OPTICAL GLASS, PREFORM, AND OPTICAL ELEMENT

Abstract

Provided is an optical glass which has optical properties including a high refractive index and high dispersibility, and can contribute to the correction of the influence of the change in temperature on image formation properties. The optical glass contains, in % by mass, a B.sub.2O.sub.3 component in an amount of more than 0% and equal to or less than 35.0%, a Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 component (wherein Ln represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Gd, Y and Yb) in a total amount of 1.0 to 50.0% inclusive, and a BaO component in an amount of 10.0 to 50.0% inclusive, wherein the total mass of TiO.sub.2+ZrO.sub.2+WO.sub.3+Nb.sub.2O.sub.5+Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 is more than 0% and equal to or less than 50.0%. The optical glass has a refractive index of 1.75 or more and an Abbe's number of 18 to 42 inclusive, wherein the temperature coefficient (40 to 60 C.) of a relative refractive index (589.29 nm) falls within the range from +4.010.sup.6 to 10.010.sup.6 ( C..sup.1).

Claims

1. An optical glass comprising, in mass %, a B.sub.2O.sub.3 component of more than 0% to 35.0%, a total Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 component (wherein Ln is one or more selected from the group consisting of La, Gd, Y, and Yb) of 1.0% to 50.0%, a BaO component of 10.0% to 50.0%, and comprising a mass sum of TiO.sub.2+ZrO.sub.2+WO.sub.3+Nb.sub.2O.sub.5+Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 of more than 0% to 50.0%, and having a refractive index (n.sub.d) of 1.75 or more, and an Abbe number (.sub.d) of 18 to 45, and wherein a temperature coefficient (40 to 60 C.) of a relative refractive index (589.29 nm), is within the range of +4.010.sup.6 to 10.010.sup.6 ( C..sup.1).

2. An optical glass according to claim 1, wherein, in mass %, a SiO.sub.2 component is 0 to 25.0%, a La.sub.2O.sub.3 component is 0 to 45.0%, a Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 component is 0 to 23.0%, a Y.sub.2O.sub.3 component is 0 to 27.0%, a Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 component is 0 to 10.0%, a ZrO.sub.2 component is 0 to 15.0%, an Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 component is 0 to 20.0%, a WO.sub.3 component is 0 to 10.0%, a TiO.sub.2 component is 0 to 38.0%, a Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 component is 0 to 10.0%, a ZnO component is 0 to less than 5.0%, an MgO component is 0 to 10.0%, a CaO component is 0 to 15.0%, an SrO component is 0 to 17.0%, a Li.sub.2O component is 0 to 5.0%, an Na.sub.2O component is 0 to 10.0%, a K.sub.2O component is 0 to 10.0%, a P.sub.2O.sub.5 component is 0 to 10.0%, a GeO.sub.2 component is 0 to 10.0%, an Al.sub.2O.sub.3 component is 0 to 15.0%, a Ga.sub.2O.sub.3 component is 0 to 10.0%, a Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 component is 0 to 10.0%, a TeO.sub.2 component is 0 to 10.0%, a SnO.sub.2 component is 0 to 3.0%, a Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 component is 0 to 1.0%, and wherein a content as F of a fluoride partially or completely substituting an oxide of one or two or more of each of the above elements is 0 to 10.0 mass %.

3. An optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a mass sum (SiO.sub.2+B.sub.2O.sub.3) is 6.0% to 37.0%.

4. An optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a mass ratio (SiO.sub.2+B.sub.2O.sub.3)/Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 is 0.25 to 3.00 (wherein Ln is one or more selected from the group consisting of La, Gd, Y, and Yb).

5. An optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a mass ratio BaO/SiO.sub.2 is 0.50 or more.

6. An optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a mass ratio TiO.sub.2/(SiO.sub.2+B.sub.2O.sub.3) is 0.05 to 3.00.

7. An optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a mass ratio Y.sub.2O.sub.3/Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 is 0.10 to 0.70 (wherein Ln is one or more selected from the group consisting of La, Gd, Y, and Yb).

8. An optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a mass ratio BaO/(SiO.sub.2+B.sub.2O.sub.3+ZnO) is more than 0.30 to 4.00.

9. An optical glass according to claim 1, wherein a sum of a content of an RO component (wherein R is one or more selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Zn), in mass %, is 10.0% to 55.0%.

10. An optical glass according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a total content of an Rn.sub.2O component (wherein Rn is one or more selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, and K), in mass %, is 10.0% or less.

11. A preform material consisting of an optical glass according to claim 1.

12. An optical element consisting of an optical glass according to claim 1.

13. An optical device provided with the optical element according to claim 12.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a figure showing the relationship between the refractive index (n.sub.d), and the Abbe number (.sub.d) of the glasses (No. A1 to No. A60) of the examples of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a figure showing the relationship between the refractive index (n.sub.d), and the Abbe number (.sub.d) of the glasses (No. B1 to No. B60) of the examples of the present invention.

PREFERRED MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0028] The optical glass of the present invention comprises, in mass %, a B.sub.2O.sub.3 component of more than 0% to 35.0%, a total Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 component (wherein Ln is one or more selected from the group consisting of La, Gd, Y, and Yb) of 1.0% to 50.0%, a BaO component of 10.0% to 50.0%, and comprises a mass sum of TiO.sub.2+ZrO.sub.2+WO.sub.3+Nb.sub.2O.sub.5+Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 of more than 0% to 50.0%, and has a refractive index (n.sub.d) of 1.75 or more, and an Abbe number (.sub.d) of 18 to 45, and a temperature coefficient (40 to 60 C.) of a relative refractive index (589.29 nm) is within the range of +4.010.sup.6 to 10.010.sup.6 ( C..sup.1).

[0029] In particular, the first optical glass comprises, in mass %, a B.sub.2O.sub.3 component of more than 0% to 35.0%, a total Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 component (wherein Ln is one or more selected from the group consisting of La, Gd, Y, and Yb) of 1.0% to 45.0%, a BaO component of 20.0% to 50.0%, and comprises a mass sum of TiO.sub.2+ZrO.sub.2+WO.sub.3+Nb.sub.2O.sub.5+Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 of more than 0% to 50.0%, and has a refractive index (n.sub.d) of 1.75 or more, and an Abbe number (.sub.d) of 18 to 45, and a temperature coefficient (40 to 60 C.) of a relative refractive index (589.29 nm) is within the range of +3.010.sup.6 to 10.010.sup.6 ( C..sup.1).

[0030] Further, the second optical glass comprises, in mass %, a B.sub.2O.sub.3 component of 1.0% to 35.0%, a total Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 component (wherein Ln is one or more selected from the group consisting of La, Gd, Y, and Yb) of 8.0% to 50.0%, a BaO component of 10.0% to 45.0%, and comprises a mass sum of TiO.sub.2+ZrO.sub.2+WO.sub.3+Nb.sub.2O.sub.5+Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 of 2.0% to 45.0%, and has a refractive index (n.sub.d) of 1.75 or more, and an Abbe number (.sub.d) of 18 to 42, and a temperature coefficient (40 to 60 C.) of a relative refractive index (589.29 nm) is within the range of +4.010.sup.6 to 10.010.sup.6 ( C..sup.1).

[0031] The optical glass of the present invention, by jointly using a B.sub.2O.sub.3 component, a rare earth component, and a BaO component, with at least any of a TiO.sub.2 component, an Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 component, a WO.sub.3 component, a ZrO.sub.2 component, and a Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 component, and adjusting the content of each component, can provide a low value of the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index, while having the desired refractive index and Abbe number. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an optical glass which has the optical characteristics of a high refractive index and high dispersion, and further has a low value of the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index, and can contribute to correcting the effect on the imaging characteristics of temperature fluctuations.

[0032] Further, an optical glass having such a composition and physical properties, can readily have increased chemical resistance, in particular water resistance. Therefore, it is also possible to obtain an optical glass wherein, even while contributing to correcting the effect on the imaging characteristics of temperature fluctuations, tarnish does not readily occur when cleaning or when polishing.

[0033] Below, examples of the optical glass of the present invention are explained in detail. The present invention is not in any way limited by the examples below, and can be practiced with the addition of suitable modifications, within the scope of the objective of the present invention. Further, where the explanations overlap, the explanations may be suitably abridged, but this does not limit the intent of the invention.

[Glass Components]

[0034] The compositional range of each component constituting the optical glass of the present invention is explained below. In the present specification, the contents of each component, unless particularly noted, are all shown as mass % with respect to the total mass of an oxide converted composition. Herein, oxide converted composition is the composition shown wherein each component comprised in the glass, with a total mass number of the corresponding generated oxides taken as 100 mass %, when the oxides, complex salts, metal fluorides and the like used as raw materials of the glass constituent components of the present invention are all decomposed and converted to oxides when melted.

[0035] The B.sub.2O.sub.3 component is a required component as a glass-forming oxide. In particular, by comprising more than 0% of the B.sub.2O.sub.3 component, it is possible to reduce devitrification of the glass. Accordingly, the content of the B.sub.2O.sub.3 component is preferably more than 0%, more preferably 1.0% or more, more preferably more than 1.0%, even more preferably 2.0% or more, even more preferably 3.0% or more, even more preferably more than 3.0%, even more preferably more than 4.0%, even more preferably more than 5.0%, even more preferably more than 6.0%, even more preferably more than 8.0%. In particular the first optical glass may have a content of the B.sub.2O.sub.3 component of more than 9.0%, and may be 12.0% or more. On the other hand, by making the content of the B.sub.2O.sub.3 component 35.0% or less, an even larger refractive index is readily obtained, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index can be made small, and further, deterioration of the chemical resistance can be suppressed. Accordingly, the content of the B.sub.2O.sub.3 component is preferably 35.0% or less, more preferably 30.0% or less, even more preferably 25.0% or less, even more preferably less than 20.0%, even more preferably less than 18.0%, and even more preferably less than 15.0%. In particular, the second optical glass may have a content of the B.sub.2O.sub.3 component of less than 12.0%, and may be less than 10.5%.

[0036] The total content (mass sum) of the rare earth component, namely the Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 component (wherein Ln is one or more selected from the group consisting of La, Gd, Y, and Yb) is preferably 1.0% or more. In this way, it is possible to increase the refractive index of the glass, and to readily obtain a glass having the desired refractive index and Abbe number. Further, the chemical resistance, in particular the water resistance of the glass, can be increased. Accordingly, the content of the Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 component is preferably 1.0% or more, more preferably 4.0% or more, even more preferably 7.0% or more, even more preferably 8.0% or more, even more preferably more than 10.0%, even more preferably more than 13.0%, even more preferably more than 15.0%, even more preferably 16.8% or more, even more preferably more than 17.0%, even more preferably more than 20.0%, even more preferably more than 23.7%, and even more preferably more than 25.0%. In particular, the second optical glass may have a mass total of the Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 component of more than 30.0%, more preferably more than 33.0%. On the other hand, by making this total 50.0% or less, because the liquidus temperature of the glass is lowered, devitrification of the glass can be reduced. Further, it is possible to suppress greater than necessary increases of the Abbe number. Accordingly, the mass sum of the Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 component is preferably 50.0% or less, more preferably 48.0% or less, preferably 45.0% or less, even more preferably less than 45.0%, even more preferably less than 42.0%, even more preferably 40.0% or less, even more preferably less than 40.0%, even more preferably 39.0% or less, and even more preferably less than 36.0%. In particular, the first optical glass may have a mass sum of the Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 component of less than 32.0%, more preferably less than 30.0%.

