Synthesis of bulk SiO2:MxOy materials in a steady-state laser plume

An analysis was made of the conditions of existence of a two-component steady-state laser plume in atmospheric air. Such a plume is used in single-stage synthesis of bulk molten materials belonging to the SiO₂:M_xO_y system. Targets of the SiO₂ : M type (metal foil and a silica glass rod) and doping elements with boiling points below and above the boiling point of silica glass are discussed. The regimes and efficiency of steady-state transfer of the dopants are considered. The efficiency of transfer of metal oxides during growth of samples with the aid of a cw CO₂ laser is reported to be ~0.05, 0.4, and 0.75g min^–1 kW^–1 when the mass dopant concentration is ~8%, 20%, and 60% for the oxides of Ti, Cu, and Ni, respectively.