Abstract: A lens formed of a high-refractivity low-dispersion glass and free of fogging and scorching on its optical-function surface, which is obtained by precision press-molding of an optical glass having a refractive index (nd) of over 1.83, an Abbe's number (?d) of 40 or more and a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 640° C. or lower and containing no Li2O and has one form of a meniscus form, a biconcave form or a plano-concave form.

Abstract: Disclosed is a glass composition which can be suitably used as a glass filler to be blended into a polycarbonate resin. This glass composition contains, in mass %, 50?SiO2?60, 8?Al2O3?15, 0?MgO?10, 10?CaO?30, 0?Li2O+Na2O+K2O<2, and 5<TiO2?10, and does not substantially contain B2O3, F, ZnO, SrO, BaO and ZrO2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a glass composition having a stable quality, which can be easily obtained. This glass composition can be used as a glass filler to be blended into a polycarbonate resin, and enables to reduce the load imposed on a glass manufacturing apparatus. Specifically, this glass composition contains, in mass %, 50?SiO2?60, 8?Al2O3?15, 0?MgO?10, 5?CaO<21, 0<SrO+BaO?25, 10<MgO+SrO+BaO?30, 0?Li2O+Na2O+K2O<2, 2<TiO2?10 and 0?ZrO2<2 and does not substantially contain B2O3, F, and ZnO.

Abstract: The transparent polycrystalline optoceramic has single crystallites and at least 95 percent by weight of the single crystallites have a cubic pyrochlore or fluorite structure. The optoceramic is composed of an oxide of stoichiometry: A2+xByDzE7 wherein 0<x<1, 0<y<2, 0<z<1.6 and 3x+4y+5z=8; wherein A is at least one trivalent rare earth cation; B is at least one tetravalent cation; D is at least one pentavalent cation; and E comprises at least one divalent anion. Refractive, diffractive or transmissive optical elements are made with these optoceramics.

Abstract: An optical glass wherein an amount of change in refractive index (?n: difference in refractive index between a state before radiation and a state after radiation) caused by radiation of laser beam at wavelength of 351 nm having average output power of 0.43W, pulse repetition rate of 5 kHz and pulse width of 400 ns for one hour is 5 ppm or below is provided. The optical glass comprises a fluorine ingredient and/or a titanium oxide ingredient and/or an arsenic oxide ingredient. The optical glass suffers little change in refractive index by radiation of strong light having wavelengths of 300 nm to 400 nm such as ultraviolet laser.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical colored glass of the composition (in % in weight on oxide basis) SiO2 50-62; K2O 10-25; Na2O 0-14; Al2O3 0-2; B2O3 3-5; ZnO 13.5-37; F 0-1; TiO2 0-7; In2O3 0-2; Ga2O3 0-2; SO3 0-1; SeO2 0-1; C 0-1; MIMIIIY2II 0.1-3, whereby MI=Cu+ and/or Ag+ and/or MIII=In3+ and/or Ga3+ and/or Al3+ and/or YII=S2? and/or Se2? and at least 0.1% in weight of the oxide (M2O3) of the MIII, which is/are present in MIMIIIYII2, and with at least 0.2% in weight of the oxide, of the YII, which is/are present in MIMIIIYII2.

Abstract: Aqueous dispersion comprising silicon/titanium mixed oxide powder with a BET surface area of 5 to 500 m2/g which has been prepared by flame hydrolysis and has a titanium dioxide content of 0.5 to 20 wt. %, based on the powder, water and at least one pH-regulating substance which can be removed completely from the reaction mixture on heating, the aqueous dispersion having a solids content of between 40 and 80 wt. %. A green body produced therefrom with a green density of between 40 and 85%. A shaped glass article of optical quality with a coefficient of thermal expansion of not more than 0.5×10?6/K produced from the green body.

Abstract: An optical amplifying glass comprising 100 parts by mass of a matrix glass and from 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of Er doped to the matrix glass, wherein the matrix glass comprises Bi2O3, at least one of B2O3 and SiO2, at least one member selected from the group consisting of Ga2O3, WO3 and TeO2, and La2O3 in such a ratio that Bi2O3 is from 20 to 80 mol %, B2O3+SiO2 is from 5 to 75 mol %, Ga2O3+WO3+TeO2 is from 0.1 to 35 mol %, and La2O3 is from 0.01 to 15 mol %.

