Solarization (glass)

In the case of glass and fibers made of glass, one speaks of solarization when the effect of short-wave UV light reduces the transmission (permeability) for light of different wavelength ranges and the glass becomes colored or completely impermeable.

This effect can be partially reversed by heating the glass to high temperatures.

In addition to the desired effects of darkening glasses, solarization z. B. with optical fibers (information transmission) to their uselessness. Research is being carried out by fiber manufacturers to produce materials that are "solarization-free". So far, the process could only be stopped or slowed down and we speak of "low-solarization" fibers.