associated with positive hole centers and decrease those associated with electron trap centers; and, (d) decrease the low temperature alkali peak and increase the high temperature peak of internal friction. Structural changes responsible for the effect of very small amounts of OH on these properties are described. It is imperative to determine and consider OH content in the evaluation of properties which are so significantly affected by it --Abstract, page iii

Fiber optic gas sensor

A gas sensor includes an in-fiber resonant wavelength device provided in a fiber core at a first location. The fiber propagates a sensing light and a power light. A layer of a material is attached to the fiber at the first location. The material is able to absorb the gas at a temperature dependent gas absorption rate. The power light is used to heat the material and increases the gas absorption rate, thereby increasing sensor performance, especially at low temperatures. Further, a method is described of flash heating the gas sensor to absorb more of the gas, allowing the sensor to cool, thereby locking in the gas content of the sensor material, and taking the difference between the starting and ending resonant wavelengths as an indication of the concentration of the gas in the ambient atmosphere