Processing and properties of recycled germanium-based chalcogenide glass: a route to improved reclamation and reuse in advanced technologies

Chalcogenide glasses, particularly those based on germanium (Ge), have garnered significant interest for their applications in advanced infrared optics and photonic technologies due to their exceptional transparency in the infrared region. However, the high cost and environmental concerns associated with the raw materials used in their production have prompted a need for efficient recycling methods. In this study, we investigate the processing and properties of recycled germanium-based chalcogenide glasses (Ge-x chalcogenide glasses), focusing on the effects of remelting and the inclusion of germanium cullet (recycled glass waste) on the material’s structural and optical properties. Our findings reveal that remelting the material induces a change in the glass transition temperature (Tg) and results in an increase in density, which may influence the crystallization behavior in remelted chalcogenide materials. This research aims to enhance the incorporation of germanium cullet into the boule production process, ultimately contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective practices for advanced optics production.