Development of infrared transmitting glasses

Abstract Infrared transmitting glasses in PbO–SiO 2 –BaO–BaF 2 , GeO 2 –PbO–Bi 2 O 3 –BaF 2 and TeO 2 –GeO 2 –V 2 O 5 –PbF 2 glass systems which are transparent in the region 4–6 μm were developed. It was found that the addition of fluoride to these glasses and the treatment with dry-air-bubbling during melting were useful for the decrease of OH − absorption bands. Absorption coefficients 0.77–1.40 cm −1 of OH − bands in the near infrared region in these glasses were obtained. Infrared transmitting glasses are candidates for missile domes and windows for infared spectrometers.