Abstract: A method of preparing an optical element made of a transparent plastic with embedded or firmly bound nanoparticles, the method comprising: a) exposing the optical element to nanoparticles and to a liquid that causes the nanoparticles to diffuse into or become firmly bound to the optical element; and b) maintaining the optical element and the liquid at a range of pressures greater than one atmosphere, and at a range of diffusion temperatures greater than the boiling point of the liquid at one atmosphere, while the liquid remains in a liquid state, for a time interval, while the nanoparticles diffuse into or firmly bind to the optical element.

Abstract: A method of preparing an optical element made of a transparent plastic with embedded or firmly bound nanoparticles, the method comprising: a) exposing the optical element to nanoparticles and to a liquid that causes the nanoparticles to diffuse into or become firmly bound to the optical element; and b) maintaining the optical element and the liquid at a range of pressures greater than one atmosphere, and at a range of diffusion temperatures greater than the boiling point of the liquid at one atmosphere, while the liquid remains in a liquid state, for a time interval, while the nanoparticles diffuse into or firmly bind to the optical element.

Abstract: A method of diffusing one or more of gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, gold ions, and silver ions, into a solid transparent material, causing it to absorb at least some wavelengths of visible light, UV light, or both, the method comprising: (a) providing a first volume of organic solvent with one or more of gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, gold ions and silver ions, blocked with one or more ligands, suspended in the organic solvent; (b) adding a quantity of the volume of organic solvent to a volume of water; (c) immersing the transparent material in the volume of water; and (d) heating the volume of water with the added organic solvent and the transparent material for a period of time, causing the one or more of gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, gold ions and silver ions to diffuse into the transparent material.