Abstract: Improved multicomponent fluorozirconate glasses, doped with chlorine, and a process for making them are disclosed that are continuously transmissive in the infrared spectrum.

Abstract: There is disclosed a polarizer particularly suited for use in the infrared wavelengths which comprises a wire grid polarizer in optically cascaded relationship with a Brewster's Angle Polarizer. Not only do the extinction ratios of the optically cascaded polarizers multiply to provide higher extinction ratios at these wavelengths, but also the reflective mirror properties of the wire grid polarizers can be used in combination with the known optical properties of Brewster Polarizers to provide a combined device which optimizes both the extinction ratios achieved and the balance between the reflection and recombination problem of the system on the one hand and the offset or beam walking problem on the other hand in a manner to provide optical characteristics which are not achievable from any simple combinations of either type of polarizer alone.