Abstract: A compositional range for a mother glass composition for graded index lenses which has a desired refractive index and is less apt to be devitrified and to develop cracks upon ion exchange was obtained by incorporating at least a given amount of one or more ingredients which are selected from oxides of metal elements ranging from yttrium, atomic number 39, to tantalum, atomic number 73, and which are less apt to cause glass coloration into a glass based on SiO2—TiO2—Li2O—Na2O and containing no lead oxide. In particular, a compositional range in which a large angular aperture is obtained and devitrification is less apt to occur was obtained by incorporating Ta2O5 and ZrO2 in a specific proportion and in specific amounts.

Abstract: An optical colored glass with a composition (in percent by weight based on oxide) of SiO2 30-75; K2O 5-35; TiO2 0-5; B2O3>4-17; ZnO 5-37; F 0.01-10 MIMIIIY2II 0.1-3, whereby MI=Cu+, Ag+, MIII=In3+, Ga3+, Al3+, YII=S2−, Se2−, Te2−, as well as the use of this glass as a long-pass cutoff filter.

Abstract: An optical colored glass with a composition (in percent by weight based on oxide) of SiO2 30-75; K2O 5-35; TiO2 0-5; B2O3>4-17; ZnO 5-37; F 0.01-10 MI MIII Y2II 0.1-3, whereby MI=Cu+, Ag+, MIII=In3+, Ga3+, Al3+, YII=S2−, S2−, Te2−, as well as the use of this glass as a long-pass cutoff filter.

Abstract: This invention provides a synthetic silica glass optical member used together with light having a specific wavelength of 250 nm or less, in which the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of transmittance [%/cm] per cm in thickness for the light in a predetermined direction within a plane perpendicular to the optical axis is 2.0%/cm or less.

Abstract: An optical amplifying glass comprising 100 parts by mass of a matrix glass and from 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of Er doped to the matrix glass, wherein the matrix glass comprises Bi2O3, at least one of B2O3 and SiO2, at least one member selected from the group consisting of Ga2O3, WO3 and TeO2, and La2O3 in such a ratio that Bi2O3 is from 20 to 80 mol %, B2O3+SiO2 is from 5 to 75 mol %, Ga2O3+WO3+TeO2 is from 0.1 to 35 mol %, and La2O3 is from 0.01 to 15 mol %.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an interference filter including a glass substrate, useful in fiber optic systems.

Abstract: A synthetic quartz glass for optical use, to be used by irradiation with light within a range of from the ultraviolet region to the vacuum ultraviolet region, which contains fluorine, which has a ratio of the scattering peak intensity of 2250 cm−1 (I2250) to the scattering peak intensity of 800 cm−1 (I800), i.e. I2250/I800, of at most 1×10−4 in the laser Raman spectrum, and which has an absorption coefficient of light of 245 nm of at most 2×10−3 cm−1.

Abstract: An optical glass for polarizing optical system having a photoelastic constant C in the range of −0.2 to +0.

Abstract: Glass for a light filter capable of preventing variation of refractive index in a band-pass filter has a coefficient of thermal expansion within a range from 90×10−7/° C. to 120×10−7/° C. within a temperature range from −20° C. to +70° C. and, preferably, Young's modulus of 75GPa or over and Vickers hardness of 550 or over, and light transmittance for plate thickness of 10 mm of 90% or over within a wavelength range from 950 nm to 1600 nm.

Abstract: An optical glass for polarizing optical system having a photoelastic constant C in the range of −0.2 to +0.5 [10−8 cm2/N] with respect to a wavelength of 633 nm, the optical glass having the following composition (1): composition (1): when represented in terms of wt. % of oxides: SiO2: 17.0-27.0% (35.5-57.0 mol %) Li2O+Na2O+K2O: 0.5-5.0% (0.7-20.0 mol %) PbO: 72.0-75.0% (39.1-45.0 mol %) As2O3+Sb2O3: 0.1-3.0% (0.1-2.0 mol %).

Abstract: When a glass melt of an optical glass having a refractive index (nd) of at least 1.7 and an Abbe number (&ngr;d) of 28 to 41 is flowed down from a flow pipe made of Pt or a Pt alloy to form glass gobs continuously, there is caused a problem that the glass gobs have striae or that the weight variability among the glass gobs is large, and the problem can be overcome by the use of an optical glass comprising silicon oxide and boron oxide, the ratio of a content of the silicon oxide to a content of the boron oxide being greater than 0.78, the optical glass having a contact angle of at least 40° to Pt or a Pt alloy at a predetermined temperature equivalent to, or higher than, its liquidus temperature or in a predetermined temperature range whose lower limit is equivalent to, or higher than, the liquidus temperature and having a sag temperature Ts of 580° C. or lower.

