Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for producing single-wall carbon nanotubes. The apparatus comprises a plasma torch having a plasma tube adapted to receive an inert gas and form an inert gas plasma; a feeder adapted to direct a carbon-containing substance and a metal catalyst towards said inert gas plasma so that the carbon-containing substance and the metal catalyst contact said inert gas plasma downstream of where said inert gas is introduced in said plasma tube, to thereby form a plasma comprising atoms or molecules of carbon and the atoms of said metal; and a condenser for condensing the atoms or molecules of carbon and the atoms of said metal to form single-wall carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Microspray apparatus and methods involve injecting powdered material into a plasma gas stream. The material comprises first and second component powders. The second powder is a majority by the weight of the powdered material. The first powder acts as a melting point depressant. The first and second powders may have similar compositions but with the first powder including a greater quantity of a melting point depressant element.

Abstract: A plasma treatment apparatus that can perform an excellent plasma treatment on a portion of a work which is to be used for producing products or parts, while preventing undesirable occurrence of discharge at that portion reliably is provided. The plasma treatment apparatus performs a plasma treatment on a plate-shaped work having an usable region to be used for producing products or parts and an unusable region other than the usable region.

Abstract: An electrical pulse circuit is disclosed. The electrical pulse circuit is in connection with a first pair of electrodes defining a first gap between ends thereof and a second pair of electrodes defining a second gap between ends thereof. The second gap is disposed proximate to the first gap. The circuit includes a controller, a first electrical pulse source in power connection with the first pair of electrodes, and a second electrical pulse source in power connection with the second pair of electrodes. The first electrical pulse source is productive of a high voltage low current arc across the first gap in response to the controller and the second electrical pulse source is productive of a low voltage high current arc across the second gap in response to the controller and the high voltage arc.

Abstract: An improved plasma vessel (i.e., plasma applicator) that provides effective cooling includes a plurality of generally linear tubes having a dielectric interior fluidly connected together by dielectric connectors. The tubes and connectors are joined together to form a leak-tight plasma vessel. A cooling system surrounding the improved plasma vessel includes a rigid cooling plate and a deformable thermal transfer material disposed between the plasma vessel and the cooling plate. After use or at an operator's discretion, the plasma vessel can be removed from the cooling system and a new vessel may be inserted in its place. Alternatively, the used vessel may be refurbished and re-inserted into the cooling system. The new or refurbished vessel may or may not be of the same size or configuration as the used vessel. Thermal contact between the cooling system and the new or refurbished vessel, however is maintained through the deformable thermal transfer material.

Abstract: There is an improved fusion plasma torch apparatus-engines and method. Deuterium-Tritium or other fusion reaction reagents are injected in a fusion reaction channel where is highest current DC/AC arc upon which is imposed modulating frequency in negative polarity causing under resonance frequency extinguishing whatever transversal plasma arc vibrations thereby eliminating plasma arc's bypassing to a wall and consequently decreasing the heat losses at the expense of dropping down convective and conductive heat exchange and locating the plasma arc column strictly in the center of arc's channel.

Abstract: A plasma generation apparatus includes: a chamber having a chamber lid and defining an airtight reaction region; a susceptor in the chamber; a gas supply means supplying a process gas to the chamber; and a toroidal core vertically disposed with respect to the susceptor through the chamber lid, comprising: a toroidal ferromagnetic core combined with the chamber, the toroidal ferromagnetic core having a first portion outside the chamber and a second portion inside the chamber, the second portion having an opening portion; a radio frequency (RF) power supply connected to the chamber; an induction coil electrically connected to the RF power supply, the induction coil rolling the first portion; and a matching circuit matching an impedance between the RF power supply and the induction coil.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material that defines a longitudinal axis and a distal end for housing an emissive element. The electrode includes a second end positioned adjacent the electrode body. The second end defines an extensive portion having a first length along a first direction and a second length along a second direction. The second length is greater than the first length. A component for use with the electrode includes a hollow body element having an interior surface with one or more of a contour, step, or flange that defines a shaped opening capable of slideably receiving a complementary-shaped portion of an electrode body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating microwave plasma are disclosed. The present invention provides a microwave plasma nozzle (26) that includes a gas flow tube (40), and a rod-shaped conductor (34) that is disposed in the gas flow tube (40) and has a tip (33) near the outlet of the gas flow tube (40). A portion (35) of the rod-shaped conductor (34) extends into a microwave cavity (24) to receive microwaves passing in the cavity (24). These received microwaves are focused at the tip (33) to heat the gas into plasma. The microwave plasma nozzle (26) also includes a vortex guide (36) between the rod-shaped conductor (34) and the gas flow tube (40) imparting a helical shaped flow direction to the gas flowing through the tube (40). The microwave plasma nozzle (26) further includes a shielding mechanism (108) for reducing a microwave power loss through the gas flow tube (40).

