This paper describes the ultraviolet, visible, infrared, chemical and
thermal properties of the recently developed lead phosphate based glas
ses The optical properties of some glasses are studied by measuring th
eir refractive index, ultraviolet-visible absorption and infrared tran
smittance; the thermal properties by differential thermal analysis and
thermal mechanical analysis and the chemical durabilities by determin
ing the dissolution rates of the glasses in both acidic and basic aque
ous solutions at 90 degrees C for 14 days or more. The origins of low
absorption in the visible region of the spectrum and transmission into
the mid-infrared are discussed as well as a desirable combination of
good chemical durability and high thermal expansion coefficient. The g
lasses are expected to be useful for a variety of applications includi
ng hermetic seal to high expansion metals visible and infrared optical
components.