Abstract: Tailored glass bodies (10) having a substantial change in index of refraction (a .DELTA.n of at least about 0.08 along an axis) are provided. The glass body is characterized by two substantially parallel surfaces, with one surface having a first composition (12t) and the other surface a second composition (12b). The composition of the glass body varies in some predetermined fashion between the two surfaces (12i1-12i8) to provide a predetermined graded index of refraction. A method is also provided to tailor the glass body so that the two compositions have one or more of the following properties substantially constant: thermal coefficient of expansion, glass fusion temperature, Abbe value, and density.

Abstract: A glass block (10) comprises a plurality of intermediate glass plates (12i) stacked between a top plate (12t) and a bottom plate (12b). The top and bottom plate each have a selected composition, with a particular index of refraction and a softening temperature. The intermediate plates have compositions intermediate those of the top and bottom plates and are stacked so as to provide a gradient in composition from top to bottom. Heating the assembly at a fusion temperature fuses the plates together to form the glass block. After cooling down to room temperature, the glass block can be shaped to make lenses and other light directing devices. Such lenses have a gradient in the refractive index of at least about 0.085, and gradients approaching 0.5 are achievable. The thickness of the glass block along the optic axis is fairly unlimited, and thicknesses on the order of 10 mm and more are routinely achievable by the process of the invention.

Abstract: Gradient optical density transmissive light directing devices (24, 26, 28, 30) and fabrication thereof are disclosed herein. Example of such devices include concentrators, lenses and compound lenses. The present invention teaches a process for the fabrication of glass light transmitting devices having a chosen gradient in index of refraction either bidirectionally (radially and longitudinally relative to an optical axis) or in three dimensions. The present invention further describes the design of several interesting optical devices by particular choices of the gradient in the index of refraction thereof. Such articles have numerous uses in the optics, optical fiber and solar technology industries for the purposes of designing compound lens systems using a single, integral lens, coupling light into fibers and for concentrating and directing light from a source having a significant angular variation to an energy collecting and/or conversion devices such as a photovoltaic cell, to name but a few applications.

Abstract: Gradient optical density transmissive light directing devices (24, 26, 28, 30) and fabrication thereof are disclosed herein. Examples of such devices include concentrators, lenses and compound lenses. The present invention teaches a process for the fabrication of glass light transmitting devices having a chosen gradient in index of refraction either bidirectionally (radially and longitudinally relative to an optical axis) or in three dimensions. The present invention further describes the design of several interesting optical devices by particular choices of the gradient in the index of refraction thereof. Such articles have numerous uses in the optics, optical fiber and solar technology industries for the purposes of designing compound lens systems using a single, integral lens, coupling light into fibers and for concentrating and directing light from a source having a significant angular variation to an energy collecting and/or conversion devices such as a photovoltaic cell, to name but a few applications.