[0037] The BaO component is a required component which can increase the fusibility of the glass raw material, reduce the devitrification of the glass, increase the refractive index, and can make the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index small. Accordingly, the content of the BaO component is preferably 10.0% or more, more preferably more than 13.0%, even more preferably more than 15.0%, even more preferably more than 17.0%, even more preferably more than 18.0%, even more preferably 20.0% or more, even more preferably more than 20.0%, even more preferably more than 22.0%, even more preferably more than 23.0%, even more preferably more than 25.0%, and even more preferably more than 28.0%. In particular, the first optical glass may have a content of the BaO component of more than 30.0%, and may be more than 31.0%, and may be more than 31.4%. On the other hand, by making the content of the BaO component 50.0% or less, reduction of the refractive index due to excessive content, or reduction of the chemical resistance (water resistance), and devitrification can be reduced. Accordingly, the content of the BaO component is preferably 50.0% or less, more preferably 45.0% or less, even more preferably less than 40.0% or less, even more preferably 38.0% or less, even more preferably 37.0% or less, and even more preferably less than 35.0%. In particular, the second optical glass may have a content of the BaO component of less than 32.0%, and may be less than 30.0%.

[0038] A total mass (mass sum) of the TiO.sub.2 component, ZrO.sub.2 component, WO.sub.3 component, Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 component, and Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 component is preferably greater than 0%. In this way, is it possible to increase the refractive index of the glass, and the desired high refractive index can be obtained. Accordingly, a mass sum of TiO.sub.2+ZrO.sub.2+WO.sub.3+Nb.sub.2O.sub.5+Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 is preferably greater than 0%, more preferably greater than 1.0%, even more preferably 2.0% or more, even more preferably 5.0% or more, even more preferably 8.0% or more, even more preferably more than 9.0%, even more preferably 10.0% or more, and even more preferably 12.0% or more. On the other hand, this sum is preferably 50.0% or less. In this way, the stability of the glass can be increased. Accordingly, a mass sum of TiO.sub.2+ZrO.sub.2+WO.sub.3+Nb.sub.2O.sub.5+Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 is preferably 50.0% or less, more preferably 45.0% or less, even more preferably less than 45.0%, even more preferably less than 43.0%, less than 42.0%, even more preferably less than 40.0%, even more preferably less than 35.0%, even more preferably less than 34.0%, even more preferably less than 30.0%, and even more preferably less than 27.0%.

[0039] The SiO.sub.2 component is a component optionally used as a glass-forming oxide. In particular, by comprising more than 0% of the SiO.sub.2 component, it is possible to increase the chemical resistance, in particular the water resistance, to increase the viscosity of the molten glass, and to reduce the coloration of the glass. Further, the stability of the glass is increased, and a glass which tolerates mass production can be readily obtained. Accordingly, the content of the SiO.sub.2 component is preferably more than 0%, more preferably more than 1.0%, even more preferably more than 3.0%, even more preferably more than 4.0%, even more preferably more than 6.0%, even more preferably more than 7.0%, and even more preferably more than 8.0%. On the other hand, by making the content of the SiO.sub.2 component 25.0% or less, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index can be made small, an increase in the glass transition point can be suppressed, and further, a reduction in the refractive index can be suppressed. Accordingly, the content of the SiO.sub.2 component is preferably 25.0% or less, more preferably less than 23.0%, even more preferably less than 22.0%, more preferably 22.0% or less, even more preferably less than 22.0%, even more preferably less than 20.0%, even more preferably less than 17.0%, even more preferably less than 16.0%, even more preferably less than 15.0%, even more preferably less than 14.0%, even more preferably less than 13.0%, even more preferably less than 12.0%, and even more preferably less than 10.0%.

[0040] The La.sub.2O.sub.3 component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can increase the refractive index of the glass. Accordingly, the content of the La.sub.2O.sub.3 component is preferably more than 0%, more preferably more than 1.0%, even more preferably 3.0% or more, even more preferably more than 6.0%, even more preferably more than 7.0%, even more preferably more than 10.0%, even more preferably 12.0% or more, even more preferably more than 13.0%, even more preferably more than 14.0%, even more preferably more than 17.0%, even more preferably 20.0% or more, and even more preferably more than 20.0%. On the other hand, by making the content of the La.sub.2O.sub.3 component 45.0% or less, devitrification can be reduced by increasing the stability of the glass, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the Abbe number. Further, the fusibility of the glass raw materials can be increased. Accordingly, the content of the La.sub.2O.sub.3 component is preferably 45.0% or less, more preferably less than 41.0%, even more preferably less than 38.0%, even more preferably 37.0% or less, even more preferably less than 36.0%, even more preferably less than 35.1%, even more preferably less than 34.0%, even more preferably less than 33.0%, even more preferably less than 31.0%, and even more preferably less than 28.0%.

[0041] The Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 component and Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 component are optional components which, if having a content of more than 0%, can increase the refractive index of the glass. On the other hand, the Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 component and Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 component are costly materials even among rare earth elements, and if the content thereof is high, the production costs will increase. Further, by reducing the Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 component and Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 component, an increase of the Abbe number of the glass can be suppressed. Accordingly, the content of the Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 component may be preferably 23.0% or less, more preferably less than 20.0%, even more preferably 15.0% or less, even more preferably less than 15.0%, even more preferably 10.0% or less, even more preferably less than 10.0%, even more preferably less than 9.0%, even more preferably less than 5.0%, and even more preferably less than 3.0%. Further, the content of the Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 component may be preferably 10.0% or less, more preferably less than 6.0%, even more preferably less than 3.0%, and even more preferably 1.0% or less.

[0042] The Y.sub.2O.sub.3 component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can suppress raw material costs of the glass compared to other rare earth elements while maintaining a high refractive index. Accordingly, the content of the Y.sub.2O.sub.3 component may be preferably more than 0%, more preferably 0.4% or more, even more preferably 1.0% or more, even more preferably more than 1.0%, even more preferably 2.0% or more, and even more preferably more than 4.0%. In particular, in the second optical glass, the content of the Y.sub.2O.sub.3 component may be more than 7.0%, and may be more than 10.0%. On the other hand, by making the content of the Y.sub.2O.sub.3 component 27.0% or less, it is possible to suppress a reduction of the refractive index of the glass, suppress an increase of the Abbe number of the glass, and further increase the stability of the glass. Further, degradation of the fusibility of the glass raw materials can be suppressed. Accordingly, the content of the Y.sub.2O.sub.3 component may be preferably 27.0% or less, more preferably 25.0% or less, even more preferably less than 25.0%, even more preferably less than 20.0%, even more preferably less than 18.0%, and even more preferably 15.0% or less. In particular, in the first optical glass, the content of the Y.sub.2O.sub.3 component may be less than 10.0%, and may be 5.0% or less, and may be less than 3.5%.

[0043] In particular, in the optical glass of the present invention, by comprising a Y.sub.2O.sub.3 component, and further by reducing the content of the ZnO component, it is possible to reduce the specific gravity of the glass, while making the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index small.

[0044] The ZrO.sub.2 component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can increase the refractive index of the glass, and further can reduce the devitrification. Accordingly, the content of the ZrO.sub.2 component may be preferably more than 0%, more preferably more than 1.0%, even more preferably more than 2.0%, and even more preferably 3.0% or more. On the other hand, by making the content of the ZrO.sub.2 component 15.0% or less, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index can be made small, and devitrification due to excessive content of the ZrO.sub.2 component can be reduced. Accordingly, the content of the ZrO.sub.2 component may be preferably 15.0% or less, more preferably less than 10.0%, even more preferably 8.0% or less, even more preferably 7.0% or less, even more preferably less than 6.0%, and even more preferably less than 5.0%.

[0045] The Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can increase the refractive index of the glass, can reduce the Abbe number, and further can increase the devitrification resistance of the glass by reducing the liquidus temperature of the glass. Accordingly, the content of the Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 component may be preferably more than 0%, more preferably more than 1.0%, and even more preferably 2.0% or more. On the other hand, by making the content of the Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 component 20.0% or less, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index can be made small, devitrification due to excessive content of the Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 component can be reduced, and further, a reduction of the transmittance with respect to visible light (in particular wavelengths of 500 nm or less) of the glass can be suppressed. Accordingly, the content of the Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 component may be preferably 20.0% or less, more preferably 17.0% or less, even more preferably 15.0% or less, even more preferably less than 10.0%, even more preferably less than 8.0%, even more preferably less than 7.0%, even more preferably less than 5.0%, even more preferably less than 3.0%, and even more preferably less than 2.5%.

[0046] The WO.sub.3 component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can increase the refractive index, can lower the Abbe number, and reduce the glass transition point of the glass, while reducing coloration of the glass due to other high refractive index components, and can further reduce devitrification. Accordingly, the content of the WO.sub.3 component may be preferably more than 0%, more preferably more than 0.3%, even more preferably more than 0.5%, and even more preferably more than 0.7%. On the other hand, by making the content of the WO.sub.3 component 10.0% or less, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index can be made small, and further the material costs can be suppressed. Further, the coloration of the glass due to the WO.sub.3 component can be reduced and the visible light transmittance can be increased. Accordingly, the content of the WO.sub.3 component may be preferably 10.0% or less, more preferably less than 5.0%, even more preferably less than 3.0%, even more preferably less than 1.5%, and even more preferably less than 1.0%.

[0047] The TiO.sub.2 component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can increase the refractive index of the glass, and further, can reduce the devitrification of the glass. Accordingly, the content of the TiO.sub.2 component may be preferably more than 0%, more preferably more than 1.0%, even more preferably more than 3.5%, even more preferably more than 5.0%, even more preferably more than 6.0%, and even more preferably more than 6.5%. On the other hand, by making the content of the TiO.sub.2 component 38.0% or less, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index can be made small, devitrification due to excessive content of the TiO.sub.2 component can be reduced, and a reduction of the transmittance with respect to visible light (in particular wavelengths of 500 nm or less) of the glass can be suppressed. Accordingly, the content of the TiO.sub.2 component may be preferably 38.0% or less, more preferably 35.0% or less, even more preferably 30.0% or less, even more preferably less than 30.0%, even more preferably 28.0% or less, even more preferably less than 25.0%, even more preferably 24.0% or less, even more preferably less than 21.0%, even more preferably less than 18.0%, even more preferably less than 15.0%, even more preferably less than 13.0%, and even more preferably less than 10.0%.

[0048] The Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can increase the refractive index of the glass, and further, can increase the devitrification resistance. On the other hand, by making the content of the Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 component 10.0% or less, the raw material cost of the optical glass can be reduced, and further, the melting temperature of the raw materials can be lowered, and the energy required to melt the raw materials can be reduced, whereby the production cost of the optical glass can be reduced. Accordingly, the content of the Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 component may be preferably 10.0% or less, more preferably less than 7.0%, even more preferably less than 5.0%, even more preferably less than 2.0%, and even more preferably less than 1.0%. In particular, from the viewpoint of reducing material costs, it is most preferably that the Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 component is not comprised.

[0049] The ZnO component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can increase the fusibility of the raw materials, can promote degassing from the molten glass, and further, can increase the stability of the glass. Further, it is a component which can reduce the glass transition point and further improve the chemical resistance. On the other hand, by making the content of the ZnO component less than 5.0%, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index can be made small, expansion due to heating can be reduced, lowering of the refractive index can be suppressed, and further, devitrification due to excessive lowering of the viscosity can be reduced. Accordingly, the content of the ZnO component may be preferably less than 5.0%, more preferably less than 4.0%, even more preferably less than 2.0%, even more preferably less than 1.0%, and even more preferably less than 0.5%.

[0050] The MgO component, CaO component, and SrO component are optional components, and when having a content of more than 0%, the refractive index and fusibility and devitrification resistance of the glass can be adjusted. On the other hand, by making the content of the MgO component 10.0% or less, or the content of the CaO component 15.0% or less, or the content of the SrO component 17.0% or less, it is possible to suppress reduction of the refractive index, and further it is possible to reduce devitrification due to excessive contents of these components. Accordingly, the content of the MgO component is preferably 10.0% or less, more preferably 5.0% or less, even more preferably less than 3.0%, and even more preferably less than 1.0%. Further, the content of the CaO component is preferably 15.0% or less, more preferably 13.0% or less, even more preferably 10.0% or less, even more preferably less than 6.5%, even more preferably less than 4.0%, and even more preferably less than 2.0%. Further, the content of the SrO component is preferably 17.0% or less, more preferably 15.0% or less, even more preferably 13.0% or less, even more preferably 10.0% or less, even more preferably less than 6.5%, even more preferably less than 4.0%, and even more preferably less than 2.0%.

