Sol-gel method for making gradient index optical elements

摘要

Gradient-index glass is produced in a sol-gel process by utilizing water or a mixture of water and alcohol. This technique is particularly suitable for production of glass bodies with a ternary system of metal alkoxides, including silicon alkoxide, an index modifying metal alkoxide, such as alkoxides of titanium and zirconium, and an additional metal alkoxide, such as an alkoxide of aluminum, boron, or germanium.