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an electrical contact assembly for a plasma torch tip, and may include an electrical contact portion, a compressible portion in mechanical communication with the contact, and a mounting portion in mechanical communication with the compressible portion. Some embodiments may be adapted to maintain contact with an uneven substrate during translation of the torch tip.

Abstract: A method for introducing dust into a molten bath of a pyrometallurgical installation is described. According to the method, a carrier gas containing dust particles is guided through a heating zone of an electrode less plasma torch, the gas being converted to a plasma by inductive heating prior to being blown into a region of the installation which receives the molten bath.

Abstract: Welding systems including a welding device adapted to be utilized in a welding operation to establish a welding arc and a position detection system adapted to measure a parameter indicative of a position of the welding device are provided. Such welding systems may also include a controller adapted to receive feedback from the position detection system regarding the position of the welding device in at least two axes and to selectively transition control of the welding system between a first set of operational parameters and a second set of operational parameters based on changes in the received feedback during a welding operation.

Abstract: A method of measuring parameters of a particle includes providing a particle, wherein the particle has a first portion and a second portion. The process includes providing a column of photo-detectors including a first photo-detector and a second photo-detector, wherein the first photo-detector and the second photo-detector are sensitive to the same range of light frequencies. Light is projected from the particle onto the column of photo-detectors wherein the column of photo-detectors is oriented so the light from the first portion is projected onto the first photo-detector and light from the second portion is projected onto the second photo-detector. Light measured by the first photo-detector differs from light measured by the second photo-detector. The process further includes using the different first and the second photo-detector measurements to determine at least one from the group consisting of particle temperature and particle diameter.

Abstract: A connector assembly for coupling a plasma torch to a receptacle including a connector body configured to receive a mating connector body. The connector body is attachable to a power supply or a plasma arc torch. One or more circumferentially shaped blades extend axially from a surface of the connector body and form a blade ring. One or more gaps can be disposed relative to the surface of the connector body. The plurality of gaps are defined by and between the circumferentially shaped blades. A distance of the gaps between the circumferentially shaped blades extends along a portion of the circumference of the blade ring. The plurality of gaps can be asymmetrically distributed about the blade ring to facilitate proper rotational alignment, and are shaped to align with corresponding circumferentially shaped blades of the mating connector body.

Abstract: A system for the data management of a thermal spraying apparatus with a spray gun (2) is made available, wherein the system includes a decentrally arranged device (1) with a memory (4), in order to detect process parameters and to store data of the thermal spraying apparatus and wherein the data contain identification and operating data of the thermal spraying apparatus and the device (1) additionally includes a bus interface (6) for the transmitting of the data.

Abstract: An improved torch providing high visibility of the work zone to the operator, an increased viewing angle, and a reduced obstruction angle. The high visibility torch includes consumables adapted to maintain torch and consumables performance while reducing visual obstruction to the user, by coordinating, balancing, and optimizing design requirements and stack up tolerances. The invention also includes a related low-profile safety switch that promotes workpiece visibility and minimizes view obstruction.

Abstract: A plasma generation apparatus is provided which includes: a microwave generation portion which generates a microwave; a gas supply portion which supplies a gas to be turned into plasma; a plasma generation nozzle which includes a reception member receiving the microwave, and turns the gas into plasma based on the energy of the received microwave and emits the plasma gas; and a photo-detection unit which detects light emitted by the plasma gas and generates electrical information.