[0051] The Li.sub.2O component, Na.sub.2O component, and K.sub.2O component are optional components which, if having a content of more than 0%, can improve the fusibility of the glass, and can lower the glass transition point. In particular, if the K.sub.2O component has a content of more than 0%, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index can be made small. On the other hand, by reducing the content of the Li.sub.2O component, Na.sub.2O component, and K.sub.2O component, the refractive index of the glass is not readily reduced, and further it is possible to reduce the devitrification of the glass. Further, by reducing the content of the Li.sub.2O component in particular, the viscosity of the glass can be increased, and the striation of the glass can be reduced. Accordingly, the content of the Li.sub.2O component may be preferably 5.0% or less, more preferably less than 3.0%, even more preferably 1.0% or less, and even more preferably less than 0.3%. Further, the content of the Na.sub.2O component may be preferably 10.0% or less, more preferably less than 5.0%, even more preferably less than 3.0%, and even more preferably less than 1.0%. Further, the content of the K.sub.2O component may be preferably 10.0% or less, more preferably less than 7.0%, even more preferably less than 4.0%, even more preferably less than 3.0%, even more preferably less than 2.0%, and even more preferably 1.0% or less.

[0052] The P.sub.2O.sub.5 component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can reduce the liquidus temperature of the glass and increase the devitrification resistance. On the other hand, by making the content of the P.sub.2O.sub.5 component 10.0% or less, a reduction in the chemical resistance of the glass, in particular the water resistance, can be suppressed. Accordingly, the content of the P.sub.2O.sub.5 component may be preferably 10.0% or less, more preferably less than 5.0%, even more preferably less than 3.0%, even more preferably less than 1.0%, and the P.sub.2O.sub.5 component may not be included.

[0053] The GeO.sub.2 component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can increase the refractive index of the glass, and further, can improve the devitrification resistance. However, GeO.sub.2 has a high raw material cost, and if the content thereof is high, the production costs increase. Accordingly, the content of the GeO.sub.2 component may be preferably 10.0% or less, more preferably less than 5.0%, even more preferably less than 3.0%, even more preferably less than 1.0%, and even more preferably less than 0.1%.

[0054] The Al.sub.2O.sub.3 component and the Ga.sub.2O.sub.3 component are optional components which, if having a content of more than 0%, can improve the devitrification resistance of the molten glass. Therefore, in particular the content of the Al.sub.2O.sub.3 component may be preferably more than 0%, more preferably more than 0.5%, and even more preferably more than 1.0%. On the other hand, by making the content of the Al.sub.2O.sub.3 component 15.0% or less, or the content of the Ga.sub.2O.sub.3 component 10.0% or less, the liquidus temperature of the glass can be reduced, and the devitrification resistance can be increased. Accordingly, the content of the Al.sub.2O.sub.3 component may be preferably 15.0% or less, more preferably 10.0% or less, even more preferably less than 10.0%, even more preferably less than 6.0%, even more preferably less than 5.0%, even more preferably less than 3.0%, even more preferably 1.0% or less, and even more preferably less than 1.0%. Further, the content of the Ga.sub.2O.sub.3 component is preferably 10.0% or less, more preferably less than 5.0%, even more preferably less than 3.0%, and even more preferably less than 1.0%.

[0055] The Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can increase the refractive index of the glass, can reduce the Abbe number, and further, can lower the glass transition point. On the other hand, by making the content of the Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 component 10.0% or less, the liquidus temperature of the glass can be lowered, and the devitrification resistance can be increased. Accordingly, the content of the Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 component may be preferably 10.0% or less, more preferably less than 5.0%, even more preferably less than 3.0%, and even more preferably less than 1.0%.

[0056] The TeO.sub.2 component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can increase the refractive index of the glass, and further, can lower the glass transition point. On the other hand, the TeO.sub.2 component has the problem that it may alloy with the platinum when melting the glass raw materials in a platinum crucible or a melt tank which has components which contact the molten glass formed of platinum. Accordingly, the content of the TeO.sub.2 component may be preferably 10.0% or less, more preferably less than 5.0%, even more preferably less than 3.0%, and even more preferably less than 1.0%.

[0057] The SnO.sub.2 component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can clarify and decrease the oxides of the molten glass, and further, can increase the visible light transmittance of the glass. On the other hand, by making the content of the SnO.sub.2 component 3.0% or less, coloration of the glass due to reduction of the molten glass, or devitrification of the glass can be reduced. Further, because alloying between the SnO.sub.2 component and the melting equipment (in particular precious metals such as Pt and the like) can be reduced, it is possible to obtain longer lifetime of the melting equipment. Accordingly, the content of the SnO.sub.2 component is preferably 3.0% or less, more preferably less than 1.0%, even more preferably less than 0.5%, and even more preferably less than 0.1%.

[0058] The Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can degas the molten glass. On the other hand, by making the content of the SnO.sub.2 component 1.0% or less, reduction of the transmittance in the short wavelength region of the visible light region, or solarization or reduction of the quality of the inner portion of the glass can be suppressed. Accordingly, the content of the SnO.sub.2 component may be preferably 1.0% or less, more preferably less than 0.5%, and even more preferably less than 0.2%.

[0059] In particular, in the second optical glass, by comprising a Y.sub.2O.sub.3 component, and further reducing the content of the Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 component, it is possible to reduce the formation of nodes in the glass (the generation of foreign substances, minute bubbles, or minute crystals), while making the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index small.

[0060] Further, a component which clarifies and degasses the glass is not limited to the above-described Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 component, and well-known clarifying agents and degassing agents in the field of glass production, or combinations thereof, may be used.

[0061] The F component is an optional component which, if having a content of more than 0%, can increase the Abbe number of the glass, lower the glass transition point, and further increase the devitrification resistance. However, if the content of the F component, namely the total amount as F of a fluoride partially or completely substituting an oxide of one or two or more of each of the above described metal elements, is more than 10.0%, the volatilization of the F component becomes large, and it becomes difficult to obtain stable optical constants, and it becomes difficult to obtain a homogenous glass. Further, the Abbe number is increased more than necessary. Accordingly, the content of the F component may be preferably 10.0% or less, more preferably less than 5.0%, even more preferably less than 3.0%, and even more preferably less than 1.0%.

[0062] The total amount of the SiO.sub.2 component and the B.sub.2O.sub.3 component is preferably 6.0% or more. In this way, a stable glass is easily obtained. Accordingly, the mass sum (SiO.sub.2+B.sub.2O.sub.3) is preferably 6.0% or more, more preferably 7.0% or more, even more preferably 9.0% or more, even more preferably more than 10.0%, even more preferably more than 12.0%, even more preferably more than 15.0%, even more preferably 16.0% or more, even more preferably more than 16.0%, even more preferably more than 17.0%, even more preferably more than 19.0%, and even more preferably more than 20.0%. On the other hand, by making the total amount 37.0% or less, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index can be made small. Accordingly, the mass sum (SiO.sub.2+B.sub.2O.sub.3) is preferably 37.0% or less, more preferably 35.0% or less, even more preferably 34.0% or less, even more preferably less than 33.0%, even more preferably less than 30.0%, even more preferably less than 28.0%, even more preferably 25.5% or less, and even more preferably 25.0% or less.

[0063] A ratio (mass ratio) of the total content of the SiO.sub.2 component and B.sub.2O.sub.3 component, with respect to a total content of the Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 component (wherein Ln is one or more selected from the group consisting of La, Gd, Y, and Yb) is preferably 0.25 or more. By making this ratio large, the refractive index of the glass can be made high. Accordingly, the mass ratio (SiO.sub.2+B.sub.2O.sub.3)/Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 is preferably 0.25 or more, more preferably 0.35 or more, even more preferably 0.45 or more, even more preferably 0.56 or more, and even more preferably 0.67 or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of obtaining a stable glass, this mass ratio is preferably 3.00 or less, more preferably 2.00 or less, even more preferably less than 1.50, and even more preferably less than 1.20.

[0064] A ratio (mass ratio) of the content of the BaO component, with respect to the content of the SiO.sub.2 component, is preferably 0.50 or more. By making this ratio large, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index can be made small, and the chemical resistance can be increased. Accordingly, the mass ratio BaO/SiO.sub.2 is preferably 0.50 or more, more preferably 0.80 or more, even more preferably more than 1.00, even more preferably more than 1.30, even more preferably 1.50 or more, even more preferably more than 1.50, even more preferably 1.70 or more, even more preferably 1.80 or more, even more preferably more than 2.00, even more preferably 2.10 or more, even more preferably 2.40 or more, even more preferably 2.50 or more, and even more preferably 2.80 or more. On the other hand, the upper limit of the mass ratio BaO/SiO.sub.2 may be infinite (an SiO.sub.2 content of 0%), but from the viewpoint of obtaining a stable glass, it may be preferably 10.00 or less, more preferably less than 7.00, even more preferably 5.00 or less, even more preferably less than 5.00, even more preferably less than 4.00, and even more preferably less than 3.50.

[0065] A ratio (mass ratio) of the content of the TiO.sub.2 component, with respect to the total content of the SiO.sub.2 component and B.sub.2O.sub.3 component, is preferably 0.05 or more. By making this ratio large, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index can be made small, and the material cost of the glass can be reduced. Accordingly, the mass ratio TiO.sub.2/(SiO.sub.2+B.sub.2O.sub.3) is preferably 0.05 or more, more preferably 0.10 or more, even more preferably more than 0.20, and even more preferably more than 0.25. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of obtaining a stable glass, this ratio may be preferably 3.00 or less, more preferably less than 2.00, even more preferably less than 1.70, even more preferably less than 1.40, and even more preferably less than 1.10.

[0066] The total mass of Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 and Y.sub.2O.sub.3 may be 0%, but is preferably more than 0% to 27.0%. In this way, a stable glass is readily obtained. Accordingly, a mass sum (Gd.sub.2O.sub.3+Y.sub.2O.sub.3) may be preferably more than 0%, more preferably more than 1.0%, even more preferably more than 4.0%, even more preferably more than 7.00%, and even more preferably more than 10.0%. On the other hand, by making this total amount 27.0% or less, an increase in the Abbe number of the glass can be suppressed. Accordingly, the mass sum (Gd.sub.2O.sub.3+Y.sub.2O.sub.3) may be preferably 27.0% or less, more preferably less than 25.0%, even more preferably less than 20.0%, even more preferably less than 18.0%, and even more preferably 15.0% or less.

[0067] A ratio (mass ratio) of the content of Y.sub.2O.sub.3 with respect to the total content of the Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 component (wherein Ln is one or more selected from the group consisting of La, Gd, Y, and Yb) may be 0, but is preferably greater than 0. By making this ratio large, the specific gravity of the glass can be made small, and the material cost can be reduced. Accordingly, the mass ratio Y.sub.2O.sub.3/Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 is preferably more than 0, more preferably 0.01 or more, even more preferably more than 0.02, even more preferably more than 0.04, even more preferably 0.06 or more, even more preferably more than 0.10, and even more preferably more than 0.15. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of obtaining a glass with a higher refractive index, and high stability, this mass ratio Y.sub.2O.sub.3/Ln.sub.2O.sub.3 may be preferably 0.60 or less, more preferably 0.50 or less, even more preferably less than 0.40, and even more preferably less than 0.35.

