Wet chemical synthesis of bulk optical materials

Wet chemical processing has a large number of both proven and potential applications in different areas of glasses and ceramics. In optics where homogeneity and high purity are of utmost importance, the inherent advantages of sol-gel methods can be fully exploited. The optical applications of wet chemical methods are widespread and range from direct casting of SiO₂ lenses to semiconductor-doped glasses. The most notable benefits of wet chemical approaches and progress achieved to date in a number of the most attractive representative areas are surveyed.