Abstract: A barrier layer is formed within a microfabricated device, such as a semiconductor laser assembly. The barrier layer is used to separate bonding material from an underlying layer that is located beneath the barrier layer. The barrier layer includes at least three thin layers that have alternating levels of electronegativity. Therefore, a significant amount of intermetallics are formed between the thin layers, thereby creating strong bonds between the thin layers at relatively low temperatures. It is difficult for the bonding material to break the strong bonds of the thin layers, and the bonding material is, therefore, prevented from penetrating the barrier layer and reacting with the underlying layer.

Abstract: An optical module is disclosed wherein the thermal stress induced therein is substantially minimized so as to reduce the interference with the alignment of the optical component(s) enclosed therein. The optical module includes a housing having an assembly platform and sidewalls joined by brazing or soldering. However, because of mechanical, electrical and thermal considerations, the sidewalls and assembly platform are usually made of dissimilar materials. In one embodiment, the optical module includes an assembly platform made of a Cu--W composite, and sidewalls made of Kovar.RTM.. Although nonlinear, the thermal expansion of Kovar.RTM. is substantially linear away from its Curie temperature, with the slope proportional to the thermal expansion coefficient. On the other hand, the thermal expansion profile of Cu--W is substantially linear, with the thermal expansion coefficient determined by the ratio of Cu to W.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a fixture for forming an assembly of parallel wires comprising a frame formed to define an open central space, the frame carrying two sets of spaced-apart pins around which a wire is wound to form the desired individual parallel wires. The pins are slanted to insure proper seating of the individual wires on the frame, and, in each set, the pins are aligned on a slanted line to facilitate the winding operation. The frame also carries rectangular pins to which the winding wire can be easily secured at the beginning and end of a winding operation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display panel and method of making the panel. The panel is made up of a thin, flat envelope comprising a base plate and a face plate and including a relatively large-volume gas reservoir formed by an auxiliary plate spaced from and hermetically secured to the outer surface of the base plate. The reservoir communicates with the interior of the panel through one or more holes in the base plate. The reservoir is attached to the panel, and the panel is processed by a method which includes maintaining proper temperature distribution through the various parts of the panel.

Abstract: The display panel includes a gas-filled envelope made up of a base plate and a face plate hermetically sealed together. A cell sheet is disposed between the base plate and face plate, an array of cathode strips is disposed between the base plate and cell sheet, and an array of anodes is disposed between the face plate and cell sheet, with the anodes being disposed at an angle to the cathodes so that each crossing of an anode and cathode and the volume of gas between them define a display cell. The cell sheet includes slots which define rows of separate operating areas on each cathode. In addition, each cathode strip defines a column of operating cathode areas. The panel carries a mercury capsule, whether in the tubulation or in a convenient portion of the cell sheet, and the cell sheet is provided with channels or slots, in communication with the mercury capsule, to facilitate the dispersion of mercury throughout the panel.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a method of preparing an envelope assembly including a glass tubulation in which the tubulation includes a portion of reduced diameter at which a tip-off is formed during the manufacturing process. The method comprises heating the tubulation to an elevated temperature at which surface defects heal, and subsequently securing the tubulation to the envelope in normal fashion while insuring that no further surface defects occur.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a connector comprising an insulating body which carries a cable having exposed conductors to be pressed into contact with electrode contacts on a substrate. One end of the cable is secured to a printed circuit board or the like. The cable extends over an insert of a synthetic resinous material in the body, which serves to press its conductors into intimate engagement with the conductors on the substrate, and a spring-like clamp, which is coupled to the body, snaps into place and clamps the connector to the substrate, with the cable properly engaging the substrate.