This article discusses the magnetic properties observed in porous glasses impregnated with metal carbonyls after exposure to light. In the photolyzed and consolidated glasses both superparamagnetic and single domain ferrimagnetic particles were found to be present, with the single domain particles having an exceedingly high coercive force. The concentration ratio between superparamagnetic and single domain particles depends strongly on temperature. An analysis of the observed phenomena is given.

The ability to color glass is centuries old, using coloring agents such as Ag, Au, and Cu among, others. The subject of the paper is to show that not only color but other properties as well can be obtained by introducing the light exposure step into the process. The name given to this phenomenon is photosensitive glasses – that is, glasses that can be patterned and colored by use of light exposure post melting and forming. The scope of this article is to present some key highlights on developments at Corning in the framework of the International Year of Glass 2022, rather than a comprehensive review. Also included are examples of optical devices that derive from this process.