[0068] A ratio of the content of the BaO component with respect to a total content of the SiO.sub.2 component, B.sub.2O.sub.3 component, and ZnO component is preferably more than 0.30. By making this ratio large, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index can be made small. Accordingly, the mass ratio BaO/(SiO.sub.2+B.sub.2O.sub.3+ZnO) is preferably more than 0.30, more preferably more than 0.40, even more preferably more than 0.50, even more preferably more than 0.60, even more preferably more than 0.80, even more preferably 0.95 or more, and even more preferably more than 1.00. In the first optical glass, the mass ratio BaO/(SiO.sub.2+B.sub.2O.sub.3+ZnO) may be more than 1.25, may be more than 1.30, and may be 1.47 or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of obtaining a stable glass, this mass ratio BaO/(SiO.sub.2+B.sub.2O.sub.3+ZnO) may be preferably 4.00 or less, more preferably 3.50 or less, even more preferably 3.00 or less, even more preferably less than 2.50, even more preferably less than 2.00, even more preferably less than 1.80, even more preferably 1.65 or less, and even more preferably less than 1.60. In particular, in the second optical glass, the mass ratio BaO/(SiO.sub.2+B.sub.2O.sub.3+ZnO) may be less than 1.40.

[0069] A sum (mass sum) of the content of the RO component (wherein R is one or more selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, and Zn) is preferably 10.0% or more. In this way, the devitrification of the glass can be reduced, and further, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index can be made small. Accordingly, the mass sum of the RO component is preferably 10.0% or more, more preferably more than 14.0%, even more preferably more than 16.0%, even more preferably more than 17.0%, even more preferably more than 18.0%, even more preferably 20.0% or more, even more preferably more than 20.0%, even more preferably more than 23.0%, even more preferably more than 24.0%, and even more preferably more than 28.0%. In particular, in the first optical glass the mass sum of the RO component may be more than 30.0%, and may be more than 32.0%. On the other hand, by making the mass sum of the RO component 55.0% or less, reductions in the refractive index can be suppressed, and further, the stability of the glass can be increased. Accordingly, the mass sum of the RO component is preferably 55.0% or less, more preferably 50.0% or less, even more preferably 45.0% or less, even more preferably less than 42.0%, even more preferably less than 40.0%, even more preferably 38.0% or less, even more preferably 37.0% or less, and even more preferably less than 35.0%. In particular, in the second optical glass, the mass sum of the RO component may be less than 32.0%, and may be less than 30.0%.

[0070] A sum (mass sum) of the content of the Rn.sub.2O component (wherein Rn is one or more selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, and K) is preferably 10.0% or less. In this way, reductions in the viscosity of the molten glass can be suppressed, the refractive index of the glass is not readily reduced, and further, devitrification of the glass can be reduced. Accordingly, the mass sum of the Rn.sub.2O component is preferably 10.0% or less, more preferably less than 7.0%, even more preferably less than 4.0%, even more preferably less than 2.0%, and even more preferably 1.0% or less.

[0071] Next, components which should not be included and components which are preferably not included in the optical glass of the present invention are explained.

[0072] Other components may be added as required within a range which does not harm the characteristics of the glass of the present invention. However, excluding Ti, Zr, Nb, W, La, Gd, Y, Yb, and Lu, various transition metal components of V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, Mo, and the like, even if respectively contained individually or combination in small amounts, have the property of coloring the glass, and giving rise to absorbance of specified wavelengths in the visible range, and therefore, in particular for optical glass used for wavelengths in the visible region, these are preferably substantially not included.

[0073] Further, lead compounds such as PbO and the like, and arsenic compounds such as As.sub.2O.sub.3 and the like are components having a high environmental burden, and therefore should substantially not be included, namely, they are desirably not included at all except for unavoidable impurities.

[0074] Furthermore, in recent years there has been a tendency to avoid use of all of the components of Th, Cd, Tl, Os, Be, and Se as harmful chemical materials, and steps for environmental measures are required not only in the production steps of the glass, but also in the processing steps, up until the disposal after having made the product. Accordingly, in the case of focusing on environmental impact, it is preferable that these are substantially not included.

[Production Method]

[0075] The optical glass of the present invention is manufactured, for example by a method such as the following. Namely, it is produced by uniformly mixing as raw materials of each of the above components, high purity raw materials usually used for optical glass such as oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, nitrates, fluorides, hydroxides, metaphosphates and the like, so that the each component is within the predetermined content range, charging the produced mixture into a platinum crucible, and after melting for 1 to 10 hours in a temperature range of 900 to 1500 C. in an electric furnace in accordance with the degree of ease of melting the glass raw materials, with stirring and homogenizing, the temperature is lowered to a suitable level, casting in a mold, and annealing.

[0076] The optical glass of the present invention has a high refractive index and a low Abbe number (low dispersion). In particular, the refractive index (n.sub.d) of the optical glass of the present invention preferably has a lower limit of 1.75, more preferably 1.77, even more preferably 1.78, even more preferably 1.80, even more preferably 1.85, and even more preferably 1.88. This refractive index (n.sub.d) may have an upper limit of preferably 2.10, more preferably 2.00, even more preferably 1.97, and even more preferably 1.90. Further, the Abbe number (.sub.d) of the optical glass of the present invention preferably has a lower limit of 18, more preferably 20, even more preferably 23, even more preferably 26, even more preferably 29, even more preferably 30, and even more preferably 32. This Abbe number (.sub.d) preferably has an upper limit of 45, more preferably 43, even more preferably 42, even more preferably 41, even more preferably 40, and even more preferably 35. By having such a high refractive index, even when designing thinner optical elements, it is possible to obtain a large diffraction amount of light. Further, by having such a high dispersion, the focus point according to the wavelength of the light when using a single lens can be suitably shifted. Therefore, for example when constituting an optical system by combining with optical elements having a low dispersion (high Abbe number), it is possible to reduce aberrations of this optical system as a whole and design for high imaging characteristics and the like. In such a way, the optical glass of the present invention is useful for optical design, and in particular, when constituting an optical system, it is possible to design size reduction of the optical system even while designing high imaging characteristics and the like, and it is possible to broaden the degree of freedom in optical design.

[0077] Herein, in the optical glass of the present invention the refractive index (n.sub.d) and the Abbe number (.sub.d) preferably satisfy the relationship (0.0112.sub.d+2.15)n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.35). In the glass with the composition specified by the present invention, by satisfying this relationship between the refractive index (n.sub.d) and the Abbe number (.sub.d), a more stable glass can be obtained. Accordingly, in the optical glass of the present invention, the refractive index (n.sub.d) and the Abbe number (.sub.d) preferably satisfy the relationship n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.15), more preferably satisfy the relationship n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.17), even more preferably satisfy the relationship n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.18), even more preferably satisfy the relationship n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.20), even more preferably satisfy the relationship n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.21), and even more preferably satisfy the relationship n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.22). On the other hand, in the optical glass of the present invention, the refractive index (n.sub.d) and the Abbe number (.sub.d) preferably satisfy the relationship n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.35), more preferably satisfy the relationship n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.30), even more preferably satisfy the relationship n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.28), even more preferably satisfy the relationship n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.27), and even more preferably satisfy the relationship n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.25).

[0078] The optical glass of the present invention has a low value of the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index (dn/dT). More specifically, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index of the optical glass of the present invention preferably has an upper limit value of +4.010.sup.6 C..sup.1, more preferably +3.510.sup.6 C..sup.1, even more preferably +3.010.sup.6 C..sup.1, even more preferably +2.810.sup.6 C..sup.1, even more preferably +2.510.sup.6 C..sup.1, even more preferably +2.010.sup.6 C..sup.1, even more preferably +1.010.sup.6 C..sup.1, and it is possible to obtain this upper limit or a lower value (on the negative side). On the other hand, the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index of the optical glass of the present invention preferably has a lower limit value of 10.010.sup.6 C..sup.1, more preferably 5.010.sup.6 C..sup.1, even more preferably 3.010.sup.6 C..sup.1, even more preferably 2.810.sup.6 C..sup.1, even more preferably 2.510.sup.6 C..sup.1, even more preferably 2.010.sup.6 C..sup.1, even more preferably 1.010.sup.6 C..sup.1, and even more preferably 010.sup.6 C..sup.1, and it is possible to obtain this lower limit or a higher value (on the positive side). Among these, as a glass having a refractive index (n.sub.d) of 1.75 or more, and further an Abbe number (.sub.d) of 18 to 45, a glass with a low temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index is almost unknown, and this broadens the options for correcting deviations and the like of an image due to temperature changes, and such corrections can be more easily made. Accordingly, by having such a range of the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index, it becomes possible to contribute to correction of deviations and the like of an image due to temperature changes. The temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index of the optical glass of the present invention, is a temperature coefficient of the refractive index for light having a wavelength of 589.29 nm in air having the same temperature of the optical glass, and shows the amount of change per 1 C. ( C..sup.1) when changing the temperature from 40 C. to 60 C.

[0079] The optical glass of the present invention has a high water resistance. In particular, the chemical resistance (water resistance) according to the powder method of the glass based on JOGIS06-2009 is preferably class 1 to 3, more preferably class 1 to 2, and most preferably class 1. In this way, when polishing the optical glass, tarnish of the glass due to an aqueous polishing fluid or cleaning fluid can be reduced, whereby it is easy to carry out production of optical elements from the glass. Herein, water resistance is resistance to erosion of the glass due to water, and this water resistance can be measured according to the Measurement Method of Chemical Resistance of Optical Glass JOGIS06-2009 by the Japan Optical Glass Manufacturers Association. Further, the chemical resistance (water resistance) is class 1 to 3 means that a chemical resistance (water resistance) carried out according to JOGIS06-2009, by a reduction ratio of the mass of a test piece before and after measurement, is less than 0.25 mass %. Further, class 1 of the chemical resistance (water resistance) means that the reduction ratio of the mass of a test piece before and after measurement is less than 0.05 mass %, class 2 means that the reduction ratio of the mass of a test piece before and after measurement is 0.05 to less than 0.10 mass %, class 3 means that the reduction ratio of the mass of a test piece before and after measurement is 0.10 to less than 0.25 mass %, class 4 means that the reduction ratio of the mass of a test piece before and after measurement is 0.25 to less than 0.60 mass %, class 5 means that the reduction ratio of the mass of a test piece before and after measurement is 0.60 to less than 1.10 mass %, and class 6 means that the reduction ratio of the mass of a test piece before and after measurement is 1.10 mass % or more. Namely, a smaller class number means that the glass has more excellent water resistance.

[0080] The optical glass of the present invention preferably has a small specific gravity. More specifically, the optical glass of the present invention preferably has a specific gravity of 5.00 or less. In this way, the mass of optical elements and optical devices using the same can be reduced, whereby it is possible to contribute to weight reduction of optical devices. Accordingly, the specific gravity of the optical glass of the present invention preferably has an upper limit of 5.00, more preferably 4.80, and even more preferably 4.75. Further, the specific gravity of the optical glass of the present invention often is often 3.00 or more, more specifically 3.50 or more, and even more specifically 4.00 or more. The specific gravity of the optical glass of the present invention is measured based on Measurement Method of Specific Gravity of Optical Glass JOGIS05-1975 by the Japan Optical Glass Manufacturers Association.

[0081] The optical glass of the present invention preferably has a high devitrification resistance, more specifically, has a low liquidus temperature. Namely, the upper limit of the liquidus temperature of the optical glass of the present invention may be preferably 1200 C., more preferably 1180 C., and even more preferably 1150 C. In this way, even if flowing at a low temperature after melting the glass, because the crystallization of the prepared glass is reduced, devitrification when forming the glass from the fused state can be reduced, and the effects on the optical characteristics of optical elements using the glass can be reduced. Further, because the glass can be molded even when the fusion temperature of the glass is low, the consumption of energy when molding the glass can be suppressed, and the production costs of the glass can be reduced. On the other hand, the lower limit of the liquidus temperature of the optical glass of the present invention is not particularly limited, but the liquidus temperature of the glass obtained by the present invention is often roughly 800 C. or more, specifically 850 C. or more, and even more specifically 900 C. or more. Further, in the present specification, liquidus temperature indicates the lowest temperature at which crystals are not recognized, when observing the presence/absence of crystals at the glass surface and in the glass directly after a 30 cc caret-shaped glass sample is inserted into a platinum crucible with a volume of 50 ml to reach a fully molten state at 1250 C., lowering the temperature to a predetermined temperature and holding for 1 hour, removing from the furnace and cooling. Herein, the predetermined temperature when lowering the temperature is a temperature between 1200 C. and 800 C. in increments of 10 C.

