Optical Materials - Progress enables new applications and research

Optical materials are the very ones enabling the manipulation of light. Progress with optical materials opens new possibilities for application and research. Even after 130 years of development with optical glass progress is still going strong. More precisely mastered refractive index and dispersion of optical glass types make better optical systems become possible. Such mastery comprises manufacturing and metrology processes. New glass types with extreme optical properties and better workability support the same development. Deeper understanding of short range inhomogeneity i.e. striae allows valuing its effect in optical systems. The coefficient of thermal expansion of low expansion glass ceramic is adjustable to the specific application temperature profile thus reducing expansion another order of magnitude. Together with improved homogeneity this is a precondition for extremely temperature sensitive high tech systems. Better data and understanding of bending strength and outstanding weight reduction technology enable new application and research satellite missions as e.g. the LISA Pathfinder mission.