10: Optical and Magnetic Properties

Many applications of glasses are based on the combination of a wide range of optical properties, with ease of fabrication in simple and complex shapes. The optical properties of glasses influence their applications from the mundane desire for transparent containers for many products, to the cutting edge of technology in the areas of telecommunications and the potential for optical computers. Although the discussion here is limited, the range of optical properties of glasses is so great that they must be considered among the leaders of high technology materials.