Optical Glass

In contrast to its fundamental importance, there is often a lack of knowledge regarding the properties of optical glass by engineers and designers, causing misunderstandings in purchasing and fabrication, and ultimately limiting the potential and application of this dynamic material. This book will serve as an invaluable resource of technical information, including the index of refraction and its dependence on wavelength (dispersion), optical homogeneity and transmittance (presented together with restrictions imposed by the manufacturing processes and chemical resistance), as well as mechanical, thermal, and environmental properties. Measurement methods with their achievable accuracy are given, along with a wide scope of overview diagrams illustrating properties and main uses, as well as diagrams ranking optical glass types with respect to their properties. The wide scope and lucid organization of this volume will prove to be highly valuable across a wide range of design, engineering, and purchasing applications within the many fields dependent on this incredible material.