This book encompasses numerous schemes for fabricating optical materials from gels, materials such as bulk optics, optical waveguides, doped oxides for laser and nonlinear optics, gradient refractive index (GRIN) optics, chemical sensors, environmental sensors, and "smart" windows. It provides in-depth coverage of the synthesis and fabrication of these materials and discusses the optics related to microporous, amorphous, crystalline and composite materials. Also included are descriptions of new developments in silica optics, bulk optics, waveguides and thin films. Vari ous applications to sensor and device technology are highlighted. This text is designed for researchers and students looking for novel optical materials, processing methods or device ideas, the text surveys an array of avenues for further investigation and for innovative applications.