Article co-authored by Alfred University professor Kang chosen as one of four cover stories in MRS Bulletin

The paper titled “Self-healing mechanisms for Ge-Sb-S chalcogenide glasses upon gamma irradiation,” was co-authored with Kang by one of his research assistants, Patrick Lynch, a senior ceramic engineering major. Another co-author of the paper is Kathleen Richardson, ’82, MS ’88, PhD ’92. Richardson, who earned bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in ceramic engineering and a master’s degree in glass science from Alfred University, is Pegasus Professor of Optics and Materials Science in CREOL, the College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida and is a member of Alfred University’s Board of Trustees.

The paper, which first appeared in the April 17 issue of the MRS Bulletin, outlines research of chalcogenide glasses and their reaction to exposure to gamma irradiation. Chalcogenide glasses are made up of chalcogen elements—sulfur, selenium, and tellurium—alloyed with elements like germanium and arsenic to create optical glass materials. Uses of chalcogenide glasses include infrared detectors, moldable infrared optics (such as lenses) and infrared optical fibers.

Scientists found that microscopic defects in the glass, caused by exposure to gamma rays, are repaired over time in a room temperature environment. The research shows that metastable chalcogenide glasses can be used in a variety of applications, including in radiation sensors. Potential uses are particularly promising in extreme environments such as space and radioactive facilities, where gamma rays are prevalent. The findings may also provide insights into the microscopic origin of the self-healing process in a broader range of chalcogenide glasses.

Kang presented the paper at the American Ceramic Society (ACerS) Glass and Optical Materials Division (GOMD) Conference in May in Las Vegas, NV.