[Preform and Optical Element]

[0082] From the produced optical glass, for example, it is possible to manufacture a glass compact, using a polishing technique, or a technique of mold press molding such as reheat press molding or precision press molding or the like. Namely, it is possible to manufacture a glass compact by carrying out a mechanical process such as grinding and polishing or the like on the optical glass, or to manufacture a preform for mold press molding from the optical glass and manufacture a glass compact by carrying out a polishing technique after having carried out reheat press molding on this preform, or to manufacture a glass compact by carrying out precision press molding on a preform manufactured by carrying out an polishing technique or on a preform molded by a publicly known floating molding, or the like. Further, the technique of manufacturing the glass compact is not limited to these techniques.

[0083] In this way, the optical glass of the present invention is useful for a great variety of optical elements and optical designs. Among these, in particular, forming a preform from the optical glass of the present invention, carrying out reheat press molding or precision press molding or the like using this preform, and manufacturing an optical element such as a lens or prism or the like is preferable. In this way, it becomes possible to form a preform having a large diameter, whereby it is possible to design large optical elements, while realizing high resolution and high precision imaging characteristics and projection characteristics when used in an optical device.

[0084] The glass compact consisting of the optical glass of the present invention can be used, for example, for applications of optical elements such as lenses, prisms, mirrors and the like, and can also be used for devices which readily reach high temperatures, typically optical devices for vehicles, or projectors or copiers or the like.

Examples

[0085] The compositions of the Examples (No. A1 to No. A60, No. B1 to No. B60) and Comparative Examples (No. a, No. b) of the present invention and the results of the refractive index (n.sub.d), Abbe number (.sub.d), temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index (dn/dT), water resistance, and specific gravity of these glasses are shown in Tables 1 to 17. Herein, the Examples (No. A1 to No. A60) may be taken as examples of the first glass, and Examples (No. B1 to No. B60) may be taken as examples of the second glass. Further, the below examples are provided only for exemplification, and these examples are in no way limiting.

[0086] The glasses of the Examples and Comparative Examples of the present invention were all prepared by selecting high purity raw materials usually used for optical glass such as oxides, hydroxides, carbonates, nitrates, fluorides, hydroxides, metaphosphates and the like, respectively corresponding to the raw material of each component, weighed so as to have the proportions of the compositions of each example shown in the table, and after uniformly mixing, were charged into a platinum crucible, and after melting for 1 to 10 hours in a temperature range of 1000 to 1500 C. in an electric furnace in accordance with the degree of ease of melting the glass raw materials, and after stirring and homogenizing, were cast in a mold, and annealed.

[0087] The refractive index (n.sub.d) and Abbe number (.sub.d) of the glasses of the examples and comparative examples show the measured values with respect to the d-line of a helium lamp (587.56 nm). Further, the Abbe number (.sub.d) was calculated from the formula Abbe number (.sub.d)=[(n.sub.d1)/(n.sub.Fn.sub.C)] using the values of the refractive index of the above mentioned d-line, and the refractive index (n.sub.F) with respect to the F-line (486.13 nm), and the refractive index (n.sub.C) with respect to the C-line (656.27 nm) of a hydrogen lamp. Then, from the values of the obtained refractive index (n.sub.d) and Abbe number (.sub.d), the intercept b was determined when the slope a in the relational formula n.sub.d=a.sub.d+b was 0.0112. Further, the glass used for the present measurements was one obtained where the temperature reduction rate was 25 C./hr and by carrying out a treatment in an annealing furnace.

[0088] The temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index (dn/dT) of the glasses of the Examples and Comparative Examples is the measured value of the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index when the temperature was changed from 40 C. to 60 C. for a wavelength of 589.29 nm, according to the interferometry method among the methods disclosed in Measurement Method of Temperature Coefficient of the Relative Refractive Index of Optical Glass JOGIS18-2008 by the Japan Optical Glass Manufacturers Association.

[0089] The water resistance of the glasses of the Examples and Comparative Examples was measured according to the Measurement Method of Chemical Resistance of Optical Glass JOGIS06-2009 by the Japan Optical Glass Manufacturers Association. Namely, a glass test specimen crushed to a granularity of 425 to 600 m in a specific gravity flask was placed inside a platinum cage. The platinum cage was put in a quartz glass round bottom flask into which purified water (pH 6.5 to 7.5) had been added, and was treated for 60 min in boiling water. The reduction rate (mass %) of the glass sample after the treatment was calculated, and it was taken as class 1 when this reduction rate was less than 0.05, class 2 when this reduction rate was from 0.05 to less than 0.10, class 3 when this reduction rate was from 0.10 to less than 0.25, class 4 when this reduction rate was from 0.25 to less than 0.60, class 5 when this reduction rate was from 0.60 to less than 1.10, and class 6 when this reduction rate was 1.10 or more.

[0090] The specific gravity of the glasses of the Examples and Comparative Examples was measured based on Measurement Method of Specific Gravity of Optical Glass JOGIS05-1975 by the Japan Optical Glass Manufacturers Association.

[0091] As the liquidus temperature of the glasses of the Examples and Comparative Examples, the lowest temperature at which there are deemed to be no crystals was measured, when observing the presence/absence of crystals at the glass surface and in the glass directly after a 30 cc caret-shaped glass sample was inserted into a platinum crucible with a volume of 50 ml to reach a fully molten state at 1250 C., lowering the temperature to a predetermined temperature and holding for 1 hour, removing from the furnace and cooling.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Example (Units: mass %) A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 A7 A8 SiO.sub.2 10.07 11.07 9.07 11.07 11.07 8.12 13.12 8.96 B.sub.2O.sub.3 14.06 13.06 13.06 13.06 11.00 12.72 6.72 13.19 BaO 35.76 35.80 35.80 35.80 33.80 31.46 31.46 33.11 La.sub.2O.sub.3 27.81 24.81 26.81 22.81 24.81 20.82 10.82 20.01 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 5.00 1.91 5.00 1.97 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 3.00 3.00 5.00 1.97 Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 1.00 ZrO.sub.2 3.33 3.33 3.33 3.33 3.43 7.77 5.74 5.47 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 2.76 1.96 1.96 1.96 1.96 WO.sub.3 0.80 0.80 0.80 TiO.sub.2 6.16 6.16 6.16 6.17 6.56 18.11 20.11 11.95 ZnO MgO 2.00 CaO 1.00 1.00 0.49 SrO 0.40 Li.sub.2O 1.00 Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O 1.48 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 2.06 Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 1.36 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.05 0.01 0.03 0.02 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 12.25 12.25 22.25 12.26 11.95 25.87 25.84 17.42 Si + B 24.14 24.14 22.14 24.14 22.07 20.85 19.85 22.16 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.868 0.868 0.743 0.868 0.796 1.001 0.953 0.925 Ba/Si 3.549 3.232 3.945 3.232 3.052 3.874 2.398 3.694 Ti/(Si + B) 0.255 0.255 0.278 0.256 0.297 0.869 1.013 0.540 Gd + Y 0.00 3.00 3.00 5.00 1.91 0.00 10.00 3.94 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.000 0.108 0.101 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.240 0.082 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.481 1.483 1.617 1.483 1.531 1.509 1.585 1.494 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 35.76 35.80 35.80 35.80 36.20 32.46 32.46 33.61 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.00 1.48 La + Gd + Y + Yb 27.81 27.81 29.81 27.81 27.72 20.82 20.82 23.95 Refractive index (nd) 1.792 1.786 1.799 1.785 1.784 1.878 1.888 1.835 Abbe number (d) 39.6 39.9 39.3 39.9 39.9 31.6 30.6 35.6 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.235 2.233 2.240 2.232 2.231 2.233 2.232 2.234 Temperature coefficient 1.0 0.5 0.1 0.3 0.7 0.4 0.8 0.3 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1]

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Example (Units: mass %) A9 A10 A11 A12 A13 A14 A15 A16 SiO.sub.2 8.32 11.46 6.07 11.46 6.28 11.46 11.46 B.sub.2O.sub.3 13.47 13.51 18.06 13.51 18.68 13.51 24.97 13.51 BaO 36.90 37.03 35.80 32.89 37.03 37.03 37.03 37.03 La.sub.2O.sub.3 25.57 25.66 24.81 25.66 25.66 25.66 25.66 21.52 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 3.09 3.10 3.00 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.10 Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 ZrO.sub.2 3.43 3.33 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 2.02 2.03 1.96 2.03 2.03 WO.sub.3 0.82 0.83 0.80 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.83 TiO.sub.2 6.35 6.37 6.16 10.51 6.37 8.40 8.40 12.54 ZnO MgO CaO SrO Li.sub.2O Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O Al.sub.2O.sub.3 Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 12.63 9.23 12.25 13.37 9.23 9.23 9.23 13.37 Si + B 21.79 24.97 24.14 24.97 24.97 24.97 24.97 24.97 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.760 0.868 0.868 0.868 0.868 0.868 0.868 1.014 Ba/Si 4.434 3.232 5.894 2.871 5.894 3.232 3.232 Ti/(Si + B) 0.292 0.255 0.255 0.421 0.255 0.336 0.336 0.502 Gd + Y 3.09 3.10 3.00 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.10 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.108 0.108 0.108 0.108 0.108 0.108 0.108 0.126 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.694 1.483 1.483 1.317 1.483 1.483 1.483 1.483 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 36.90 37.03 35.80 32.89 37.03 37.03 37.03 37.03 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 La + Gd + Y + Yb 28.67 28.77 27.81 28.77 28.77 28.77 28.77 24.63 Refractive index (nd) 1.800 1.779 1.788 1.807 1.778 1.784 1.780 1.805 Abbe number (d) 39.1 40.5 40.0 36.6 40.8 39.5 39.9 35.7 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.238 2.233 2.236 2.217 2.234 2.225 2.226 2.205 Temperature coefficient 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.2 0.6 0.0 0.3 0.6 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1]

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Example (Units: mass %) A17 A18 A19 A20 A21 A22 A23 A24 SiO.sub.2 11.34 11.46 11.46 11.46 11.11 11.46 11.11 11.22 B.sub.2O.sub.3 13.37 11.44 13.51 11.44 13.11 8.34 13.11 13.24 BaO 36.65 39.10 41.17 37.03 35.91 37.03 35.91 36.28 La.sub.2O.sub.3 21.30 21.52 17.39 21.52 20.88 21.52 20.88 21.09 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 3.07 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.01 3.10 3.01 3.04 Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 ZrO.sub.2 2.07 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 WO.sub.3 0.82 0.83 0.83 0.83 0.80 0.83 0.80 0.81 TiO.sub.2 12.41 12.54 12.54 12.54 12.16 17.71 12.16 12.28 ZnO MgO CaO SrO Li.sub.2O 2.03 Na.sub.2O 3.01 K.sub.2O 1.02 3.01 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 13.23 13.37 13.37 15.44 12.96 18.54 12.96 13.10 Si + B 24.71 22.90 24.97 22.90 24.22 19.79 24.22 24.46 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 1.014 0.930 1.219 0.930 1.014 0.804 1.014 1.014 Ba/Si 3.232 3.413 3.594 3.232 3.232 3.232 3.232 3.232 Ti/(Si + B) 0.502 0.548 0.502 0.548 0.502 0.895 0.502 0.502 Gd + Y 3.07 3.10 3.10 3.10 3.01 3.10 3.01 3.04 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.126 0.126 0.151 0.126 0.126 0.126 0.126 0.126 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.483 1.707 1.649 1.617 1.483 1.871 1.483 1.483 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 36.65 39.10 41.17 37.03 35.91 37.03 35.91 36.28 Li + Na + K 1.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.01 0.00 3.01 2.03 La + Gd + Y + Yb 24.38 24.63 20.49 24.63 23.89 24.63 23.89 24.13 Refractive index (nd) 1.797 1.811 1.797 1.818 1.784 1.859 1.784 1.797 Abbe number (d) 35.9 35.5 35.9 35.0 36.2 31.1 36.2 36.2 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.199 2.208 2.199 2.210 2.190 2.208 2.190 2.202 Temperature coefficient 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.9 0.2 0.9 0.3 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1]

