Embodiments relate to a transparent body comprising a matrix material and a plurality of non-metal particles positioned in the matrix material. The matrix material may be selected from the group consisting of glass materials, ceramic materials, and semiconductor materials. The non-metal particles may have a mean particle size of no greater than 150 nm. The non-metal particles may be present in the body at a volume fraction of no greater than 3 percent. The non-metal particles may have a composition different than that of the matrix. Other embodiments are described and claimed.