Abstract: A display may have an array of display pixels that generate an image. A coherent fiber bundle may be mounted on the display pixels. The coherent fiber bundle may have a first surface that is adjacent to the display pixels and a second surface that is visible to a viewer. The coherent fiber bundle may contain fibers that carry light from the first surface to the second surface. The second surface may be planar or may have a central planar region and curved edge regions that run along opposing sides of the central planar region. The fibers may have cross-sectional surface areas with a first aspect ratio on the first surface and a second aspect ratio that is greater than the first aspect ratio on the second surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for polishing a ceramic component using a laser. The ceramic component may include a planar region that is polished using, for example, a mechanical or chemical mechanical polishing operation to produce a polished face. A contoured region that is adjacent to the planar region may be irradiated using a laser to heat the ceramic material within the contoured region. The irradiation may reduce the surface roughness of the contoured region to produce a polished surface. The ceramic component may be heated prior to being irradiated with the laser to reduce thermal gradients within the ceramic component.

Abstract: A method includes forming a glass structure that has a peripheral edge, wherein an exterior surface of the glass structure includes a compound curvature. The method also includes fractionalizing the glass structure to define a primary portion and one or more panels, wherein the primary portion includes a front window area, a roof area, and a rear window area, and connecting the primary portion and the one or more panels to a body of a vehicle.

Abstract: A housing for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The housing is composed of yttria-sensitized zirconia. Yttria-sensitized zirconia has from about 1.5 to about 2.5 mole percent yttria, and more typically about 2 mole percent yttria, and most typically 2 mole percent yttria, in zirconia. Yttria-sensitized zirconia is both tough and able to limit the formation and propagation of micro-cracks. Methods for manufacturing yttria-sensitized zirconia composed housings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A display may have an array of display pixels that generate an image. A coherent fiber bundle may be mounted on the display pixels. The coherent fiber bundle may have a first surface that is adjacent to the display pixels and a second surface that is visible to a viewer. The coherent fiber bundle may contain fibers that carry light from the first surface to the second surface. The second surface may be planar or may have a central planar region and curved edge regions that run along opposing sides of the central planar region. The fibers may have cross-sectional surface areas with a first aspect ratio on the first surface and a second aspect ratio that is greater than the first aspect ratio on the second surface.

Abstract: A housing for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The housing is composed of yttria-sensitized zirconia. Yttria-sensitized zirconia has from about 1.5 to about 2.5 mole percent yttria, and more typically about 2 mole percent yttria, and most typically 2 mole percent yttria, in zirconia. Yttria-sensitized zirconia is both tough and able to limit the formation and propagation of micro-cracks. Methods for manufacturing yttria-sensitized zirconia composed housings are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and a system for proof testing brittle components of electronic devices are disclosed. The method may include positioning the brittle component relative to a probe of a testing system, contacting the probe to a surface of the brittle component at a first location, and applying a first force at the first location using the probe to create a first localized tensile band below the surface of the brittle component. The method may also include contacting the probe to the surface of the brittle component at a second location, distinct from the first location, and applying a second force at the second location using the probe to create a second localized tensile band below the surface of the brittle component.

Abstract: Electronic devices including a display layer and a cover layer including a foldable region are disclosed herein. The display layer and the cover layer are configured to be moved between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration by bending the cover layer along the foldable region. Methods of making a cover layer for an electronic device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of modifying a substrate formed of non-deformable material is disclosed. In some embodiments, techniques are disclosed for identifying a region of a planar substrate that is susceptible to stretching during a subsequent shaping operation. In some embodiments, techniques are disclosed for adding an amount of non-deformable material to the planar substrate at an identified location and in a single operation, acting on the substrate until the substrate has a shape corresponding to a uniform thickness and a three-dimensional curvature.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a housing of an electronic device includes determining a sintering profile configured to produce a selected color at a selected depth within a wall of the housing, sintering a ceramic housing precursor in accordance with the determined sintering profile, thereby forming the housing, and removing material from the housing up to the selected depth.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed directed to a controlled crystallization (ceramic particle growth) of a shaped glass ceramic workpiece. The physical and chemical properties of the shaped glass ceramic of the present invention may be specified or tailored by shaping or machining the workpiece during or in combination with a controlled crystallization process that nucleates (precipitates) ceramic particles from a glass material. For example, in one embodiment, a non-crystalline amorphous solid may be heated above a transition temperature and shaped (e.g., molded, pressed, or the like). Ceramic particles may be precipitated within the solid during at least one of the heating or the shaping, thereby forming a shaped glass ceramic.