Abstract: An erosion resistant torch for use in a solid free form fabrication system for manufacturing a component from successive layers of metal feedstock material. The erosion resistant torch includes a torch structure defining a torch nozzle formed of a highly conductive bulk material. The erosion resistant torch further includes a gas flow channel and an orifice defined therein. An arc electrode is disposed within the gas flow channel. An erosion resistant material is disposed between the torch nozzle and the arc electrode in the form of a coating layer or an erosion resistant insert. The erosion resistant material is formed of one of a refractory material or a ceramic material.

Abstract: A powerplant and method for production and use of synthesis gas from a hydrocarbon fuel is disclosed in a combination of a triple helical flow vortex reactor (100) and a power producer (510). The triple helical flow vortex reactor (100) steam-reforms a hydrocarbon fuel in a rich combustion environment and produces a gas stream with synthesis gas. The triple helical flow vortex reactor (100) has a plasma torch to introduce a central vortex and two swirlers to introduce counterposing vortexes, or circumferential flows, at the periphery of a reaction chamber in the triple helical flow vortex reactor. The synthesis gas fuels the power producer (510).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and arrangement for removing contaminants from a surface of a substrate by subjecting said substrate surface to an atmospheric pressure glow plasma. Said plasma is generated in a discharge space comprising a plurality of electrodes, by applying an alternating plasma energizing voltage to said electrodes causing a plasma current and a displacement current. Said plasma is stabilised by controlling said displacement current during plasma generation such that modification of properties of said substrate surface is prevented.

Abstract: A hybrid thermal cutting apparatus has both a laser head and a plasma torch, both of which can be controlled independently, can perform both laser processing and plasma processing, thus reducing the running costs. A large number of cutting lines for cutting out various types of manufactured products from plate materials are classified into a laser cutting type and a plasma cutting type, according to the cutting length, whether they are the external periphery of manufactured products or apertures, the size of the manufactured products or the apertures, the required process accuracy, the plate thickness, or the like. The lines of the laser cutting type are cut by laser processing, while the lines of the plasma cutting type are cut by plasma processing.

Abstract: A stage onto which is electrostatically attracted a substrate to be processed in a substrate processing apparatus, which enables the semiconductor device yield to be improved. A temperature measuring apparatus 200 measures a temperature of the substrate to be processed. A temperature control unit 400 carries out temperature adjustment on the substrate to be processed such as to become equal to a target temperature based on a preset parameter. A temperature control unit 400 controls the temperature of the substrate to be processed by controlling the temperature adjustment by the temperature control unit 400 based on a measured temperature measured by the temperature measuring apparatus 200.

Abstract: The present invention describes a torch for producing a plasma for a spectrochemical analysis comprising: an alumina ceramic injector, a vitreous material inner tube concentric with the injector, and an annular joint between the injector and the inner tube. The joint fixedly attaches the injector and the inner tube together and comprises of an adhesive compatible with vitreous material and alumina ceramic. A method of manufacturing the torch is also described.

Abstract: An improved automatic feedback control scheme enhances plasma spraying of powdered material through reduction of process variability and providing better ability to engineer coating structure. The present inventors discovered that controlling centroid position of the spatial distribution along with other output parameters, such as particle temperature, particle velocity, and molten mass flux rate, vastly increases control over the sprayed coating structure, including vertical and horizontal cracks, voids, and porosity. It also allows improved control over graded layers or compositionally varying layers of material, reduces variations, including variation in coating thickness, and allows increasing deposition rate. Various measurement and system control schemes are provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling the flow of gases through a plasma arc torch are provided. A flow of plasma gas is directed to a plasma chamber, a first flow of auxiliary gas is directed around a plasma stream that exits a tip in one of a swirling manner and a radial manner, and a second flow of auxiliary gas is directed around the first flow of auxiliary gas and the plasma stream in one of a coaxial manner, an angled manner, and a radial manner. The first flow of auxiliary gas functions to constrict and shape the plasma stream to improve cut quality and cut speed, and the second flow of auxiliary gas functions to protect the plasma arc torch during piercing and cutting and to cool components of the plasma arc torch such that thicker workpieces may be processed with a highly shaped plasma stream.

