Abstract: A gradient index glass comprised of (SiO.sub.2).sub.m (R.sub.2 O).sub.n X.sub.p, wherein R is Li, Na, K, Rb, or Cs, and X=TiO.sub.2, ZrO.sub.2 and/or HfO.sub.2, m is 44 to 99, n is 0.25 to 20, p is at least 0.1, and m+n+p=100.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical medium which consists of a composite of a homogeneous inorganic oxide glass monolith with a microporous structure containing a liquid crystalline component.In one embodiment this invention provides a sol-gel process for producing a composite of a transparent homogeneous microporous inorganic oxide glass monolith and a liquid crystalline compound.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical medium which consists of a composite of a homogeneous inorganic oxide glass monolith with a microporous structure containing a liquid crystalline polymer component.In one embodiment this invention provides a sole-gel process for producing a composite of a transparent homogeneous microporous inorganic oxide glass monolith and a liquid crystalline polymer.

Abstract: This invention provides a nonlinear optical medium which is a composite of a microporous inorganic oxide glass which contains an incorporated solution of a solvent and an organic component which exhibits nonlinear optical response.In one embodiment the solution incorporated in the microporous glass monolith is composed of dioxane and 4-N,N-dimethylamino-4'-nitrostilbene.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical medium which consists of a composite of a homogeneous inorganic oxide glass monolith with a microporous structure containing a liquid crystalline polymer component.In one embodient this invention provides a sol-gel process for producing a composite of a transparent homogeneous microporous inorganic oxide glass monolith and a liquid crystalline polymer.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical medium which consists of a composite of a homogeneous inorganic oxide glass monolith with a microporous structure containing a liquid crystalline component. In one embodiment this invention provides a sol-gel process for producing a composite of a transparent homogeneous microporous inorganic oxide glass monolith and a liquid crystalline compound.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical medium which consists of an inorganic glass monolith with a microporous structure containing an organic component which exhibits nonlinear optical response.In one embodiment this invention provides a sol-gel process for producing a composite of a transparent homogeneous microporous inorganic oxide glass monolith and an organic compound which exhibits nonlinear optical response.

Abstract: This invention provides a nonlinear optical medium which is a composite of a microporous inorganic oxide glass which contains an incorporated solution of a solvent and an organic component which exhibits nonlinear optical response.In one embodiment the solution incorporated in the microporous glass monolith is composed of dioxane and 4-N,N-dimethylamino-4'-nitrostilbene.

Abstract: In one embodiment this invention provides a tunable laser device which is characterized by a dye laser medium which consists of a porous glass matrix containing an incorporated solution of a lasing dye, and which is adapted to operate continuously in combination with an optical pumping means.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical medium which consists of an inorganic glass monolith with a microporous structure containing an organic component which exhibits nonlinear optical response.In one embodiment this invention provides a sol-gel process for producing a composite of a transparent homogeneous microporous inorganic oxide glass monolith and an organic compound which exhibits nonliner optical response.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical medium which consists of an inorganic glass monolith with a microporous structure containing an organic component which exhibits nonlinear optical response.In one embodiment this invention provides a sol-gel process for producing a composite of a transparent homogeneous microporous inorganic oxide glass monolith and an organic compound which exhibits nonlinear optical response.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical medium which consists of a composite of a homogeneous inorganic oxide glass monolith with a microporous structure containing a liquid crystalline polymer component.In one embodiment this invention provides a sol-gel process for producing a composite of a transparent homogeneous microporous inorganic oxide glass monolith and a liquid crystalline polymer.

Abstract: This invention provides an optical medium which consists of a composite of homogeneous inorganic oxide glass monolith with a microporous structure containing a liquid crystalline component.In one embodiment this invention provides a sol-gel process for producing a composite of a transparent homogeneous microporous inorganic oxide glass monolith and a liquid crystalline compound.

Abstract: In one embodiment this invention provides novel microporous inorganic oxide glass monolith structures, which have improved mechanical strength and optical transparency. An invention glass monolith is produced by a novel sol-gel process, which utilizes trioxane as an essential additive during the gellation phase, to provide a glass monolith with micropores having uniformity of size and shape.

Abstract: This invention provides a sustained release composite composition which consists of an inorganic oxide glass monolith with a microporous volume that contains a volatile organic component and a nonvolatile organic component.In one embodiment the invention provides an article of jewelry which contains an invention composite with a gem-like appearance and a sustained release fragrance.

Abstract: In one embodiment this invention provides a novel sol-gel process for the production of microporous inorganic oxide glass monolith structures which have improved mechanical strength and optical transparency. An essential feature of the process is the use of trioxane during the gellation phase, to provide a glass monolith with micropores which have uniformity of size and shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing dual colloid catalyst compositions which are suitable for use in such processes as ammonia synthesis, carbon monoxide hydrogenation, hydrogenation and denitrogenation. The method comprises forming a gel, or suspension, by admixing: (i) one or more transition metal cyano-containing anionic-complex solutions wherein at least one solution contains a reducible transition metal, and wherein one or more of these solutions optionally contains a nonreducible metal, with (ii) one or more solutions containing polyvalent metal cations. The resulting gel, or suspension is heated to a temperature of about 90.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. for an effective amount of time to allow hydrolysis and polymerization to occur. The resulting solid is then filtered and ion exchanged with ions of one or more metals selected from those exchangeable metals from groups IA, IIA, IIIB, IVB, VIB, VIIB, and VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements. The resulting ion-exchanged material is then dried.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of propanediols by reaction of glycerol and synthesis gas in a basic organic solvent in the presence of a tungsten and Group VIII metal-containing catalyst composition.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of C.sub.4 -C.sub.5 hydroxyketones by reaction of formaldehyde and synthesis gas in a basic organic solvent in the presence of a tungsten and Group VIII metal-containing catalyst composition.