Gradient Optical Elements: Methods of Obtaining and Measuring Refractive Index Distribution Profiles

Abstract

The basic methods of obtaining gradient optical elements are presented, the primary one being ion-exchange diffusion. Anew method developed by the authors for obtaining gradient optical media, which is based on the discovery of halide ion transfer in solid glasses, is noted. Methods of measuring the distribution profiles of the refractive index which have been realized in practice are examined as a question that holds a special place in the technology of gradient optical elements and is an independent scientific problem in its own right. It is shown that in a number of cases, because of the size effect, it is desirable to use an empirical method to adjust the ion-exchange processing regimes.