Microstructure of gel-glasses in the SiO2−Nd2O3 system

Abstract

Abstract. The microstructure of thermally treated neodymium containing silica gels is investigated by transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Microheterogeneities with amorphous nature are found. Information for the short range order is obtained by the Radial Distribution Functions: SiO4 tetrahedra and NdO6 groups are formed and transition from four-fold to six-fold ring structure is observed with increasing of the heat treatment temperature.