Gradient-index profile control from mixed molten salt baths

The composition of the molten salt bath was shown to exert a strong influence on the gradient-index profile that resulted from the ion exchange of silver for sodium. Two types of additives were used to enhance the ion exchange from a base AgCl melt. Both techniques reduced the profile degradation that normally occurred with long diffusion times, while one technique also increased the refractive index change at 0.6328 microm in a regular fashion from 0.06 to 0.15.