Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An improved electro-optical system has a planar waveguide coupled to a photodetector through a transparent substrate. The planar waveguide is within a planar optical structure that can be part of optical communication network. The photodetector is positioned to receive light that passes from the waveguide through the transparent substrate. The photodetector can be electrically coupled to electrical circuitry along the transparent substrate for connection to a electrical apparatus. Corresponding methods for forming the electro-optical structure are described. These improved electro-optical systems can be used for terminating an optical transmission system at an end user or a local network associated with a group of end users.

Abstract: Photosensitive optical materials are used for establishing more versatile approaches for optical device formation. In some embodiments, unpatterned light is used to shift the index-of-refraction of planar optical structures to shift the index-of-refraction of the photosensitive material to a desired value. This approach can be effective to produce cladding material with a selected index-of-refraction. In additional embodiments gradients in index-of-refraction are formed using, photosensitive materials. In further embodiments, the photosensitive materials are patterned within the planar optical structure. Irradiation of the photosensitive material can selectively shift the index-of-refraction of the patterned photosensitive material. By patterning the light used to irradiate the patterned photosensitive material, different optical devices can be selectively activated within the optical structure.

Abstract: A method of optimizing a filter response of an arrayed waveguide grating is disclosed. The method includes the step of measuring a respective phase error of a plurality of waveguide cores of the arrayed waveguide grating. Once the phase error is measured, a respective optical path length of the cores is adjusted in accordance with the respective phase error of the cores. Optical path length is adjusted by adjusting a respective refractive index of the cores. The respective optical path length can be controlled to nanometer accuracies by adjusting the respective refractive index of the cores.

Abstract: Monolithic optical structures include a plurality of layer with each layer having an isolated optical pathway confined within a portion of the layer. The monolithic optical structure can be used as an optical fiber preform. Alternatively or additionally, the monolithic optical structure can include integrated optical circuits within one or more layers of the structure. Monolithic optical structures can be formed by performing multiple passes of a substrate through a flowing particle stream. The deposited particles form an optical material following consolidation. Flexible optical fibers include a plurality of independent light channels extending along the length of the optical fiber. The fibers can be pulled from an appropriate preform.

Abstract: Three dimensional optical structures are described that can have various integrations between optical devices within and between layers of the optical structure. Optical turning elements can provide optical pathways between layers of optical devices. Methods are described that provide for great versatility on contouring optical materials throughout the optical structure. Various new optical devices are enabled by the improved optical processing approaches.

Abstract: Improved reaction chamber designs are described that provide for improved control over the flow within the reaction chamber. The reaction chambers contain reactions for particle production from a flowing reactant stream. Improved reactant delivery nozzles are described that are useful for the delivery of gas/vapor reactants and/or aerosol reactants. Improved nozzle designs can result in more uniform reactant flow. Suitable reactors can comprise an electromagnetic radiation source that projects through the reactor to drive the reaction at an electromagnetic radiation reaction zone. The improved nozzle features are suitable for reactors for particle collection and/or for coating of substrates within the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Methods for the production of ceramic chip capacitors include the deposition of at least two layers of electrical conductor and at least one layer of a dielectric between electrical conducting layers. The compositions in the dielectric layer are deposited from a flow in which flowing reactants react to form particles in a reaction driven by light at a light reaction zone. In some embodiments, a plurality of dielectric layers is deposited. Suitable dielectric materials include barium titanate. A collection of barium titanate particles can be formed in the coating process having an average diameter less than about 90 nanometers. Thus, ceramic chip capacitors can be formed with barium titanate particles having an average diameter less than about 90 nanometers.

Abstract: 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.