Abstract: A compositional range for a mother glass composition for graded index lenses which has a desired refractive index and is less apt to be devitrified and to develop cracks upon ion exchange was obtained by incorporating at least a given amount of one or more ingredients which are selected from oxides of metal elements ranging from yttrium, atomic number 39, to tantalum, atomic number 73, and which are less apt to cause glass coloration into a glass based on SiO2-TiO2-Li2O-Na2O and containing no lead oxide. In particular, a compositional range in which a large angular aperture is obtained and devitrification is less apt to occur was obtained by incorporating Ta2O5 and ZrO2 in a specific proportion and in specific amounts.

Abstract: The invention provides a high quality identifiable fluoride crystalline optical microlithography lens element blank for formation into an lens element of a microlithography system. The highly qualified fluoride crystalline characteristics of the fluoride optical lithography lens blank ensure its beneficial performance in the demanding microlithography manufacturing regime which utilizes high energy short wavelength ultraviolet laser sources. The fluoride crystalline optical lithography lens element blanks are comprised of multiple adjoining abutting crystalline subgrains with low boundary angles.

Abstract: Lead- and barium-free crystal glass for the manual or machine production of high-grade glass objects with a refractive index higher than 1.52 and a density of at least 2.45 g/cc, wherein the crystal glass comprises the following components in weight percent. SiO2 59.0-71.0 TiO2 0.001-8.0  Al2O3 0.01-4.0  CaO  2.0-10.0 MgO 0.5-8.0 ZnO 0.01-11.0 K2O 0.08-11.0 Na2O  3.0-15.5 Sb2O3 or AS2O3 0.001-1.5  SrO 0.001-0.1  B2O3 0.01-3.0  Li2O 0.01-2.0  SO42− 0.0008-1.2   F− 0.008-0.2  as well as at least two components selected from the group consisting of Er2O3, Nd2O3, CeO2, CoO, Pr2O3, SeO, NiO and MnO and has a moisture content of 0.025 to 0.07% by weight.

Abstract: A lens assembly with materials that densify and rarefy as a function of radiation dose. The lens assembly can be provided for use in photolithographic exposure tools. The combination of densifying and rarefying materials in the lens elements of exposure tools compensates for changes in the index of refraction of the materials. The lens assembly of the present invention corrects, by design, for radiation-induced changes in the indices of refraction of the lens element materials. By compensating for radiation-induced changes, the lens assembly has a longer useful lifetime.

Abstract: Fused silica boules (19) having improved radial homogeneity are produced by controlling the air flow around the boule (19) during its formation. The boule is formed in a cup-like containment vessel (13) which collects silica particles from a plurality of burners (14). The containment vessel (13) rotates and oscillates relative to the burners (14) as the boule (19) is formed. The containment vessel (13) is bounded by a cup-like containment wall (22), and a shadow or air flow wall (130) is spaced apart from and surrounds the containment wall (22) forming a gap or air flow passage (175) therebetween. A radially-outwardly extending deflecting wedge portion (23) is formed at the upper extent of the containment wall (22) and at an outlet end of flow passage (175).

Abstract: The present invention relates to glasses of high refractive index having the following composition of oxides, expressed in percentages by weight: SiO2 29-35, B2O3 0.5-5, Li2O 0.5-3, Na2O 4-8, K2O 0-2, PbO 28-40, BaO 4-14, La2O3 4-12, TiO2 3-8, ZnO 0-8, ZrO2 0-4, Nb2O5 0-5, with: Li2O+Na2O+K2O 5.5-9; their use for the production of segments for multifocal corrective lenses; and multifocal corrective lenses incorporating at least one such segment in their structure.

Abstract: A low temperature fluorophosphate glass useful for joining single-mode fluoride and silica optical fibers includes 5 to 7 mol % InF3, 20 to 35 mol % PbF2 and 57.5 to 75 mol % P2O5. An alkali for maintaining a low glass transition temperature can be included. Up to 25% (glass molar basis) of the P2O5 can be replaced by PbO.

