Abstract: Improved fiber reinforced composites having near zero coefficients of thermal expansion are described. The improved composites include reinforcing fibers and matrix material in which gap structures which exist within the composite are filled with a bonding agent. The reinforcing fibers can be unidirectionally, bidirectionally or multidirectionally oriented within the matrix material and articles fabricated from the improved composite have reduced coefficients of thermal expansion in directions transverse to the orientations of the fibers. This improvement makes these improved composites useful for fabricating high energy laser mirror substrates.

Abstract: Improved fiber reinforced composites having near zero coefficients of thermal expansion are described. The improved composites include reinforcing fibers and matrix material in which gap structures which exist within the composite are filled with a bonding agent. The reinforcing fibers can be unidirectionally, bidirectionally or multidirectionally oriented within the matrix material and articles fabricated from the improved composite have reduced coefficients of thermal expansion in directions transverse to the orientations of the fibers. This improvement makes these improved composites useful for fabricating high energy laser mirror substrates.

Abstract: A ceramic pump cavity structure for use in solid state lasers wherein the pump cavity comprises sintered alumina having grain sizes of between about 0.3 to 0.5 microns. Sintered alumina pump cavities having grain sizes within this range provide desirable diffuse reflectivity comparable to barium sulfate while at the same time providing a structurally strong cavity which is resistant to cracking and breakage. Combinations of the alumina oxide pump cavity with parasitic light absorbers such as samarium oxide are also disclosed.

Abstract: A ceramic pump cavity structure for use in solid state lasers wherein the pump cavity comprises sintered alumina having grain sizes of between about 0.3 to 0.5 microns. Sintered alumina pump cavities having grain sizes within this range provide desirable diffuse reflectivity comparable to barium sulfate while at the same time providing a structurally strong cavity which is resistant to cracking and breakage. Combinations of the alumina pump cavity with parasitic light absorbers such as samarium oxide are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions of matter and method of use of compositions consisting essentially of a mixture, in effective amounts, of (a) a terpene or mixtures thereof, and (b) vitamin E. These compositions are used for treatment of cuts, burns and abrasions of the skin in mammals, particularly humans, to facilitate healing and reduce swelling, bleeding and pain, by applying the mixture to the affected external area of the skin, as by swabbing with an applicator. Alternatively, the treatment mixture can be pressurized by means of a carrier, such as ethylene chloride, for application by spraying.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are disclosed for utilizing solar radiation and the energy contained therein for the carbothermic reduction of a metal oxide to a metal carbide. The apparatus comprises a reflective surface which collects and focuses solar radiation onto a focal mirror which consequentially reflects and focuses the solar light rays into a reaction chamber through a Fresnel lens and a transparent window provided on the chamber. The solar light rays are focused by the reflective surface focal mirror and Fresnel lens such that the energy absorbed by reactants in the reaction chamber is sufficient for the carbothermic reduction of the metal oxide.

Abstract: An apparatus and process are disclosed for utilizing solar radiation and the energy contained therein for the carbothermic reduction of a metal oxide to a metal carbide. The apparatus comprises a reflective surface which collects and focuses solar radiation onto a focal mirror which consequentially reflects and focuses the solar light rays into a reaction chamber through a Fresnel lens and a transparent window provided on the chamber. The solar light rays are focused by the reflective surface focal mirror and Fresnel lens such that the energy absorbed by reactants in the reaction chamber is sufficient for the carbothermic reduction of the metal oxide.

Abstract: Carbon fiber reinforced tantalum carbide composites are produced by vacuum infiltration of omni-weave carbon, e.g. three dimensional graphite, yarn preforms with an aqueous saturated solution containing tantalum fluoride and sucrose. Anhydrous ammonia is added under pressure, forming ammonium fluoride, which is removed by vacuum sublimation by application of heat. The resulting preform containing tantalum pentoxide and partially pyrolyzed sucrose is heated at high temperature and reduced pressure to decompose the sucrose to yield active carbon which reacts with the tantalum pentoxide to yield tantalum carbide and carbon monoxide.

Abstract: Carbon fiber reinforced tantalum carbide composites are produced by vacuum infiltration of omni-weave carbon, e.g. three dimensional graphite, yarn preforms with an aqueous saturated solution containing tantalum fluoride and sucrose. Anhydrous ammonia is added under pressure, forming ammonium fluoride, which is removed by vacuum sublimation by application of heat. The resulting preform containing tantalum pentoxide and partially pyrolyzed sucrose is heated at high temperature and reduced pressure to decompose the sucrose to yield active carbon which reacts with the tantalum pentoxide to yield tantalum carbide and carbon monoxide.