Abstract: A device and a method for plasma spraying are disclosed. The device comprises, a cathode, an anode, a plasma channel formed by the anode and intermediate electrodes, and one or more flowable material injectors. The plasma channel has a throttling portion that divides the plasma channel into a high pressure portion near the cathode formed by at least one intermediate electrode and a low pressure portion near the anode. During operation, a plasma generating gas is heated by the arc maintained between the cathode and the anode, forming plasma. When the plasma passes through the throttling portion, its speed increases to a supersonic speed, and at the same time its static pressure drops. Flowable materials are injected in the plasma flow in the low pressure portion. The particles in the flowable materials are heated by the plasma and the resultant heated particles and plasma are output from the outlet of the plasma channel.

Abstract: A multipurpose track and radius plate burner apparatus that permits beveled and nonbeveled burning in a workpiece is provided. The apparatus provides capability to make circle or radius burns as well as track or straight line burns. The apparatus may be used with all standard torch heads as well as mini torches. The apparatus has other applications, including making burns in corners or restricted areas, use as a protractor and use as trammel points.

Abstract: A method of fabricating yttria parts is provided herein. In one embodiment, the method includes sintering a yttria sample, machining the sintered sample to form a part, and annealing the part by heating the part at a predetermined heating rate, maintaining the part at a constant annealing temperature, and cooling the part at a predetermined cooling rate. At least one of the sintering and annealing atmospheres is an oxygen-containing atmosphere.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a circuit for igniting a gas flow in a fully automatic manner. The aim of the invention is to maintain the necessary current consumption so low that an integratable voltage source can be used. To this end, once an electronic control unit has been activated, a thermoelectric safety pilot valve (2) is opened by an electromagnet which is temporarily excited by a rush of current, is maintained in the open position by a safety pilot magnet (6) by means of a holding current provided by a voltage source (10), and the escaping gas is ignited. Once a thermoelectric couple (4) is provided for the necessary holding current, the voltage source (10) is switched off. In the event of damage, the method is automatically interrupted.

Abstract: An arc detector is provided for a plasma processing system including a HF power source, a plasma processor, and a voltage/current signal detector. The arc detector includes a calculator for the phase difference between the AC voltage signal and the AC current signal, a calculator for an effective voltage based on the AC voltage signal, a calculator for an effective current based on the AC current signal, an FFT processor for the frequency spectrum of the AC voltage or current signal, and an arc analyzer connected to the phase difference calculator, effective voltage calculator, effective current calculator, and FFT processor. The arc analyzer calculates the plasma processor's impedance based on the calculated phase difference, effective voltage, and effective current. The arc analyzer monitors arcs in the plasma processor, based on the fluctuation rate of the calculated impedance and the output level of a frequency component in the spectrum.

Abstract: An adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, an adjustable plasma spray gun apparatus includes: a plasma spray gun body having a fore portion and an aft portion; and a first coupler configured to removably attach to the plasma spray gun body at the aft portion, the coupler including: a first portion having a first axial opening configured to removably attach to the plasma spray gun body at the aft portion; and a second portion having a second axial opening configured to removably attach to one of an electrode body or a second coupler.

Abstract: A wire bonding apparatus for manufacturing, for instance, semiconductor devices, including a cleaning case in which a microplasma generating section comprised of a plasma torch, which has a plasma nozzle 38 at the end, and capacitive coupling electrodes composed of an outer electrode and an inner electrode is fixed to the bottom of the cleaning case. The plasma nozzle is provided such that its center line is in alignment with the longitudinal center line of the capillary. Microplasma is ejected from below the capillary to clean its tip within the cleaning case. A shutter is provided on the top of the cleaning case and the wasted gas produced as a result of cleaning is exhausted out of the cleaning case through an exhaustion port of the cleaning case.

