smart-elements

Glass with exceptionally high niobium content: Niobium-Barium-Potassium phosphate glass. Inspired by the high refractive properties of lithium niobate, I explored a new composition containing 30 mol% Nb₂O₅. Achieving this was particularly challenging, as niobium oxide typically tends to form crystalline phases. However, by carefully balancing barium and potassium in the right proportions, I successfully produced a glass with an extremely high refractive index. The left bead retains traces of Nb³⁺ ions, which give it a subtle light blue hue. In contrast, the glass on the right was achieved through a prolonged melting process, resulting in a composition dominated by Nb⁴⁺ ions.