This invention pertains to a chalcogenide glass of low optical loss that
can be on the order of 30 dB/km or lower, and to a process for preparing
the chalcogenide glass. The process includes the steps of optionally
preparing arsenic monochalcogenide precursor or the precursor can be
provided beforehand; dynamically distilling the precursor in an open
system under vacuum from a hot section to a cold section to purify same;
homogenizing the precursor in a closed system so that it is of a uniform
color; disposing the distilled or purified precursor and at least one
chalcogenide element at a hot section of an open distillation system;
dynamically distilling under vacuum in an open system so that the
precursor and the at least one chalcogenide element are deposited at a
cold section of the open system in a more purified state; homogenizing
the precursor and the at least chalcogenide element in a closed system
while converting the precursor and the at least one chalcogenide element
from crystalline phase to glassy phase.