Magnetic Differences on GEM - direct observation of closest R...R approach in rare-earth phosphate glasses

Rare-earth (R) phosphate glasses have shown great promise in the laser and optoelectronics industry. Their structure plays an important role in their physical characteristics, with the R...R closest approach affecting their optical and magnetic properties. A novel characterisation method for amorphous materials which makes use of magnetic field effects has enabled the first direct experimental evidence of nearest neighbour R...R separation in these materials