Abstract: A component for an electronic device including an internal compressive stress region is disclosed herein. The internal compressive stress region may be created in a glass portion of the component or in a glass ceramic portion of the component. Electronic devices comprising the components and method for making the components are also disclosed.

Abstract: Electronic devices including a display layer and a cover layer including a foldable region are disclosed herein. The display layer and the cover layer are configured to be moved between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration by bending the cover layer along the foldable region. Methods of making a cover layer for an electronic device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a housing of an electronic device includes determining a sintering profile configured to produce a selected color at a selected depth within a wall of the housing, sintering a ceramic housing precursor in accordance with the determined sintering profile, thereby forming the housing, and removing material from the housing up to the selected depth.

Abstract: Components of an electronic device, such as glass articles, are susceptible to breakage, especially in regions where machining a glass article has created flaws. Chemical strengthening can be performed to create deeper compression layers at regions of a glass article that have been machined, include and/or are adjacent to an edge feature, have greater surface roughness, and/or have more or deeper cracks.

Abstract: A system for heat treating sapphire components to increase strength while maintaining the optical finish and/or transparency of the component. The system may include a fixture positioned in a furnace and configured to suspend an array or group of sapphire components. The fixture may include notches or other features to assist in locating and positioning the sapphire components. Shield elements or enclosures may also be interspersed with the sapphire components and may help produce a more uniform heat distribution and protect the sapphire components from emissions or deposits. Some aspects are directed to a sleeve tool and fixture jig that can be used to assemble the sapphire components onto the fixture in a way that reduces the risk of marring or otherwise damaging the sapphire components.

Abstract: Glass articles having a base layer formed of glass and having a first compressive stress, an adjacent compression layer formed in the glass and having a second compressive stress, and a witness layer formed in the glass adjacent the compression layer and having a third compressive stress. The first, second and third compressive stresses all differing from one another. The witness layer also having a higher index of refraction than an index of refraction for the base or compression layers. Methods for manufacturing and methods of quality control that include the use of the witness layer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Asymmetrically strengthened glass articles, methods for producing the same, and use of the articles in portable electronic device is disclosed. The asymmetrically strengthened glass articles include glass articles having a deeper compressive stress layer in a thicker portion of the glass article. Using a budgeted amount of compressive stress and tensile stress, asymmetric chemical strengthening is optimized for the utility of a glass article. In some aspects, the strengthened glass article can be designed for reduced damage, or damage propagation, when dropped.

Abstract: Glass articles and methods for producing glass articles for a portable electronic device are disclosed. Properties of the glass articles, such as cover members, are improved through chemical strengthening, thermoforming, or a combination thereof. The glass articles may include barrier layers to prevent diffusion of ions between glass layers of the glass article, internal compressive stress regions, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An electronic device including a signal transmission system. The electronic device may include a housing, and a cover coupled to the housing and defining a groove formed in the cover. The electronic device may also include a signal transmission system positioned within the housing. The signal transmission system may include an antenna at least partially received within the groove formed in the cover. The antenna may have an antenna body, and a contact pad in electrical communication with the antenna body. The signal transmission system may also have a flexible member positioned adjacent the antenna body. The flexible member may contact the contact pad of the antenna.