A method for the production of an optical glass element, with the following process sequence: a) applying a liquid embossing material on an embossing die, b) embossing the embossing material at a temperature of less than 500 C., c) hardening the embossing material, d) sintering the embossing material and thus executing the primary forming of the optical glass element. In addition, an optical glass element that is produced with the method, a device for implementing the method, and a use of this device are disclosed.

A method for the production of an optical glass element, with the following process sequence: a) applying a liquid embossing material on an embossing die, b) embossing the embossing material at a temperature of less than 500 C., c) hardening the embossing material, d) sintering the embossing material and thus executing the primary forming of the optical glass element. In addition, an optical glass element that is produced with the method, a device for implementing the method, and a use of this device are disclosed.

A continuous sol-gel process for producing silicate-containing glasses and glass ceramics is proposed, comprising the following steps: (a) continuously feeding a silicon tetraalkoxide, a silicon alkoxide with at least one non-alcoholic functional group and an alcohol into a first reactor (R1), and at least partially hydrolyzing by the addition of a mineral acid to obtain a first product stream (A); (b) continuously providing a second product stream (B) in a second reactor (R2) by feeding a metal alkoxide component or continuously mixing an alcohol and a metal alkoxide component; (c) continuously mixing product streams (A) and (B) in a third reactor (R3) for producing a presol to obtain a third product stream (C); (d) continuously adding water or a diluted acid to the product stream (C) to obtain a sol (gelation); (e) continuously filling the emerging sol into molds to obtain an aquagel; (f) drying the aquagels to obtain xerogels; (g) sintering the xerogels to obtain silicate-containing glasses and glass ceramics.

A continuous sol-gel process for producing silicate-containing glasses and glass ceramics is proposed, comprising the following steps: (a) continuously feeding a silicon tetraalkoxide, a silicon alkoxide with at least one non-alcoholic functional group and an alcohol into a first reactor (R1), and at least partially hydrolyzing by the addition of a mineral acid to obtain a first product stream (A); (b) continuously providing a second product stream (B) in a second reactor (R2) by feeding a metal alkoxide component or continuously mixing an alcohol and a metal alkoxide component; (c) continuously mixing product streams (A) and (B) in a third reactor (R3) for producing a presol to obtain a third product stream (C); (d) continuously adding water or a diluted acid to the product stream (C) to obtain a sol (gelation); (e) continuously filling the emerging sol into molds to obtain an aquagel; (f) drying the aquagels to obtain xerogels; (g) sintering the xerogels to obtain silicate-containing glasses and glass ceramics.

The present invention provides a composite shaped body comprising silica nanoparticles and an organic polymer, wherein the silica nanoparticles and the organic polymer form a three-dimensional network; thereby provides: a composite shaped body which exhibits excellent formability and fabricability and which is also suited for use, for example, in producing a silica glass provided with an electrical conductivity; and a silica glass (especially, an electrically conductive silica glass) obtained by firing the composite shaped body.

The present invention provides a composite shaped body comprising silica nanoparticles and an organic polymer, wherein the silica nanoparticles and the organic polymer form a three-dimensional network; thereby provides: a composite shaped body which exhibits excellent formability and fabricability and which is also suited for use, for example, in producing a silica glass provided with an electrical conductivity; and a silica glass (especially, an electrically conductive silica glass) obtained by firing the composite shaped body.

Annealing treatments for modified titania-silica glasses and the glasses produced by the annealing treatments. The annealing treatments include an isothermal hold that facilitates equalization of non-uniformities in fictive temperature caused by non-uniformities in modifier concentration in the glasses. The annealing treatments may also include heating the glass to a higher temperature following the isothermal hold and holding the glass at that temperature for several hours. Glasses produced by the annealing treatments exhibit high spatial uniformity of CTE, CTE slope, and fictive temperature, including in the presence of a spatially non-uniform concentration of modifier.

Annealing treatments for modified titania-silica glasses and the glasses produced by the annealing treatments. The annealing treatments include an isothermal hold that facilitates equalization of non-uniformities in fictive temperature caused by non-uniformities in modifier concentration in the glasses. The annealing treatments may also include heating the glass to a higher temperature following the isothermal hold and holding the glass at that temperature for several hours. Glasses produced by the annealing treatments exhibit high spatial uniformity of CTE, CTE slope, and fictive temperature, including in the presence of a spatially non-uniform concentration of modifier.

A glass precursor gel and methods of melting the glass precursor gel are disclosed. The glass precursor gel contains a bulk amorphous oxide-based matrix that contains one or more synthesis byproducts. One method includes obtaining the glass precursor gel with the bulk amorphous oxide-based matrix having one or more synthesis byproducts, exposing the glass precursor gel to microwave radiation, and heating and/or melting the glass precursor gel into a molten glass with the microwave radiation by way of the one or more synthesis byproducts.

A method of manufacturing a crucible assembly having a shell and a liner is disclosed. The method includes forming the shell using a casting process. The shell includes silica and has an inner surface and an outer surface. The method also includes forming the liner on the inner surface of the shell. The liner is formed of synthetic silica.