Gradient-index doped silica rod lenses produced by a solgel method

Abstract

Radial-GRIN rod lenses of titanium doped silica have been prepared by a solgel process using metal alkoxides. The obtained rods with parabolic index distribution give high efficiency in coupling with optical fibers as well as good image resolution. Moreover they exhibit good stability in an adverse environment such as high temperature, high humidity, and strong radiation.

Diffusion of solvents and cations in porous sol-gel glass

“…Gradient index (GRIN) lenses have been manufactured using the sol-gel process by introducing index modifying cations such as Ti + in the polymerization stage of the sol-gel process and leaching away the cation with acid during a later stage [1]. This method of manufacture produces lenses of optical quality but limited in size, less than 3 mm in diameter.…”

Recent advances and future perspectives of sol–gel derived porous bioactive glasses: a review

“…219 Besides, Si-Ti glasses have also been used for the fabrication of optical parts such as mirrors, optical waveguides 220 and gradient index glass optics. 221 Si-Ti based aerogels are actively used as a catalyst due to prominent mesoporosity and also due to the homogeneous dispersion of Ti in the Si network. The effectiveness of Si-Ti based catalysts greatly depends on the molecular level dispersion of Ti atoms, large surface area as well as pore diameters in the mesoporous range.…”

3D printed gradient index glass optics

“…However, certain optical applications require improved environmental stability to maintain function; in these cases, glass is the material of choice. Existing methods for producing GRIN glass include solid diffusion (14)(15)(16)(17), sol-gel diffusion (18,19), and mating and joining preforms (20)(21)(22). Diffusion-based approaches are mostly limited to two-dimensional (2D), monotonic composition profiles, and most of these approaches involve challenging, time-consuming steps that are difficult to scale.…”