Glass for Science and Engineering

Lenses have been made using glass since microscopes and telescopes were first invented. When visible light is used, this is still generally the case. For transmitted light, the challenge is usually to minimize absorption some telescopes, such as that on Mount Palomar, use a very wide coated glass reflector. The critical factor is now not transmission but thermal expansion. 

Glass is one of our most important building materials. In 1851, the windows in the Crystal Palace used 300,000 panes, which accounted for 33% of England s annual production of glass. Biosphere 2 (built in the late 1980s) relies entirely on glass to separate the interior from Biosphere 1. 

Inject particles into a gas-oxygen flame to melt each particle and form a solid glass sphere (flame spray powder). 

Sizing screen or separate microspheres into desired size range. 

Traffic signs and road marking tape contain spheres that are -200 xm in diameter and act as microlenses. 

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