Infrared absorbing glass, and its fabrication method

Abstract

The invention relates to a glass excellent in infrared absorption capability and corrosion resistance, and its fabrication process. A compound of divalent copper and a compound of a metal species for a network modifier oxide are introduced in a wet gel. Then, the wet gel is dipped in a dipping solution having a low solubility with respect to the compound of divalent copper and the compound of a metal species for a network modifier oxide for the precipitation in the wet gel of the divalent copper compound and the compound of a metal species for a network modifier oxide, followed by drying and firing. Thus, an infrared absorbing glass comprising 70 to 98 mol % of SiO 2 , 1 to 12 mol % of CuO and 1 to 18 mol % of a network modifier oxide other than CuO is fabricated.

What we claim is:  
     
         1 . An infrared absorbing glass comprising 70 to 98 mol% of SiO 2 , 1 to 12 mol % of CuO, and 1 to 18 mol % of a network modifier oxide other than CuO.  
     
     
         2 . An infrared absorbing glass comprising 78 to 94 mol % of SiO 2 , 3 to 8 mol % of CuO, and 3 to 14 mol % of a network modifier oxide other than CuO.  
     
     
         3 . The infrared absorbing glass according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the molar ratio of said network modifier oxide with respect to CuO is at least 1.0.  
     
     
         4 . The infrared absorbing glass according to any one of  claims 1  to  3 , wherein said network modifier oxide comprises an oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs.  
     
     
         5 . A process of fabricating an infrared absorbing glass by introducing into a wet gel a divalent copper compound and a compound of a metal species for a network modifier oxide, and then dipping the wet gel in a dipping solution having a low solubility with respect to the divalent copper compound and the compound of a metal species for a network modifier oxide for precipitation in the wet gel of the divalent copper compound and the compound of a metal species for a network modifier oxide, followed by firing, and drying.