Abstract: An optical glass having properties of a high refractive index and low dispersion and having both a low sag temperature Ts and a low liquidus temperature L.T., is provided. The optical glass comprises, by % by weight, 25 to 42% of B2O3, 14 to 30% of La2O3, 2 to 13% of Y2O3, 2 to 20 of SiO2, greater than 2% and 9% or less of Li2O, 0.5 to 20% of CaO, 2 to 20% of ZnO, 0 to 8% of Gd2O3, 0 to 8% of ZrO2, Gd2O3+ZrO2 being 0.5 to 12%, the total content thereof being at least 90%, and optionally contains 0 to 5% of Na2O, 0 to 5% of K2O, 0 to 5% of MgO, 0 to 5% of SrO, 0 to 10% of SrO, 0 to 10% of BaO, 0 to 5% of Ta2O, 0 to 5% of Al2O3, 0 to 5% of Yb2O3, 0 to 5% of Nb2O5, 0 to 2% of As2O3 and 0 to 2% of Sb2O3.

Abstract: The invention reflects discovery of a liquid phase doping technique that, unlike previous techniques, exhibits very little fluorine depletion upon subsequent heating. The invention involves the steps of providing a silica sol comprising a tetraalkylammonium hydroxide and a di-, tri-, or tetraalkylammonium fluoride, the sol having pH of about 10 to about 14, adding a gelling agent to the sol to induce gelation, casting or extruding the sol to form a gel body, and then drying, heat treating, and sintering the body. Advantageously, the fluorine-containing compound is tetramethylammonium fluoride.

Abstract: In a method for evaluating the homogeneity of the refractive index of an optical member, the refractive index distribution of the optical member is measured, the measured refractive index distribution is separated into a rotationally symmetric element and a non-rotationally symmetric element in the optical axis direction before or after correction of the power element, and the rotationally symmetric element is further subjected to 2nd/4th-order element correction. Upon execution of such comprehensive evaluation, a photolithography optical member, which can realize a fine, sharp exposure-transfer pattern (e.g., a line width of 0.3 &mgr;m or less) is provided.

Abstract: Optical glasses or lenses are described having a refractive index that varies as a function of at least one coordinate, which is made from a starting material with a constant refractive index by ion exchange. Greater index gradients than with the prior art are achieved by special compositions and ion exchange baths intended therefor. In addition, the stability of the glasses is increased.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent glass-ceramic article which includes a glass matrix and a crystalline phase of apatite crystals in the glass matrix. The present invention further relates to a method of producing the transparent glass-ceramic article.

Abstract: Fused silica boules (19) having improved off-axis homogeneity are produced by controlling the air flow around the boule (19) during its formation. The boule is formed in a containment vessel (13) which collects soot from a plurality of burners (14). The containment vessel (13) rotates and oscillates relative to the burners (14) as the boule (19) is formed. Surrounding the containment vessel (13) is an air flow wall (130) which oscillates with the containment vessel (13). The air flow wall (130) is spaced from the containment vessel (13) by a gap (175) through which air flows during boule formation. The dimensions of this gap (175) remain constant as the boule is formed. Surrounding the air flow wall (130) is a stationary wall (160). The stationary wall (160) is spaced from the air flow wall (130) by a gap (165) whose dimensions change as the boule is formed. A motion accommodating seal (155) blocks air flow in this gap (165).

Abstract: The invention is nitrate-free method to manufacture a blue soda-lime-silica glass composition and improving the ultraviolet light absorption thereof while maintaining a high visible light transmission. The method comprises the steps of: adding colorants, during molten glass formation, consisting essentially of a manganese compound along with a cobalt compound, iron oxide and optionally titanium oxide to a soda-lime-silica base glass composition, and adding no sodium nitrate into the batch during molten glass formation, the materials are adding in quantities sufficient to form said blue glass composition having at a 4.0 mm. thickness: 477-494 dominant wavelength and 6-40% purity of excitation. The blue glass composition, by weight, comprises a base glass composition of: 68 to 75% SiO.sub.2, 10 to 18% Na.sub.2 O, 5 to 15% CaO, 0 to 10% MgO, 0 to 5% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and 0 to 5% K.sub.2 O, where CaO+MgO is 6 to 15% and Na.sub.2 O+K.sub.2 O is 10 to 20%; and colorants consisting essentially of: 0.4 to 2.

