Abstract: A method wherein optical fibers in a silicon connector are joined to a second optical component. The silicon connector is etched back with a dry etchant that is highly preferential for silicon to thereby etch the silicon connector much more than the optical fiber. After etching, the optical fibers protrude beyond the silicon connector so that they may be easily joined to the second optical component. Also disclosed is an optical fiber assembly made according to this method.

Abstract: A method wherein optical fibers in a silicon connector are joined to a second optical component. The silicon connector is etched back with a dry etchant that is highly preferential for silicon to thereby etch the silicon connector much more than the optical fiber. After etching, the optical fibers protrude beyond the silicon connector so that they may be easily joined to the second optical component. Also disclosed is an optical fiber assembly made according to this method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flattening a ceramic body comprised primarily of an aluminum nitride system having a liquid phase additive necessary for low temperature sintering during a firing thereof is disclosed. The ceramic body is referred to as an aluminum nitride multilayer ceramic (AlN MLC). The method and apparatus include a support tile having a first coating on a contact surface thereof, the AlN MLC for being placed upon the contact surface of the support tile. A load flattening tile having a second coating on a contact surface thereof is provided, the load flattening tile for being placed with its coated surface upon and in contact with the AlN MLC. Lastly, a furnace is provided for heating the support tile, AlN MLC, and load flattening tile at temperatures greater than 1500.degree. C.

Abstract: A single furnace loading cycle method for sintering at least one product comprises placing at least one product into a ventable/sealable box, and placing the box within the furnace. The box is vented inside the furnace at a first temperature range and the product is sealed inside the box in a second temperature range, wherein the second temperature range is higher than the first temperature range. The box includes a closeable top cover and a control means that comprises a first set of collapsible spacers which hold open the cover at temperatures below the first temperature range and collapse to lower the cover into sealing engagement with the box at temperatures above the first temperature range. The box further comprises a substrate to be sintered with a lower and an upper setter on opposite sides of the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum nitride body having graded metallurgy and a method for making such a body. The aluminum nitride body has at least one via and includes a first layer in direct contact with the aluminum nitride body and a second layer in direct contact with, and that completely encapsulates, the first layer. The first layer includes 30 to 60 volume percent aluminum nitride and 40 to 70 volume percent tungsten and/or molybdenum while the second layer includes 90 to 100 volume percent of tungsten and/or molybdenum and 0 to 10 volume percent of aluminum nitride.

Abstract: A single furnace loading cycle technique and a ventable sintering box therefor are disclosed for the sintering of products, such as, ceramic substrates. The sintering box includes a closeable cover which is held open by collapsible or deformable or sensitive spacers in a first furnace temperature range. The sensitive spacers collapse or deform in a higher temperature range to seal closed the box and the substrates therein. Thus, volatile agents within the substrates are permitted to escape in the first temperature range but are prevented from escaping in the higher temperature range.Provision also is made using additional sensitive spacers for applying a weight upon the substrates when in the higher temperature range due to the collapse or deformation of the sensitive spacers.

Abstract: A single furnace loading cycle method for sintering at least one product. The method comprises the steps of placing at least one product into a ventable/sealable box, which box is placed inside a furnace. The box is vented inside the furnace at a first temperature range, and then the box is sealed with the at least one product inside the box in a second temperature range, wherein the second temperature range is higher than the first temperature range, and wherein the step of sealing occurs after the step of venting without removing the box from the furnace.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aluminum nitride body having graded metallurgy and a method for making such a body. The aluminum nitride body has at least one via and includes a first layer in direct contact with the aluminum nitride body and a second layer in direct contact with, and that completely encapsulates, the first layer. The first layer includes 30 to 60 volume percent aluminum nitride and 40 to 70 volume percent tungsten and/or molybdenum while the second layer includes 90 to 100 volume percent of tungsten and/or molybdenum and 0 to 10 volume percent of aluminum nitride.