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Example (Units: mass %) A25 A26 A27 A28 A29 A30 A31 A32 SiO.sub.2 11.46 11.46 8.28 11.11 9.46 11.55 10.87 9.46 B.sub.2O.sub.3 13.51 13.51 15.40 13.11 11.53 10.49 12.82 11.53 BaO 37.03 37.03 33.35 35.92 37.32 37.32 35.12 37.32 La.sub.2O.sub.3 21.53 21.53 26.88 24.89 31.70 28.99 20.42 30.66 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 3.10 3.10 4.03 3.01 3.13 3.13 2.94 3.13 Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 ZrO.sub.2 4.14 1.42 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 4.14 2.09 WO.sub.3 0.83 0.83 0.77 0.80 TiO.sub.2 8.40 8.40 9.87 8.15 6.80 8.47 11.89 5.76 ZnO MgO CaO SrO Li.sub.2O Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O 3.01 5.89 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 13.37 13.37 12.07 8.95 6.80 8.47 11.89 7.84 Si + B 24.97 24.97 23.68 24.22 20.99 22.04 23.68 20.99 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 1.014 1.014 0.766 0.868 0.603 0.686 1.014 0.621 Ba/Si 3.232 3.232 4.028 3.232 3.945 3.232 3.232 3.945 Ti/(Si + B) 0.336 0.336 0.417 0.336 0.324 0.384 0.502 0.274 Gd + Y 3.10 3.10 4.03 3.01 3.13 3.13 2.94 3.13 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.126 0.126 0.130 0.108 0.090 0.097 0.126 0.093 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.483 1.483 1.408 1.483 1.778 1.694 1.483 1.778 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 37.03 37.03 33.35 35.92 37.32 37.32 35.12 37.32 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.01 0.00 0.00 5.89 0.00 La + Gd + Y + Yb 24.63 24.63 30.90 27.90 34.83 32.12 23.36 33.79 Refractive index (nd) 1.788 1.762 1.806 1.766 1.794 1.797 1.766 1.794 Abbe number (d) 38.7 39.6 37.5 39.8 40.1 38.8 36.7 40.3 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.222 2.206 2.226 2.212 2.244 2.232 2.177 2.245 Temperature coefficient 1.0 0.8 0.4 1.1 0.4 0.3 1.7 0.8 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1]

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Example (Units: mass %) A33 A34 A35 A36 A37 A38 A39 A40 SiO.sub.2 6.33 6.33 9.25 11.55 9.12 9.25 13.53 10.44 B.sub.2O.sub.3 14.66 14.66 13.96 10.49 13.98 13.96 9.56 12.65 BaO 37.32 37.32 33.48 37.32 31.48 33.48 34.06 34.36 La.sub.2O.sub.3 29.62 31.70 28.97 28.99 29.88 27.96 29.98 29.98 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 3.13 3.13 4.44 3.13 4.40 4.44 4.51 4.51 Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 ZrO.sub.2 2.41 2.81 2.41 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 2.09 0.99 1.16 0.99 WO.sub.3 TiO.sub.2 6.80 6.80 6.45 8.47 7.12 7.46 7.57 7.57 ZnO MgO 0.73 CaO SrO Li.sub.2O 0.73 Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O Al.sub.2O.sub.3 Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 8.88 6.80 9.85 8.47 11.09 10.87 7.57 7.57 Si + B 20.99 20.99 23.21 22.04 23.10 23.21 23.09 23.09 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.641 0.603 0.695 0.686 0.674 0.716 0.669 0.669 Ba/Si 5.894 5.894 3.620 3.232 3.452 3.620 2.516 3.262 Ti/(Si + B) 0.324 0.324 0.278 0.384 0.308 0.322 0.328 0.328 Gd + Y 3.13 3.13 4.44 3.13 4.40 4.44 4.51 4.51 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.096 0.090 0.133 0.097 0.128 0.137 0.131 0.131 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.778 1.778 1.443 1.694 1.362 1.443 1.475 1.475 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 37.32 37.32 33.48 37.32 31.48 33.48 34.06 34.79 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.73 0.00 La + Gd + Y + Yb 32.75 34.83 33.41 32.12 34.28 32.39 34.50 34.50 Refractive index (nd) 1.792 1.793 1.794 1.798 1.803 1.799 1.793 1.795 Abbe number (d) 40.3 40.2 40.2 38.8 39.3 39.2 39.9 39.7 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.243 2.242 2.244 2.233 2.243 2.239 2.240 2.240 Temperature coefficient 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.3 0.8 0.4 0.6 0.2 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1]

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Example (Units: mass %) A41 A42 A43 A44 A45 A46 A47 A48 SiO.sub.2 10.44 10.07 11.55 11.25 7.95 10.07 10.07 10.07 B.sub.2O.sub.3 12.65 13.36 11.53 10.22 15.06 10.28 13.36 13.36 BaO 34.06 32.99 34.19 32.31 31.94 32.99 32.99 32.99 La.sub.2O.sub.3 24.83 30.31 28.99 32.32 29.42 30.97 27.23 16.95 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 5.15 4.97 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 9.67 4.97 3.13 3.05 8.05 18.33 Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 ZrO.sub.2 0.73 0.97 1.44 0.97 0.97 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 WO.sub.3 2.03 TiO.sub.2 7.57 7.28 7.42 8.25 7.98 7.59 7.28 7.28 ZnO MgO CaO 1.04 SrO 2.09 Li.sub.2O Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O 0.51 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 1.00 3.08 Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 8.30 8.24 7.42 10.28 9.42 7.59 8.24 8.24 Si + B 23.09 23.44 23.08 21.48 23.02 20.35 23.44 23.44 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.669 0.664 0.719 0.607 0.666 0.566 0.664 0.664 Ba/Si 3.262 3.274 2.962 2.871 4.017 3.274 3.274 3.274 Ti/(Si + B) 0.328 0.311 0.322 0.384 0.347 0.373 0.311 0.311 Gd + Y 9.67 4.97 3.13 3.05 5.15 4.97 8.05 18.33 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.280 0.141 0.097 0.086 0.000 0.000 0.228 0.520 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.475 1.407 1.482 1.504 1.388 1.621 1.407 1.407 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 34.06 32.99 37.32 32.31 31.94 32.99 32.99 32.99 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.51 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 La + Gd + Y + Yb 34.50 35.28 32.12 35.37 34.57 35.94 35.28 35.28 Refractive index (nd) 1.792 1.793 1.787 1.806 1.796 1.793 1.792 1.789 Abbe number (d) 40.0 40.0 40.1 38.7 39.6 40.0 40.2 40.5 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.240 2.243 2.237 2.239 2.239 2.241 2.242 2.242 Temperature coefficient 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.6 0.4 0.5 1.0 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1]

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Comparative Example Example (Units: mass %) A49 A50 a SiO.sub.2 10.45 11.55 6.09 B.sub.2O.sub.3 17.45 10.50 21.99 BaO 35.93 33.17 2.99 La.sub.2O.sub.3 17.90 29.01 32.04 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 2.99 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 1.85 3.13 2.99 Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 ZrO.sub.2 4.99 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 9.03 WO.sub.3 3.69 TiO.sub.2 7.14 8.47 ZnO 0.78 12.97 MgO CaO 3.42 4.17 SrO 5.00 Li.sub.2O 0.03 0.20 Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O Al.sub.2O.sub.3 Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.03 0.02 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 7.14 8.47 17.71 Si + B 27.90 22.05 28.07 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 1.412 0.686 0.738 Ba/Si 3.439 2.871 0.492 Ti/(Si + B) 0.256 0.384 0.000 Gd + Y 1.85 3.13 5.99 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.094 0.097 0.079 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.253 1.504 0.073 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 44.35 37.34 2.99 Li + Na + K 0.03 0.00 0.20 La + Gd + Y + Yb 19.76 32.14 38.02 Refractive index (nd) 1.757 1.797 1.806 Abbe number (d) 42.8 38.8 40.9 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.237 2.232 2.264 Temperature coefficient 1.6 0.3 7.2 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1]

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Example (Units: mass %) A51 A52 A53 A54 A55 A56 A57 A58 SiO.sub.2 11.09 6.56 8.78 7.45 6.17 7.18 8.06 7.52 B.sub.2O.sub.3 8.16 11.09 11.91 10.98 11.39 11.30 11.42 10.13 BaO 37.30 33.52 36.83 34.15 32.18 32.22 40.61 33.52 La.sub.2O.sub.3 29.05 23.93 18.05 23.70 10.83 24.40 11.97 23.93 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 10.78 3.94 9.73 10.50 4.20 10.78 Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 ZrO.sub.2 1.40 3.24 2.18 3.21 5.60 3.30 2.62 3.24 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 11.16 2.88 1.54 2.86 5.00 2.94 2.34 2.88 WO.sub.3 0.89 0.81 0.88 0.78 0.91 0.89 TiO.sub.2 1.83 7.10 15.95 7.04 28.06 7.24 18.77 7.10 ZnO MgO CaO SrO Li.sub.2O Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O Al.sub.2O.sub.3 Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 14.39 14.12 20.49 13.98 39.44 14.40 23.72 14.12 Si + B 19.26 17.64 20.69 18.43 17.56 18.48 19.47 17.64 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.663 0.508 0.941 0.551 1.622 0.530 1.204 0.508 Ba/Si 3.362 5.111 4.196 4.586 5.213 4.489 5.042 4.458 Ti/(Si + B) 0.095 0.403 0.771 0.382 1.598 0.392 0.964 0.403 Gd + Y 0.00 10.78 3.94 9.73 0.00 10.50 4.20 10.78 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.000 0.311 0.179 0.291 0.000 0.301 0.260 0.311 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.937 1.900 1.780 1.853 1.833 1.743 2.085 1.900 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 37.30 33.52 36.83 34.15 32.18 32.22 40.61 33.52 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 La + Gd + Y + Yb 29.05 34.71 21.99 33.43 10.83 34.90 16.18 34.71 Refractive index (nd) 1.816 1.834 1.856 1.828 1.967 1.832 1.873 1.833 Abbe number (d) 38.9 37.1 31.4 37.3 23.3 37.1 29.4 37.1 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.252 2.249 2.207 2.246 2.229 2.248 2.202 2.249 Temperature coefficient 0.2 0.4 0.8 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.0 0.1 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1]

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Example (Units: mass %) A59 A60 SiO.sub.2 8.06 7.32 B.sub.2O.sub.3 11.42 10.38 BaO 32.61 39.00 La.sub.2O.sub.3 11.97 10.88 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 4.20 3.82 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 Yb.sub.2O.sub.3 ZrO.sub.2 2.14 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 2.34 2.13 WO.sub.3 2.38 TiO.sub.2 18.77 17.06 ZnO MgO 3.00 CaO 5.00 SrO 7.00 Li.sub.2O Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O Al.sub.2O.sub.3 Ta.sub.2O.sub.5 0.50 Bi.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.02 Total 100.0 100.0 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 23.74 21.57 Si + B 19.47 17.70 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 1.204 1.204 Ba/Si 4.048 5.326 Ti/(Si + B) 0.964 0.964 Gd + Y 4.20 3.82 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.000 0.000 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.675 2.203 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 40.61 46.00 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.00 La + Gd + Y + Yb 16.18 14.71 Refractive index (nd) 1.871 1.858 Abbe number (d) 29.5 30.6 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.201 2.201 Temperature coefficient 0.7 0.7 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1]

