Abstract: A device fabrication method is disclosed in which a precursor polymeric or oligomeric material, capable of undergoing a curing reaction involving crosslinking and/or imidization, is at least partially cured and incorporated into the device being fabricated. Significantly, the at least partial curing is achieved by heating the material at generally increasing (although not necessarily continuously increasing) temperatures. In addition, the heat is supplied at a rate so that the temperature of the material is always maintained at or below the corresponding glass transition temperature of the material, which increases during the heating process.

Abstract: Optical fiber end coating materials are shown along with a method of applying them. The materials are thermoplastic polyurethanes, which are cast onto the end of a fiber by dissolving the material in a solvent, applying the solution to the fiber end, and heating to remove the solvent. Optical devices are prepared in a similar manner. A polyurethane button results that elastically deforms under pressure, bridging the gap between fibers, or between a fiber and an optical device. This reduces reflections from air gaps when used with a compression type connector.