METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN OPTICAL COMPONENT OF QUARTZ GLASS

摘要

To provide a method for the reproducible and reliable production of synthetic, UV- radiation resistant quartz glass which has a predetermined hydroxyl group content and containshardly any chlorine and oxygen defect centers, if possible, the present invention suggests a method which comprises the following steps: (a) producing an SiO2 soot body, (b) drying the soot body such that a mean hydroxyl group content of less than 60 wtppm is obtained, and (c) vitrifying the soot body with formation of a cylindrical quartz glass blank which is further processed into the optical component, wherein prior to vitrification according to method step (c) the soot body is subjected to a conditioning treatment which comprises a treatment with a nitrogen containing gas, preferably a nitrogen oxide,or a sequence of treatments with ammonia and an oxidizing agent.