How can increasing silica content improve a glass's ultraviolet transparency?

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Observe how a superhydrophobic multifunctional glass surface resists fogging, glare, and self cleans — industrial glass Examining a superhydrophobic glass surface that resists fog and glare and is self-cleaning.

Most oxide glasses are naturally opaque to ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths shorter than 350 nanometres because their molecular structure absorbs this energy. Increasing the silica content of these glasses improves their ultraviolet transparency by reducing the presence of other components that contribute to this absorption.12

At the extreme end of this spectrum is silica glass—composed of 100 percent silicon dioxide—which is specifically valued for its excellent ultraviolet transparency, alongside its high thermal shock resistance and chemical durability.2