  Glasses based on SiO2-PbO-CdO-Ga2O3 system have been studied for the first
time for fabrication of mid-infrared optical elements. Gallium oxide
concentration was gradually increased, replacing silicon dioxide, for different
cadmium and lead oxide content. The thermal and optical properties were
investigated for different compositions. It was observed that the thermal
stability, refractive index, and the transmission in the infrared range
increased with increase of gallium and lead concentrations. The most thermally
stable glass composition was selected for fabrication of optical elements such
as optical fibers. We also successfully fabricated mid-infrared lenses by hot
embossing for potential application in compact gas detectors
