Abstract: Disclosed are methods for hydrogen loading silica glass and silica glass comprising loaded H2. The methods can lead to H2 gradient in the glass material. Alternatively, the method may involve the use of varying H2 partial pressure of H2 in the atmosphere. Both can result in expedited hydrogen loading process.

Abstract: The present invention provides doped titania-doped silica glass articles having low thermal expansions and low variations in thermal expansion. According to one embodiment of the invention, a titania-doped silica glass article has a titania content of between about 5 wt % and about 9 wt %; a coefficient of thermal expansion of between about ?30 ppb/° C. and about +30 ppb/° C. at a temperature between 15° C. and 30° C.; and a variation in coefficient of thermal expansion of less than about 5 ppb/° C. at a temperature between 15° C and 30° C.

Abstract: Disclosed in the application are a synthetic silica glass having low fluence-dependent transmission, particularly at about 193 nm, and a process for making the same. The glass may desirably exhibit a low level of fluorescence at 290 and 390 nm when activated at about 248 nm. The glass may desirably exhibit low level of LIWFD, [SiH*] and/or [ODC].

Abstract: The invention is directed to ultra-low expansion glasses to which adjustments have been made to selected variables in order to improve the properties of the glasses, and particularly to lower the expansivity of the glasses. The glasses are titania-doped silica glasses. The variables being adjusted include an adjustment in ?-OH level; an adjustment to the cooling rate of the molten glass material through the setting point; and the addition of selected dopants to impact the CTE behavior.

Abstract: Disclosed are process and apparatus for making oxide soot particles where an atomizing burner is used as well as process for making densified silica-containing glass bodies by using soot particles having specific surface area of less than about 50 m2/g. Large glass bodies can be produced with less drying time and less binders by using such particles. The invention is particularly advantageous for the production of TiO2-doped silica glass.

Abstract: Disclosed are high purity synthetic silica material having an internal transmission at 193 nm of at least 99.65%/cm and method of preparing such material. The material is also featured by a high compositional homogeneity in a plane transverse to the intended optical axis. The soot-to-glass process for making the material includes a step of consolidating the soot preform in the presence of H2O and/or O2.

Abstract: Disclosed are high purity synthetic silica glass material having a high OH concentration homogeneity in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, and process of making the same. The glass has high refractive index homogeneity. The glass can have high internal transmission of at least 99.65%/cm at 193 nm. The process does not require a post-sintering homogenization step. The controlling factors for high compositional homogeneity, thus high refractive index homogeneity, include high initial local soot density uniformity in the soot preform and slow sintering, notably isothermal treatment during consolidation.

Abstract: Titania-containing silica glass bodies and extreme ultraviolet elements having low levels of striae are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for manufacturing and measuring striae in glass elements and extreme ultraviolet elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a synthetic silica glass optical material having high resistance to optical damage by ultraviolet radiation in the ultraviolet wavelength range, particularly in the wavelength less than about 250 nm and particularly, exhibiting a low laser induced wavefront distortion; specifically a laser induced wavefront distortion, measured at 633 nm, of between about ?1.0 and 1.0 nm/cm when subjected to 10 billion pulses of a laser operating at approximately 193 nm and at a fluence of approximately 70 ?J/cm2. The synthetic silica glass optical material of the present invention comprises OH concentration levels of less than about 600 ppm, preferably less than 200 ppm, and H2 concentration levels less than about 5.0×1017 molecules/cm3,and preferably less than about 2.0×1017 molecules/cm3.

Abstract: The present invention provides doped titania-doped silica glass articles having low thermal expansions and low variations in thermal expansion. According to one embodiment of the invention, a titania-doped silica glass article has a titania content of between about 5 wt % and about 9 wt %; a coefficient of thermal expansion of between about ?30 ppb/° C. and about +30 ppb/° C. at a temperature between 15° C. and 30° C.; and a variation in coefficient of thermal expansion of less than about 5 ppb/° C. at a temperature between 15° C. and 30° C.

Abstract: A process for preparing uniform, agglomerate free, submicron/nanosize ceramic powders from a polymeric foam comprising metal cations homogeneously incorporated within a foam cell structure of the polymeric foam. The polymeric foam is heated to remove any solvent, and calcined at a temperature of about 400.degree. C. to about 1400.degree. C. for about 1 minute to about 96 hours to produce the desired ceramic or metal powder.

Abstract: A for preparing uniform, agglomerate free, submicron/nanosize ceramic powders from a polymeric foam comprising metal cations homogeneously incorporated within a foam cell structure of the polymeric foam. The polymeric foam is heated to remove any solvent, and calcined at a temperature of about 400.degree. C. to about 1400.degree. C. for about 1 minute to about 96 hours to produce the desired ceramic or metal powder.

Abstract: A process for preparing uniform, agglomerate free, submicron/nanosize ceramic powders from a polymeric foam comprising metal cations homogeneously incorporated within a foam cell structure of the polymeric foam. The polymeric foam is heated to remove any solvent, and calcined at a temperature of about 400.degree. C. to about 1200.degree. C. for about 1/2 to about 8 hours to produce the desired ceramic or metal powder.