RADIATION SHIELD FOR SHAPING THIN GLASS

Disclosed herein are systems for shaping a glass structure comprising a shaping mold; a radiation heating source; and a radiation shield, wherein the radiation shield is positioned substantially between the radiation source and the glass structure and wherein the radiation shield comprises an outer wall defining a cavity having a first opening disposed to face the glass structure and a second opening disposed to face the radiation heating source. Also disclosed herein are methods for shaping a glass structure comprising positioning the glass structure on a shaping mold; introducing the shaping mold and glass structure into a furnace comprising a radiation heating source; and heating the glass structure, wherein a radiation shield is positioned substantially between the glass structure and the radiation heating source. Methods and systems employing multiple, e.g., concentric, radiation shields are also disclosed.