Tribute to photosensitive glasses [Invited]

Abstract

The ability to color glass is centuries old, using coloring agents such as Ag, Au, and Cu among, others. The subject of the paper is to show that not only color but other properties as well can be obtained by introducing the light exposure step into the process. The name given to this phenomenon is photosensitive glasses – that is, glasses that can be patterned and colored by use of light exposure post melting and forming. The scope of this article is to present some key highlights on developments at Corning in the framework of the International Year of Glass 2022, rather than a comprehensive review. Also included are examples of optical devices that derive from this process.