Hydroxide-catalyzed bonding

A method of forming an object having a particular geometry comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a bonding material comprising a silicate material and a source of hydroxide ions;
• b) providing a mold for the object to be formed, wherein the mold comprises at least one surface;
• c) placing the bonding material on the at least one surface;
• and
• d) thereafter, at least partially curing the bonding material to provide the object, wherein the object is a transparent optical component.

A method for making an optical lens, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a surface of a substrate;
• b) providing a bonding material comprising a source of hydroxide ions and a silicate material;
• c) dispensing at least a first aliquot of the bonding material on the surface of the substrate;
• and
• d) curing the at least first aliquot of bonding material, wherein the at least first aliquot of bonding material assumes curvature, and wherein said curing provides a positive lens, wherein the lens comprises the cured bonding material.

A fused silica system, comprising:

• a) a first silica substrate;
• b) a second silica substrate;
• and
• c) a bonding material interface between said first silica substrate and said second silica substrate;
• wherein said bonding material interface is formed by at least partially curing a bonding material, said bonding material comprising a source of hydroxide ions and water, and wherein the composition of said bonding material can be varied to provide a mechanical Q value of the fused silica system over the range of from 1 to about 106.