Opto-ceramics, optical elements prepared therefrom as well as mapping optics

摘要

The present invention relates to opto-ceramics and refractive, transmittive or diffractive optical elements prepared therefrom. These opto-ceramics and optical elements are transmittive for visible light and/or for infrared radiation. The opto-ceramics consist of a crystal combination wherein the single crystallites have a cubic structure of the type Y 2 O 3 , comprising alternatively an oxide, selected from the group consisting of In 2 O 3 or Yb 2 O 3 , or a mixture of two or more oxides of the type X 2 O 3 , wherein X is selected from the group consisting ofY, Lu, Sc, Yb, In, Gd and La. Also mixtures of X 2 O 3 with oxides having a different stoichiometry, such as zirconium and hafnium oxide are possible, as long as the cubic structure of the ceramic will be maintained. The optical elements which may be prepared from said opto-ceramics are particularly suitable for use in mapping optics, such as for example objectives having reduced chromatic aberrations, in particular with approximately apochromatic mapping behaviour. The optical elements of the opto-ceramic according to the present invention may be applied in lens systems in combination with lenses of glass, but also with other ceramic lenses, in particular also in digital cameras, mobile phone cameras, in the field of microscopy, microlithography, optical data storage or other applications in the field of "consumer" or industry applications.