Gradient Index Spheres by the Sequential Accretion of Glass Powders

Velez, Mariano

MO-SCI CORPORATION

关键词: Refractive Index Refractive Index, Glass, Beads, Gradient;    Polymers;    Production;    99 General And Miscellaneous;    Glass;   

DOI  :  10.2172/957340
RP-ID  :  DOE/ER84737-F
RP-ID  :  FG02-07ER84737
RP-ID  :  957340

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

The Department of Energy is seeking a method for fabricating mm-scale spheres having a refractive index that varies smoothly and continuously from the center to its surface [1]. The fabrication procedure must allow the creation of a range of index profiles. The spheres are to be optically transparent and have a refractive index differential greater than 0.2. The sphere materials can be either organic or inorganic and the fabrication technique must be capable of scaling to low cost production. Mo-Sci Corporation proposed to develop optical quality gradient refractive index (GRIN) glass spheres of millimeter scale (1 to 2 mm diameter) by the sequential accretion and consolidation of glass powders. Other techniques were also tested to make GRIN spheres as the powder-accretion method produced non-concentric layers and poor optical quality glass spheres. Potential ways to make the GRIN spheres were (1) by "coating" glass spheres (1 to 2 mm diameter) with molten glass in a two step process; and (2) by coating glass spheres with polymer layers.