Refractive Index Gradient Lens Via Sol Gel Process

The optical systems are widely employed in military and civil equipment. The conventional optical system employs homogeneous materials which sometime are not sufficient to produce an adequate image. In this research, we propose to fabricate axial GRIN glasses via the layering of sol-gel solutions. The proper sol-gel solutions will be synthesized, the technique to form axial GRIN solutions will be identified and the conversion of the GRIN gels to the GRIN glasses will be investigated in this proposed research. The resultant axial GRIN lens will be characterized. This success will introduce new axial GRIN components into optical systems. The introduction of this novel GRIN lens will simplify the optical systems (reduction of number of lens) and improve the performance of the system (e.g. a missile guidance system). In addition, the introduction of these novel axial GRIN lens will benefit the development of small personal photocopiers, fiber optic communications, compact audio disk players, disk cameras, and medical endoscopes. The demonstrative investigation on Phase I will provide the basis for Phase II when the process is scaled up. In addition, the information and experimental data can be utilized to analyze the characterization results on the refractive index profile and to further optimize the process to achieve the desired index profile which will be performed in Phase II. The introduction of this novel GRIN lens will simplify the optical systems and improve the performance of the system (e.g. a missile guidance system). In addition, it will benefit the development of small personal photocopiers, fiber optic communications, compact audio disk players, disk cameras, and medical endoscopes.