ORMOCHALCs: organically modified chalcogenide polymers for infrared optics

A novel method combining elemental sulfur and selenium was developed, yielding crystalline sulfur–selenium compounds. The compounds were melted, and an organic comonomer added. Once the organic comonomer was consumed, the viscous compound was vitrified and allowed to cool yielding organic–inorganic hybrid polymers that are termed Organically Modified Chalcogenide (ORMOCHALC) polymers.