Abstract: Disclosed are methods for hydrogen loading silica glass and silica glass comprising loaded H2. The methods can lead to H2 gradient in the glass material. Alternatively, the method may involve the use of varying H2 partial pressure of H2 in the atmosphere. Both can result in expedited hydrogen loading process.

Abstract: Disclosed are optical resonators having low OH content in at least the near-surface region and a process for making low OH glass article by chlorine treatment of consolidated glass of the article. Cl2 gas was used to remove OH from depth as deep as 350 ?m from the surface of the consolidated glass. The process can be used for treating flame-polished preformed optical resonator disks. A new process involving hot pressing or thermal reflowing for making planar optical resonator disks without the use of flame polishing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magnetically navigable atherectomy device includes a cutting head, a flexible drive shaft having a proximal and a distal end, with the cutting device on the distal end, and a magnet associated with the cutting head, the magnet of sufficient size to allow the cutting head to be oriented by an externally applied magnetic field. The magnet may be a portion of the cutting head made from a magnetically permeable or permanent magnetic material, a portion of the drive shaft made from a magnetically permeable or permanent magnetic material; a separate magnet between the cutting head and the drive shaft, a portion a magnet on a sheath covering the drive shaft. Alternatively a guide wire can provided with a magnetic material on its distal end. Through the application of a magnetic field and/or a magnetic gradient, the artherectomy device can be guided to the location of the atheromatous material in the body.