Abstract: Disclosed are laser glasses composed of a Ga--Na--S glasses doped with one or more kinds of activating ions, laser glass fibers comprising a core and a clad wherein the core is composed of the above-mentioned laser glasses of the present invention and optical fiber amplifiers comprising a pumping source, a laser glass fiber and a means for introducing pumping light and signal light into the laser glass fiber wherein the laser glass fiber is the above-mentioned laser glass fiber of the present invention. The laser glasses of the present invention show high radiative quantum efficiency and host glass stability and can be produced easily.

Abstract: High rare-earth content glasses (Ln.sub.2 O.sub.3 .gtoreq.20 mol %) have applications as high optical density wavelength-selective filters, faraday rotators, scintillation glasses and high index glasses. New glasses are formed by adding TiO.sub.2 to the system SiO.sub.2 --B.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Ln.sub.2 O.sub.3. These glasses have improved optical properties, extended glass formation range and have superior resistance to devitrification. In some embodiments TiO.sub.2 can fully replace the Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. In additional embodiments, SiO.sub.2 can be completely removed from the glass.

Abstract: A light-scattering coating comprising light-scattering particles, such as alumina, dispersed in a silica matrix is formed by applying to the filter a silicone solution in which is dispersed colloidal silica and the light-scattering particles to a suitable substrate and then pyrolyzing the dispersion at high temperature to drive off the organic components and form the silica matrix. This coating is hard and abrasion resistant and is useful for reflectors, lamps and lenses.

Abstract: Fused silica boules (19) having improved homogeneity are produced by causing the boule (19) to flow radially during its formation to achieve local mixing between portions of the boule which may have experienced different laydown conditions. The mixing is achieved by one or a combination of: (1) use of a containment vessel (13) having a gently sloping containment wall (22); (2) use of a containment vessel (13) whose inner radius (r.sub.v) is substantially larger than the outermost radius (r.sub.b) of the burners (14) used to produce the boule (19); and/or (3) maintaining the boule (19) at a sufficiently high temperature during laydown so that radial flow is achieved with a minimum head height of glass. Large blanks having high homogeneity can be made from such boules, e.g., blanks having diameters above 200 millimeters and .DELTA.n values of less than 0.25.times.10.sup.-6.

Abstract: Oscillation/rotation patterns for improving the off-axis homogeneity of fused silica boules are provided. The patterns reduce the optical effects of periodic off-axis striae by decreasing the ratio of .DELTA.n.sub.striae to .DELTA.z.sub.striae, where .DELTA.n.sub.striae is the average peak-to-valley magnitude of the striae and .DELTA.z.sub.striae is their average peak-to-peak period. The oscillation/rotation patterns have long repeat periods and cause soot-producing burners to trace out substantially spiral-shaped patterns on the surface of the boule.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of high purity fused silica glass which is highly resistant to optical damage by ultraviolet radiation in the laser wavelength of about 300 nm or shorter. In particular, this invention relates to a fused silica optical member or blank which exhibits substantially no optical damage up to 10.sup.7 pulses (350 mJ/cm.sup.2) at the KrF laser wavelength region of about 248 nm, and at the ArF laser wavelength region of about 193 nm.

Abstract: Transparent oxynitride glass has transmittance of at least 80%/mm in a wavelength region of 400 to 800 nm, with Si particles or Si alloy particles of not more than 1.0.times.10.sup.9 /cm.sup.3 in number. Glass fiber prepared by drawing this glass can attain strength which is by far superior to that of conventional oxide glass fiber, to be preferably applied to reinforcing fiber.

Abstract: A synthetic quartz glass optical member for an ultraviolet laser, where the quartz glass has a hydroxyl content of 10-100 ppm, a chlorine content of 200 ppm or less, a hydrogen content of 1.times.10.sup.16 molecules/cm.sup.3 or less, a homogeneity of refractive index of 5.times.10.sup.-6 or less in terms of .DELTA.n, and a birefringence of 5 nm/cm or less.

Abstract: A synthetic quartz glass optical member for an ultraviolet laser, suitably applicable as a stepper lens of a lithographer using an excimer laser beam and other optical members, wherein the quartz glass has a hydroxyl content of 10 to 100 ppm, a chlorine content of 200 ppm or less, a hydrogen content of 1.times.10.sup.16 molecules/cm.sup.3 or less, a homogeneity of refractive index of 5.times.10.sup.-6 or less in terms of .DELTA.n, and a birefringence of 5 nm/cm or less. The optical member can be produced by subjecting a volatile silicon compound to flame hydrolysis with oxyhydrogen flame, depositing the formed particulate silica on a heat-resistant support to prepare a porous silica matrix, heating the matrix in a vacuum as high as 1.times.10.sup.-2 Torr or above to a temperature of 1,400 .degree. C.

