THORIATED LENSES

Ca 1940’s – 1980’s

Adding thorium oxide to glass results in glass with a high index of refraction and low dispersion. Thorium lenses were used in military, industrial, and consumer products.  High thorium content lenses often take on a reddish brown cast due to self-irradiation.  The Kodak Aero Ektar 7-inch f2.5 lens is the classic ‘radioactive’ lens. 

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