Optical Glass Composition Reducing Tantalum Oxide for Cost and Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The development of high-refractivity low-dispersion optical glass faces challenges due to the high cost and scarcity of Ta2O5, necessitating a composition that reduces or eliminates Ta2O5 while maintaining optical performance.
Innovation Solution
A glass composition comprising SiO2, B2O3, La2O3, Gd2O3, Nb2O5, ZrO2, ZnO, and other oxides, optimized in mole percentage and ratio to achieve a refractive index of 1.77-1.85 and Abbe number of 40-48, with reduced Ta2O5 content, enhancing chemical stability and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Ta2O5 is used to achieve high refractive index and low dispersion, then optical performance is improved, but material cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by reducing Ta2O5 content from traditional high levels (15-35%) to lower levels (0-8%), and adjusts the ratios of alternative oxides (Nb2O5: 0.1-6%, ZrO2: 0.1-10%, TiO2: 0.1-6%) to achieve the target refractive index (1.77-1.85) and Abbe number (40-48) without relying heavily on expensive tantalum oxide
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite glass system combining multiple oxide components (SiO2, B2O3, La2O3, Gd2O3, Nb2O5, ZrO2, TiO2, ZnO) where each component contributes specific properties, allowing the achievement of high refractive index and low dispersion through synergistic combination rather than relying on a single expensive material like Ta2O5
2Ease of manufacture
If Ta2O5 content is reduced to lower material cost, then production cost decreases, but achieving target optical properties becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs precise parameter control by defining specific composition ranges and ratios, particularly the ratio of Nb2O5 to Gd2O3 (0.01-1) and the total content of network modifiers (La2O3, Gd2O3, Y2O3) between 10-30%, which enables accurate control of refractive index and Abbe number even with reduced Ta2O5 content
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism through defined composition ranges and ratio constraints (such as ZnO/B2O3 ratio of 0.5-2 and Gd2O3/(La2O3+Gd2O3+Y2O3) of 0.15-0.6) that guide the formulation process to achieve target optical properties, allowing adjustment of composition within specified ranges to optimize both cost and performance
Data Source
AI summary
A high-refraction low-dispersion optical glass with refractive index of 1.77-1.85 and Abbe number of 40-48, includes the following components by mole percentage: 5-25% of SiO2, 15-45% of B2O3, 5-25% of La2O3, 1-20% of Gd2O3, 0-10% of Y2O3, 0-8% of TiO2, 0-8% of Ta2O5, more than 0 but less than or equal to 8% of Nb2O5, more than 0 but less than or equal to 15% of ZrO2, 18-40% of ZnO and 0.28-1.2 of SiO2/B2O3. The invention reduces the content of Ta2O5 and optimizes the cost of raw materials. Through rational composition design, the optical glass of the invention is conducive to precision molding while achieving the required optical constant, with excellent chemical stability. A glass preform and an optical element made of the optical glass are also disclosed.