Nanoscale particles, particle coatings/particle arrays and corresponding
consolidated materials are described based on an ability to vary the
composition involving a wide range of metal and/or metalloid elements and
corresponding compositions. In particular, metalloid oxides and
metal-metalloid compositions are described in the form of improved
nanoscale particles and coatings formed from the nanoscale particles.
Compositions comprising rare earth metals and dopants/additives with rare
earth metals are described. Complex compositions with a range of host
compositions and dopants/additives can be formed using the approaches
described herein. The particle coating can take the form of particle
arrays that range from collections of disbursable primary particles to
fused networks of primary particles forming channels that reflect the
nanoscale of the primary particles. Suitable materials for optical
applications are described along with some optical devices of interest.