Optics

Video: World’s largest optical lens moves toward completion

By Lisa McDonald / October 23, 2019

The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope, targeted to begin operations in October 2022, is currently under construction in Chile. Funded through the National Science Foundation, LSST will contain both the largest convex mirror and largest optical lens ever made.

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No pressure, no problem—researchers create transparent nanoceramics using pressureless crystallization

By Lisa McDonald / July 16, 2019

Transparent ceramics offer advantages over conventional glass and single-crystal technologies—could transparent nanoceramics be even more advantageous? Researchers show how pressureless glass crystallization could offer an easier way to synthesize transparent nanoceramics.

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Optical fibers provide new twist on traditional 3D printing process

By Lisa McDonald / June 7, 2019

Researchers from Notre Dame, Missouri S&T, and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory developed a fused filament fabrication method that uses optical fibers as a feedstock. Their method could help create devices ideal for optical applications.

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Ferroelectric crystal(lizes) next-gen optical communication idea

By Lisa McDonald / February 15, 2019

A research collaboration achieved ferroelectric domain reversal in single-crystal-architecture-in-glass (SCAG) optical fibers, in spite of the crystals being constrained inside glass. Their research could revolutionize optical data transmission technology.

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Optical fibers shake up earthquake monitoring systems

By Lisa McDonald / February 12, 2019

A team of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory researchers showed “dark fibers,” unused fiber-optic cables that crisscross the United States underground, could be co-opted to serve as sensors in earthquake monitoring systems.

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Transparent ceramics: Stronger than Gorilla Glass

By Lisa McDonald / December 21, 2018

Jülich scientists created yttria-coated transparent zirconia ceramics that demonstrated fracture toughness values far higher than tempered glass. Their method is suitable for industrial mass production.

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Goodbye glass—optical lenses go 2D

By Lisa McDonald / November 30, 2018

Metalenses, a type of metasurface used for focusing light, could replace glass in cameras and imaging systems. Two recent studies advance this possibility.

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Glass scientist discovers his passion after visiting glass museum

By Faye Oney / August 28, 2018

ACerS Fellow John Mauro has traveled an interesting career path. He attributes his success to his education, mentors, and his involvement with ACerS and the Glass and Optical Materials Division. His Lifetime Membership reflects the value he places on the Society.

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Improving toughness of nanocrystalline ceramics

By Faye Oney / July 10, 2018

Researchers have demonstrated a new toughening mechanism for nanoceramics by studying weak interfaces in nanocrystalline ceramics. Their method could improve impact resistance without compromising functional properties.

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Newest glass material ‘Glassomer’ is used to fabricate small glass structures

By Faye Oney / June 29, 2018

Researchers have developed a glass composite that could be used in fabricating intricate objects. “Glassomer,” a material made of a polymer and quartz, could be useful in a wide variety of industrial applications.

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