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Example (Units: mass %) B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8 SiO.sub.2 8.44 7.78 13.70 10.71 8.44 11.24 8.20 B.sub.2O.sub.3 10.26 8.19 3.63 9.12 10.25 9.58 24.97 16.01 BaO 24.23 18.80 23.62 19.29 24.23 20.24 37.03 23.67 La.sub.2O.sub.3 23.60 31.60 23.47 33.37 20.09 35.02 25.66 32.26 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 1.50 1.50 1.50 3.00 5.00 3.15 3.10 6.98 ZrO.sub.2 6.13 6.50 7.69 6.66 6.13 6.99 3.01 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 5.66 6.84 7.56 4.72 4.86 WO.sub.3 0.80 0.80 0.84 0.81 TiO.sub.2 20.19 18.75 17.82 12.32 20.19 12.93 8.42 9.81 ZnO MgO CaO SrO Li.sub.2O Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O 0.98 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.06 0.06 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.05 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 La + Gd + Y + Yb 25.10 33.10 24.97 36.37 25.09 38.17 28.77 39.24 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 31.98 32.09 33.06 24.50 31.98 20.76 9.23 12.82 Si + B 18.70 15.97 17.32 19.84 18.69 20.82 24.97 24.21 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.745 0.482 0.694 0.545 0.745 0.545 0.868 0.617 Ba/Si 2.870 2.416 1.725 1.800 2.870 1.800 2.885 Ti/(Si + B) 1.080 1.174 1.029 0.621 1.080 0.621 0.337 0.405 Gd + Y 1.50 1.50 1.50 3.00 5.00 3.15 3.10 6.98 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.060 0.045 0.060 0.082 0.199 0.082 0.108 0.178 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.296 1.178 1.364 0.972 1.296 0.972 1.483 0.978 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 24.23 18.80 23.62 19.29 24.23 20.24 37.03 23.67 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.00 0.98 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Refractive index (nd) 1.924 1.962 1.933 1.890 1.930 1.873 1.780 1.822 Abbe number (d) 28.0 27.7 28.2 31.7 27.1 33.3 39.5 37.4 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.238 2.273 2.249 2.245 2.234 2.246 2.223 2.241 Temperature coefficient 2.5 2.3 2.8 1.9 2.5 1.5 0.1 1.1 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1] Specific gravity 4.49 4.71 4.52 4.65 4.44 4.64 4.60 Powder method water 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 resistance [class] Liquidus temperature 1098 1094 1160 1170 [ C.]

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Example (Units: mass %) B9 B10 B11 B12 B13 B14 B15 B16 SiO.sub.2 9.58 7.32 8.93 6.89 5.40 9.02 8.75 8.81 B.sub.2O.sub.3 15.77 17.73 14.72 13.35 15.37 14.87 14.43 14.98 BaO 25.54 20.54 27.31 23.28 21.84 27.59 26.76 26.79 La.sub.2O.sub.3 32.64 33.64 27.85 20.65 29.11 24.05 23.33 25.51 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 10.09 6.94 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 5.96 9.05 1.01 3.10 9.70 14.28 9.91 12.86 ZrO.sub.2 2.12 4.19 2.38 4.36 3.00 2.41 2.53 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 3.02 2.33 WO.sub.3 0.47 0.81 TiO.sub.2 8.33 7.49 7.65 20.03 7.53 7.73 7.50 7.65 ZnO MgO CaO 3.62 SrO 1.21 5.00 Li.sub.2O Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O Al.sub.2O.sub.3 3.00 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.02 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 La + Gd + Y + Yb 38.59 42.69 38.95 23.75 38.81 38.33 40.18 38.37 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 10.46 11.68 10.03 27.88 10.53 10.13 9.83 10.99 Si + B 25.36 25.04 23.66 20.24 20.77 23.90 23.18 23.80 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.657 0.587 0.607 0.852 0.535 0.623 0.577 0.620 Ba/Si 2.665 2.806 3.057 3.377 4.042 3.057 3.057 3.040 Ti/(Si + B) 0.329 0.299 0.323 0.989 0.362 0.323 0.323 0.321 Gd + Y 5.96 9.05 11.10 3.10 9.70 14.28 16.85 12.86 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.154 0.212 0.026 0.131 0.250 0.373 0.247 0.335 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.007 0.820 1.154 1.150 1.051 1.154 1.154 1.126 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 25.54 20.54 27.31 28.11 26.84 27.59 26.76 26.79 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Refractive index (nd) 1.803 1.813 1.804 1.898 1.806 1.802 1.798 1.804 Abbe number (d) 39.2 39.6 39.5 30.3 39.6 39.7 39.9 39.5 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.242 2.256 2.246 2.237 2.249 2.246 2.244 2.246 Temperature coefficient 0.4 1.9 1.1 1.6 2.1 1.5 1.7 1.5 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1] Specific gravity Powder method water resistance [class] Liquidus temperature 1156 1140 1130 1153 1145 1145 1117 1117 [ C.]

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Comparative Example Example (Units: mass %) B17 B18 B19 B20 B21 B22 B23 b SiO.sub.2 8.83 8.86 8.81 8.81 8.83 8.81 5.82 6.09 B.sub.2O.sub.3 14.05 14.10 14.99 14.99 14.55 14.98 19.90 21.99 BaO 24.00 27.09 26.80 22.24 27.34 26.79 12.95 2.99 La.sub.2O.sub.3 24.03 24.12 23.50 25.52 23.53 20.45 35.62 32.04 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 13.88 2.99 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 13.98 14.03 1.01 11.34 13.90 17.92 11.38 2.99 ZrO.sub.2 2.36 2.36 2.53 2.53 2.36 2.53 6.20 4.99 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 2.15 0.30 9.03 WO.sub.3 0.80 0.51 0.81 0.81 3.69 TiO.sub.2 7.56 7.59 7.65 7.65 7.56 7.65 8.08 ZnO 1.01 12.97 MgO 1.01 CaO 2.03 SrO 2.03 Li.sub.2O 1.80 0.20 Na.sub.2O 3.00 K.sub.2O 1.00 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.05 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.02 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 La + Gd + Y + Yb 38.01 38.14 38.38 36.87 37.51 38.37 47.00 38.02 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 12.06 10.76 10.99 10.99 9.92 10.99 14.28 17.71 Si + B 22.88 22.96 23.80 23.80 23.38 23.80 25.72 28.07 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.602 0.602 0.620 0.646 0.623 0.620 0.547 0.738 Ba/Si 2.718 3.057 3.040 2.523 3.096 3.040 2.225 0.492 Ti/(Si + B) 0.331 0.331 0.321 0.321 0.323 0.321 0.314 0.000 Gd + Y 13.98 14.03 14.89 11.34 13.98 17.92 11.38 5.99 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.368 0.368 0.026 0.308 0.373 0.467 0.242 0.079 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.049 1.180 1.126 0.896 1.169 1.126 0.503 0.073 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 24.00 27.09 26.80 27.31 27.34 26.79 12.95 2.99 Li + Na + K 3.00 1.00 0.00 0.00 1.80 0.00 0.00 0.20 Refractive index (nd) 1.785 1.799 1.804 1.802 1.794 1.804 1.823 1.806 Abbe number (d) 39.8 39.3 39.4 39.4 40.2 39.5 38.7 40.9 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.230 2.239 2.246 2.243 2.243 2.246 2.257 2.264 Temperature coefficient 0.1 0.5 1.2 2.3 0.9 1.8 3.0 7.2 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1] Specific gravity 4.45 Powder method water 1 resistance [class] Liquidus temperature 1074 1084 1100 1140 1095 1090 1117 [ C.]

TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Example (Units: mass %) B24 B25 B26 B27 B28 B29 B30 B31 SiO.sub.2 7.89 7.89 7.82 7.68 8.00 7.82 7.92 8.00 B.sub.2O.sub.3 14.00 14.00 12.48 12.71 14.11 12.48 12.48 16.11 BaO 26.61 26.61 26.36 25.88 24.24 26.36 30.86 24.24 La.sub.2O.sub.3 25.43 25.43 28.44 27.01 31.35 28.44 23.94 28.35 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 12.33 12.33 12.21 11.99 7.98 11.21 12.21 7.98 ZrO.sub.2 2.90 2.90 2.87 2.82 5.14 4.26 2.87 5.14 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 7.07 6.22 6.22 WO.sub.3 0.93 0.91 1.01 0.93 0.93 1.01 TiO.sub.2 3.78 10.84 8.89 9.18 1.94 8.50 8.89 2.94 ZnO MgO CaO SrO Li.sub.2O Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O 1.82 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 La + Gd + Y + Yb 37.76 37.76 40.65 39.00 39.33 39.65 36.15 36.33 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 13.74 13.74 12.68 12.91 14.31 13.68 12.68 15.31 Si + B 21.89 21.89 20.30 20.39 22.12 20.30 20.30 24.12 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.580 0.580 0.499 0.523 0.562 0.512 0.562 0.664 Ba/Si 3.371 3.371 3.371 3.371 3.029 3.371 3.946 3.029 Ti/(Si + B) 0.172 0.495 0.438 0.450 0.088 0.419 0.438 0.122 Gd + Y 12.33 12.33 12.21 11.99 7.98 11.21 12.21 7.98 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.326 0.326 0.300 0.307 0.203 0.283 0.338 0.220 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.215 1.215 1.299 1.270 1.096 1.299 1.520 1.005 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 26.61 26.61 26.36 25.88 24.24 26.36 30.86 24.24 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.82 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Refractive index (nd) 1.816 1.833 1.834 1.820 1.812 1.834 1.824 1.806 Abbe number (d) 39.6 36.3 37.3 37.1 41.0 37.4 37.4 40.5 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.259 2.239 2.251 2.236 2.272 2.252 2.243 2.260 Temperature coefficient 1.4 1.4 1.0 0.7 1.3 1.2 0.8 1.8 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1] Specific gravity 4.64 4.55 4.71 4.61 4.75 4.72 4.59 Powder method water 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 resistance [class] Liquidus temperature [ C.]

TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 14 Example (Units: mass %) B32 B33 B34 B35 B36 B37 B38 B39 SiO.sub.2 7.86 7.96 7.82 7.82 7.82 7.89 7.82 6.56 B.sub.2O.sub.3 12.54 14.04 11.53 11.28 11.18 12.69 11.53 11.09 BaO 26.48 24.12 30.86 30.86 30.86 26.61 30.86 33.52 La.sub.2O.sub.3 27.83 31.19 24.89 25.14 25.74 27.89 24.89 23.93 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 11.27 7.94 10.21 10.21 10.21 11.33 9.71 10.78 ZrO.sub.2 3.58 5.11 3.37 2.87 2.87 2.90 4.87 3.24 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 0.50 6.19 3.00 4.00 3.00 1.25 3.00 2.88 WO.sub.3 1.46 1.01 0.93 0.93 0.93 1.00 0.93 0.89 TiO.sub.2 8.47 1.93 7.39 6.89 7.39 8.44 6.39 7.10 ZnO MgO CaO SrO Li.sub.2O Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O 0.50 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 La + Gd + Y + Yb 39.10 39.13 35.10 35.35 35.95 39.22 34.60 34.71 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 14.01 14.24 14.68 14.68 14.18 13.59 15.18 14.12 Si + B 20.40 22.01 19.35 19.10 19.00 20.58 19.35 17.64 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.522 0.562 0.551 0.540 0.529 0.525 0.559 0.508 Ba/Si 3.369 3.029 3.946 3.946 3.946 3.371 3.946 5.111 Ti/(Si + B) 0.415 0.088 0.382 0.361 0.389 0.410 0.330 0.403 Gd + Y 11.27 7.94 10.21 10.21 10.21 11.33 9.71 10.78 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.288 0.203 0.291 0.289 0.284 0.289 0.281 0.311 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.298 1.096 1.595 1.616 1.624 1.293 1.595 1.900 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 26.48 24.12 30.86 30.86 30.86 26.61 30.86 33.52 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Refractive index (nd) 1.834 1.810 1.831 1.833 1.833 1.833 1.829 1.834 Abbe number (d) 37.2 41.0 37.1 37.1 37.1 37.2 37.7 37.1 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.250 2.269 2.247 2.248 2.249 2.249 2.251 2.249 Temperature coefficient 1.0 1.4 0.6 0.7 0.7 1.0 0.7 0.4 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1] Specific gravity 4.71 4.71 4.78 4.80 4.81 4.70 Powder method water 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 resistance [class] Liquidus temperature [ C.]

TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 15 Example (Units: mass %) B40 B41 B42 B43 B44 B45 B46 B47 SiO.sub.2 7.45 7.89 7.03 7.89 6.02 7.82 7.82 7.82 B.sub.2O.sub.3 10.98 15.40 16.36 12.13 15.40 11.48 11.48 11.48 BaO 34.15 26.61 25.05 26.61 26.61 30.86 30.86 30.86 La.sub.2O.sub.3 23.70 22.63 30.03 27.30 24.50 23.94 23.94 24.94 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 9.73 12.33 8.96 12.33 12.33 12.21 12.21 12.21 ZrO.sub.2 3.21 2.90 2.92 2.90 2.90 2.87 2.87 2.87 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 2.86 4.00 2.00 WO.sub.3 0.88 0.93 0.93 0.93 TiO.sub.2 7.04 12.24 9.64 10.84 12.24 9.89 5.89 6.89 ZnO MgO CaO SrO Li.sub.2O Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O Al.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 La + Gd + Y + Yb 33.43 34.96 38.99 39.62 36.82 36.15 36.15 37.15 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 13.98 15.14 12.57 13.74 15.14 13.68 13.68 12.68 Si + B 18.43 23.30 23.39 20.02 21.42 19.30 19.30 19.30 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.551 0.666 0.600 0.505 0.582 0.534 0.534 0.520 Ba/Si 4.586 3.371 3.565 3.371 4.417 3.946 3.946 3.946 Ti/(Si + B) 0.382 0.526 0.412 0.541 0.571 0.512 0.305 0.357 Gd + Y 9.73 12.33 8.96 12.33 12.33 12.21 12.21 12.21 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.291 0.353 0.230 0.311 0.335 0.338 0.338 0.329 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.853 1.142 1.071 1.329 1.242 1.599 1.599 1.599 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 34.15 26.61 25.05 26.61 26.61 30.86 30.86 30.86 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Refractive index (nd) 1.828 1.833 1.824 1.845 1.844 1.835 1.825 1.825 Abbe number (d) 37.3 35.3 37.4 35.8 34.9 36.3 38.1 38.0 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.246 2.228 2.242 2.245 2.235 2.242 2.251 2.251 Temperature coefficient 0.3 1.5 1.8 1.2 1.0 1.2 0.4 0.3 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1] Specific gravity 4.42 4.55 4.66 4.54 Powder method water 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 resistance [class] Liquidus temperature [ C.]

TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 16 Example (Units: mass %) B48 B49 B50 B51 B52 B53 B54 B55 SiO.sub.2 7.82 8.00 6.82 7.18 7.52 7.89 7.82 7.82 B.sub.2O.sub.3 9.98 15.61 11.53 11.30 10.13 13.06 12.94 12.48 BaO 30.86 24.24 30.86 32.22 33.52 26.61 26.36 26.36 La.sub.2O.sub.3 25.43 29.35 25.89 24.40 23.93 26.36 27.51 27.44 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 12.21 7.98 10.21 10.50 10.78 14.19 12.21 11.21 ZrO.sub.2 2.87 5.14 5.37 3.30 3.24 2.90 2.87 4.26 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 5.00 6.22 3.00 2.94 2.88 WO.sub.3 0.93 1.01 0.93 0.91 0.89 0.93 1.93 TiO.sub.2 4.89 2.44 5.39 7.24 7.10 8.97 9.35 8.50 ZnO MgO CaO SrO Li.sub.2O Na.sub.2O K.sub.2O Al.sub.2O.sub.3 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 La + Gd + Y + Yb 37.64 37.33 36.10 34.90 34.71 40.56 39.72 38.65 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 13.69 14.81 14.68 14.40 14.12 11.87 13.15 14.68 Si + B 17.80 23.61 18.35 18.48 17.64 20.96 20.76 20.30 (Si + B)/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.473 0.632 0.508 0.530 0.508 0.517 0.523 0.525 Ba/Si 3.946 3.030 4.525 4.489 4.458 3.371 3.371 3.371 Ti/(Si + B) 0.275 0.103 0.294 0.392 0.403 0.428 0.450 0.419 Gd + Y 12.21 7.98 10.21 10.50 10.78 14.19 12.21 11.21 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.324 0.214 0.283 0.301 0.311 0.350 0.307 0.290 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.734 1.027 1.682 1.743 1.900 1.270 1.270 1.299 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 30.86 24.24 30.86 32.22 33.52 26.61 26.36 26.36 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Refractive index (nd) 1.833 1.806 1.829 1.832 1.833 1.829 1.833 1.834 Abbe number (d) 38.2 49.0 38.3 37.1 37.1 37.6 37.0 37.1 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.260 2.264 2.258 2.248 2.249 2.250 2.247 2.250 Temperature coefficient 0.3 1.7 0.4 0.3 0.1 0.8 0.7 1.0 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1] Specific gravity 4.64 4.63 4.67 4.72 Powder method water 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 resistance [class] Liquidus temperature [ C.]

TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 17 Example (Units: mass %) B56 B57 B58 B59 B60 SiO.sub.2 7.82 6.56 7.00 9.00 13.68 B.sub.2O.sub.3 10.93 9.16 11.46 14.61 8.37 BaO 30.86 28.71 30.02 23.35 27.01 La.sub.2O.sub.3 25.49 23.93 19.36 29.35 20.65 Gd.sub.2O.sub.3 5.98 Y.sub.2O.sub.3 10.21 10.78 5.11 2.00 4.47 ZrO.sub.2 2.94 3.24 4.49 6.15 4.21 Nb.sub.2O.sub.5 4.00 2.88 4.00 7.16 16.86 WO.sub.3 0.93 0.85 0.50 TiO.sub.2 6.82 7.10 17.72 2.00 0.97 ZnO 0.89 MgO CaO SrO 4.81 Li.sub.2O Na.sub.2O 1.99 K.sub.2O 0.40 1.27 Al.sub.2O.sub.3 1.92 Sb.sub.2O.sub.3 0.01 0.01 0.00 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 La + Gd + Y + Yb 35.70 34.71 24.46 37.33 25.13 Ti + Zr + W + Nb + Ta 14.68 13.23 27.06 15.31 22.54 Si + B 18.75 15.72 18.46 23.61 22.05 Ba/Si 3.946 4.378 4.290 2.594 1.974 Gd + Y 10.21 10.78 5.11 7.98 4.47 Y/(La + Gd + Y + Yb) 0.286 0.311 0.209 0.054 0.178 Ba/(Si + B + Zn) 1.646 1.728 1.627 0.989 1.225 Mg + Ca + Sr + Ba 30.86 33.52 30.02 23.35 27.01 Li + Na + K 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.40 3.27 Refractive index (nd) 1.835 1.827 1.903 1.802 1.805 Abbe number (d) 37.1 36.1 28.9 41.0 37.5 Intercept b (a = 0.0112) 2.250 2.231 2.226 2.261 2.225 Temperature coefficient 0.5 1.1 1.5 1.9 1.1 of the relative refractive index [10.sup.6 C..sup.1] Specific gravity 4.86 4.55 4.77 4.45 Powder method water 1 1 1 1 1 resistance [class] Liquidus temperature [ C.]

[0092] As shown in the tables, the optical glasses of the Examples all had a temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index within the range of +4.010.sup.6 to 10.010.sup.6 ( C..sup.1), which was within the desired range. In particular, the optical glasses of Examples (No. A1 to No. A60) all had a temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index within the range of +3.010.sup.6 to 10.010.sup.6 ( C..sup.1), more specifically within the range of 2.010.sup.6 ( C..sup.1) or less. Further, the optical glasses of Examples (No. B1 to No. B60) all had a temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index within the range of +3.010.sup.6 to 1.010.sup.6 ( C..sup.1). On the other hand, the glasses of the Comparative Examples (No. a, b) had a temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index of +7.210.sup.6 ( C..sup.1), which is a high temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index.

[0093] Further, the optical glasses of the Examples all had a refractive index (n.sub.d) of 1.75 or more, and were within the desired range. In particular, the optical glasses of Examples (No. B1 to No. B60) all had a refractive index (n.sub.d) of 1.78 or more. Further, the optical glasses of the Examples of the present invention all had an Abbe number (.sub.d) within the range of 18 to 45, and were within the desired range. In particular, the optical glasses of Examples (No. A1 to No. A60) all had an Abbe number within the range of 23 to 43. Further, the optical glasses of Examples (No. B1 to No. B60) all had an Abbe number within the range of 18 to 42, more specifically within the range of 27 to 41. Further, for the optical glasses of Examples of the present invention, the refractive index (n.sub.d) and Abbe number (.sub.d) satisfied the relationship (0.0112.sub.d+2.15)n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.35). In particular, for the optical glasses of Examples (No. A1 to A60), the refractive index (n.sub.d) and Abbe number (.sub.d) satisfied the relationship (0.0112.sub.d+2.17)n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.26). Further, for the optical glasses of Examples (No. B1 to B60), the refractive index (n.sub.d) and Abbe number (.sub.d) satisfied the relationship (0.0112.sub.d+2.21)n.sub.d(0.0112.sub.d+2.28). Further, the relationship between the refractive index (n.sub.d) and Abbe number (.sub.d) of the optical glasses of Examples (No. A1 to A60), is as shown in FIG. 1. Further, the relationship between the refractive index (n.sub.d) and Abbe number (.sub.d) of the optical glasses of Examples (No. B1 to B60), is as shown in FIG. 2.

[0094] Further, in particular, the optical glasses of Examples (No. B1 to B60) all had a specific gravity of 5.00 or less, more specifically 4.86 or less, and were within the desired range.

[0095] Further, in particular, the optical glasses of Examples (No. B1 to B60) all had a chemical resistance (water resistance) according to the powder method of the glass of class 1 to 3, more specifically class 1, and were within the desired range.

[0096] Further, the optical glasses of the Examples formed a stable glass, and devitrification did not readily occur when producing the glass. In particular, the optical glasses of Examples (No. B1 to B60) had a low liquidus temperature of 1200 C. or less, more specifically 1170 C. or less, and devitrification did not readily occur when producing the glass.

[0097] Accordingly, it became clear that the optical glasses of the Examples had a refractive index (n.sub.d) and Abbe number (.sub.d) within the desired range, and a low value of the temperature coefficient of the relative refractive index. In particular, it became clear that the optical glasses of Examples (No. B1 to B60) had a small specific gravity. From this, it can be surmised that the optical glasses of the Examples of the present invention may contribute to reducing the size and reducing the weight of optical systems used in high temperature environments such as optical devices for automobiles or projectors or the like, and further may contribute to correction of deviations and the like of the imaging characteristics due to temperature fluctuations. Further, in particular the optical glasses of Examples (No. B1 to B60) had a high water resistance, whereby it can be surmised that even when carrying out treatments such as cleaning or polishing or the like, tarnish of the glass does not readily occur.

[0098] Furthermore, using the optical glasses of the Examples of the present invention, glass blocks were formed, and by carrying out grinding and polishing of these glass blocks, they were processed into lenses and prisms. As a result, they could be stably processed into various lens and prism shapes.

[0099] The present invention was explained in detail with the objective of exemplification, but the examples of the present invention have only the intention of exemplification, and one skilled in the art could understand that many modifications are possible within the concept and scope of the present invention.

OPTICAL GLASS, PREFORM, AND OPTICAL ELEMENT

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C03C3/155

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C03C3/15

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C03C3/068

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C03C4/00

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C03C3/068

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C03C3/155

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Abstract

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