Control of the gradient-index distribution in leached sol-gel bodies

摘要

A new technique is presented for controlling the shape and increasing the maximum index change of radial gradient-index profiles formed in sol-gel bodies. This is accomplished by modifying the relative rates of the reactions responsible for creation of the gradient. By altering the manner in which the leaching action is arrested, the index change can be maximized for a given shape to double that of the previous technique. Detailed composition analysis of the data reveals that dopant diffusion and precipitation are the dominant factors influencing the observed results.