The elastic moduli (Y, η, σ andH) and some thermodynamical parameters, such as Debye temperatureθ_D, diffusion constantD_i and latent heat of melting ΔH_m, of ZnF₂-PbO-TeO₂ glasses doped with some rare earth (Pr³⁺, Nd³⁺, Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺) ions are determined as functions of temperature using piezo electric composite oscillator technique. All the parameters are found to decrease with increase in the atomic number Z of the rare earth ions and with increase in the temperature of measurement. The results are explained on the basis of the density of localized bonding defect states within the band gap of the material.

Dielectric constantɛ, loss tanδ and a.c. conductivityσ of LiF-B₂O₃: Ln³⁺ (where Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd and Tb) glasses are studied as functions of frequency (in the range 10²–10⁶ Hz) and temperature (range 30–200°C). The dielectric breakdown strength of these glasses was also determined at room temperature in an air medium. The rate of increase ofɛ and tanδ with temperature decreases with decrease in the ionic radius of RE³⁺ ion whereas the dielectric breakdown strength, the activation energy for a.c. conduction in the high temperature region decreases with increase in the ionic radius of RE³⁺ ion. An attempt has been made to explain the a.c. conduction in these glasses on the basis of quantum mechanical tunnelling (QMT) model.