Abstract: A Faraday rotator glass composition based on a fluoride glass, phosphate glass, fluorophosphate glass or a mixture thereof is doped with a lanthanide in a concentration sufficient to provide a Verdet constant above at least 2870 deg/Tesla-meter [(1 min/cm-Oe).times.(1.667.times.10.sup.4)=1 deg/Tesla-meter] and optical transmission above at least 50 percent in a 25 mm thick polished glass sample at least at one wavelength in the 200 to 400 nm wavelength region. The Faraday rotator glass also includes monovalent non-lanthanide cations such as Na, Li, K or mixtures thereof in a concentration sufficient to provide a Verdet constant above at least 2870 deg/Tesla-meter and optical transmission above at least 50 percent in a 25 mm thick polished glass sample at least at one wavelength in the 200 to 400 nm wavelength region.

Abstract: A synthetic quartz glass substrate (1) supporting active elements is formed of high-purity synthetic quartz glass having, a hydroxyl group content of 200 ppm or below and chlorine group content of 50 ppm or below. The substrate (1) may have an impurity level of 1 ppm or less sodium and 1 ppm or less aluminum. TFTs (6), i.e., active elements, and picture element electrodes (7) are formed on the surface of the synthetic quartz glass substrate (1) to construct a driving panel for a liquid crystal display of an active matrix type. A liquid crystal panel is formed by disposing the driving panel and a counter substrate (2) opposite to each other and sandwiching a liquid crystal layer (3) between the driving panel and the counter substrate (2).

Abstract: This invention relates to thallium tellurite glasses possessing a high Verdet constant and high optical nonlinearity, as well as good visible and infrared transmission, making them suitable materials for the fabrication of active optical devices. The glasses consist essentially, expressed in terms of cation percent, of 5-74.5% TeO.sub.2, 0.5-20% SiO.sub.2, 4-50% TlO.sub.0.5, and 0-71% PbO, wherein PbO+T10.sub.0.5.gtoreq.25 %, TeO.sub.2 +SiO.sub.2 .gtoreq.25%, and TeO.sub.2 +SiO.sub.2 +TlO.sub.0.5 +PbO constitutes at least 65% of the total composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to thallium germanate, tellurite, and antimonite glasses possessing high optical nonlinearity, as well as good visible and infrared transmission, making them suitable materials for the fabrication of active optical devices.

Abstract: Rare earth element doped silica glass according to the invention is prepared by doping silica-based glass co-doped with a rare earth element and aluminum additionally with fluorine and has excellent physical properties including remarkable light emission characteristics and an excellent capability of being fused with other silica-based glass. Such doped silica glass provides high amplification gains and a wide wavelength bandwidth and therefore can be used as a material for manufacturing miniaturized optical devices. Particularly, since the manufacturing process adapted to produce rare earth element doped silica glass according to the invention does not involve crystallization that normally characterizes the type of doped silica glass under consideration, the obtained doped silica glass is transparent and totally free from air bubbles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of annealing optical glass layers, said method comprising the step of heating glass layers having an area greater than 0.01 cm.sup.2 to a temperature of between about 350 deg. C. and 1000 deg. C. in less than 10 minutes. The upper limit of the glass area that can be treated is limited only by the size of the quartz chamber. Current state-of-the-art chambers can accomodate glass areas of about 0.01 cm.sup.2 to about 324 cm.sup.2. According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided an optical waveguide glass layer, treated according to the method of this invention, disposed on an integrated optical device.

Abstract: An improved method for the production of a monolithic multicomponent oxide glass is achieved by forming an oxide host gel by a sol-gel process, placing the host gel in an aqueous solution of a salt of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu and Pb, precipitating the metal salt in the gel and sintering the gel containing the precipitated salt. The method can incorporate large amounts of metals into the glass which are otherwise difficult or impossible to incorporate into precursor gels by conventional methods.

Abstract: A crystal of a composition of silver, thallium, and sulfur is useful in non-linear optical devices, acousto-optical devices, piezo electric devices and other types of optical and acoustic devices. The chalcogenide glass composition of the invention displays superior transmission beyond 12 .mu.m.