Effect of ion exchange on optical properties of borosilicate glass

The effect of ion exchange on optical properties of borosilicate glass was studied by means of EPMA, spectrophotometer and interference microscope. In the surface of borosilicate glass after ion exchange treatment, content of K+ gradually reduce along the thickness direction. When ion exchange time was less than 8 h, thickness of exchange layer increases linearly. However, thickness of exchange layer increases slowly if ion exchange treatment goes on. Transmission of borosilicate glass after ion exchange treatment decreases slightly compared with that of original glass, but it was still higher than 91%. Refractive index of borosilicate glass after ion exchange treatment decreases exponentially from the surface to the inside, which was related with distribution of K+ in borosilicate glass. When ion exchange time was less than 3 h, borosilicate glass will possess excellent mechanical and optical properties simultaneously.