This is a study of the relaxation mechanisms in highly non- equilibrium glass structures. X-ray diffraction, Raman and Infrared spectroscopy, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry will be used to follow structural changes during annealing of rapidly quenched germania, boria, and silica glass fibers. The experimental results will be analyzed using a new phenomenological model which will be derived to address the inadequacies of current equilibrium models for highly non-equilibrium systems. The improved model together with data on structural changes and the corresponding enthalpy relaxation will lead to a better understanding of the microscopic mechanisms in structural relaxation phenomenon in oxide glasses. Understanding relaxation is essential for the development of new important glasses for the communication technology.
