Abstract: A highly flexible water-proof, rodent-proof cable, comprising an optically or electrically conductive center region, a layer of a yarn of high tensile strength and water blocking properties overlying the center region, a layer of soft annealed steel wires in the form of a braid overlying the yarn layer, and an outer jacket of a polymeric material overlying the steel-wire layer.

Abstract: A highly flexible water-proof, rodent-proof cable, comprising an optically or electrically conductive center region, a layer of a yarn of high tensile strength and water blocking properties overlying the center region, a layer of soft annealed steel wires in the form of a braid overlying the yarn layer, and an outer jacket of a polymeric material overlying the steel-wire layer.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an optical terminator device suitable for terminating high energy optical signals. The device includes a heat sink cap having an internal surface. An optical absorbing layer is positioned on the internal surface of the heat sink cap. A scattering core having a fiber or waveguide connection is positioned within the heat sink cap such that a thermal barrier is maintained between the optical absorbing layer and the scattering core.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an optical terminator device suitable for terminating high energy optical signals. The device includes a heat sink cap having an internal surface. An optical absorbing layer is positioned on the internal surface of the heat sink cap. A scattering core having a fiber or waveguide connection is positioned within the heat sink cap such that a thermal barrier is maintained between the optical absorbing layer and the scattering core.

Abstract: A method of processing of air clad and photonic-crystal fibers enabling fiber cleaving, splicing and polishing is disclosed. Collapse of air channels, which are part of an air-clad fiber supports the processing techniques. The methods also provide means for heat generated by laser radiation at the spliced section of an air-clad fiber with conventional fiber collection and utilization.

Abstract: A method of processing of air clad and photonic-crystal fibers enabling fiber cleaving, splicing and polishing is disclosed. Collapse of air channels, which are part of an air-clad fiber supports the processing techniques. The methods also provide means for heat generated by laser radiation at the spliced section of an air-clad fiber with conventional fiber collection and utilization.

Abstract: A method of preventing contamination of the air channels in the capillaries or pores of an air-clad or photonic-crystal fiber during polishing of the end-faces. A glass or silica fiber rod of diameter comparable to the fiber is fused to the end-face of the fiber, cut, and polished to form a thin protective plate having no appreciable affect on the optical properties of the fiber. Alternatively the air capillaries may be sealed by a UV-curable fluid or by melting the surrounding material. The end-face of the fiber thus presents a polished or cleaved surface for optical coupling to other fibers without causing damage or contamination to the air channels of the fiber. Furthermore, treating both end-faces of an air-clad or photonic-crystal fiber in manner provides a hermetic seal for the air-channels and protects the fiber against degradation caused by contamination such as humidity and dust which would otherwise enter the air channels over the course of time.

Abstract: A fiber optic structure for efficient pumping of a rare-earth element fiber laser, such as an Ytterbium fiber laser, operating at the three-level transition. In order to operate at the three-level transition, a large amount of pumping energy must be effectively coupled from the fiber's inner cladding into the rare-earth element-doped core. The present invention discloses the use of eccentric asymmetric, and non-cylindrical inner claddings to maximize the overlap of the pumping energy of multi-mode field distribution patterns with the fiber core and to maximize the number of intersections of the pumping optical ray trajectories with the core. While the cladding surrounding the core is eccentric with respect to the core, the core itself is coaxial with the outer cladding for compatibility in coupling to standard transmission fibers. Also disclosed is the use of air claddings and methods for optimal sizing of the capillaries.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device has a substrate, and at least one, generally planar moving element, such as an absorber or a mirror, disposed in parallel to the surface of the substrate. An actuator is operatively engageable with the moving element for selectively actuating the moving element between a series of successive, closely spaced positions in a plane horizontal to the surface of the substrate. The MEMS device may be effectively used as a variable attenuator and beam splitter. Various different actuators can be used. Preferably, the device is fabricated using a surface micromachining process.