GRIN-Optics with High Numerical Aperture by Silver-Exchange

Abstract

The ion-exchange process is a well established technology for the generation of gradient-index elements /1/. Because of the high achivable refractive index differences and high transparency of the generated elements Tl-exchange is preferred. But beside the toxicity of Tl-containing salt melts and glasses there is a further disadvantage of Tl-GRIN-elements. This is the high chromatic aberration introduced by the Tl-ion.