Abstract: A glass that is ion exchangeable to a depth of at least 20 ?m (microns) and has a internal region having a tension of less than or equal to 100 MPa. The glass is quenched or fast cooled from a first temperature above the anneal point of the glass to a second temperature that is below the strain point of the glass. In one embodiment, the glass is a silicate glass, such as an alkali silicate glass, an alkali aluminosilicate glass, an aluminosilicate glass, a borosilicate glass, an alkali aluminogermanate glass, an alkali germanate glass, an alkali gallogermanate glass, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A fining agent for reducing the concentration of seeds or bubbles in a silicate glass. The fining agent includes at least one inorganic compound, such as a hydrate or a hydroxide that acts as a source of water. In one embodiment, the fining agent further includes at least one multivalent metal oxide and, optionally, an oxidizer. A fusion formable and ion exchangeable silicate glass having a seed concentration of less than about 1 seed/cm3 is also provided. Methods of reducing the seed concentration of a silicate glass, and a method of making a silicate glass having a seed concentration of less than about 1 seed/cm3 are also described.

Abstract: A silicate glass that is tough and scratch resistant. The toughness is increased by minimizing the number of non-bridging oxygen atoms in the glass. In one embodiment, the silicate glass is an aluminoborosilicate glass in which ?15 mol 1%?(R2O+R?O—Al2O3—ZrO2)—B2O3?4 mol %, where R is one of Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs, and R? is one of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba.

Abstract: An alkali aluminosilicate glass that is chemically strengthened and has a down-drawable composition. The glass has a melting temperature less than about 1650° C. and a liquidus viscosity of at least 130 kpoise and, in one embodiment, greater than 250 kpoise. The glass undergoes ion exchange at relatively low temperatures to a depth of at least 30 ?m.

Abstract: Disclosed are glass materials generally belonging to the P2O5—ZnO—TeO2 system and process for making the same. The glass may comprise Bi2O3 as well. The high refractive index and low Tg materials are particularly suitable for refractive lens elements for use in portable optical devices. The process involves the use of P2O5 source materials with reduced amounts of reducing agents or a step of removing the reducing agents from such source materials by an oxidizing step such as calcination.

Abstract: A process for removing sulfur and sulfur compounds from a catalyst includes the following steps: exposing the catalyst to a reducing atmosphere and exposing the catalyst to microwave energy. Desorption of the sulfur and sulfur compounds from the catalyst occurs at a temperature less than 600 degrees centigrade.