Abstract: A machine for the treatment of containers, includes at least one container-treatment station. The machine is of the type in which each treatment station comprises a cover having a nozzle which is provided with: gripping elements for seizing the outside of the container, and impervious connection elements between the inside of the container and a vacuum pumping chamber which is provided in the cover. In addition, the machine is of the type in which the impervious connection elements include a cartridge which is mounted in the cover. The cartridge includes an axial segment, known as the connection segment, which extends inside the pumping chamber and which is equipped with radial holes. The pumping chamber is connected to the interior of the cartridge via the radial holes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam cutting device (1), comprising at least one container (5), for a fluid (8), a current source (2), a controller (3) and a burner (6), connected to the container (5), by means of a supply line (7), for generation of a steam jet exiting through a nozzle. According to the invention, such a steam cutting device (1), in which no, or almost no fluid is found in the burner in stand-by mode or after switch-off of the steam cutting device such that post-evaporation can be avoided, may be achieved, whereby a relief line (22) is connected to the supply line (7), for relieving the supply line (7) and/or the burner (6), on or after the ending of the steam cutting process. A regulation valve (24) can be provided in the relief line, which can be connected to the controller (3) itself coupled to a sensor (25), for determining the pressure in the burner (6).

Abstract: A DC steam plasma torch includes front, middle and rear sections. The front section includes a first amount and a first electrode attached to the first amount, thus defining co-axial first internal and external coolant channels. The middle section includes a second mount and a second electrode co-axially connected to the second mount, thus defining co-axial second internal and external coolant channels. The rear section includes an insulating transient element connected to the second electrode, a window frame connected to the insulating transient element and a window provided in the window frame. A first swirl generator is provided between the first and second sections to receive primary working gas and generating a swirl in the same. A second swirl generator is provided between the middle and rear sections to receive auxiliary working gas and generating a swirl in the same.

Abstract: A method and structure use characteristics of a plasma discharge for verifying a hermetic seal. The plasma discharge is created in a hermetically sealed cavity by a pair of spaced electrodes that extend from tips inside the hermetically sealed cavity to contacts outside the sealed cavity. An electrical bias is applied to the contacts that is sufficient to create a plasma discharge in a properly hermetically sealed cavity but not in an unsealed cavity.

Abstract: A cascade source includes a cathode housing, a number of cascade plates insulated from each other and stacked on top of each other which together bound at least one plasma channel, and an anode plate provided with an outflow opening connecting to the plasma channel. One cathode is provided per plasma channel, which cathode includes an electrode which is adjustable relative to the cathode housing in the direction of the plasma channel. The clamp may be of the collet chuck type. At least a part of the housing of the source may be substantially transparent. A method for controlling the cascade source in use includes monitoring the electromagnetic radiation of the plasma through the substantially transparent housing part, and, dependent on the monitored radiation, controlling the plasma forming process in the source by variation of the gas supply, or variation of the potential difference between the cathode and the anode or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma reactor which can suppress deactivation of components (active components) activated by plasma when causing exhaust gas to flow through a plasma generating space to ensure efficient reaction between the active components and particulate matter, whereby the particulate matter can be efficiently purified via reaction. The plasma reactor includes a plasma reactor main body 1, a positive electrode 11 disposed on an inlet side 2 of the plasma reactor main body 1, a conductive honeycomb filter 21 disposed so that a filter inlet side 22 faces an outlet side 3 of the plasma reactor main body 1, and a pulse power supply 31 which is connected with the positive electrode 11 and the honeycomb filter 21 and is capable of applying a pulse voltage between the positive electrode 11 and the honeycomb filter 21 as plasma generating electrodes to generate plasma.

Abstract: A coaxial microwave plasma torch, comprising, an outside conductor (1) formed in a cylindrical shape, a cylindrical electric discharge tube (3) fixedly inserted into an axial hole (2) formed in the outside conductor on one end face (4) side, and a coaxial cable (6) having one end fitted to the other end face of the outside conductor. An antenna (9) electrically connected to an inside conductor (8) is fitted to the one end of the coaxial cable and extended into the electric discharge tube through a through-hole (11) axially passed through between the other end face (5) of the outside conductor and the bottom face of the axial hole. The outside conductor (7) of the coaxial cable is electrically connected to the outside conductor, and a gas inlet pipeline (13) supplying a gas into the electric discharge tube is fitted in the outside conductor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma torch for overcladding a primary preform of an optical fiber. The plasma torch includes a confinement tube for confining an induced plasma and a torch base. The torch base has a ceramic surface internal to the confinement tube. The plasma torch has extended life even at high input powers.

Abstract: This application relates to a plasma torch assembly comprising a plurality of tubes; a collar integral with at least one tube comprising a first abutment surface; a base for holding the tubes during operation of the torch comprising a portion for receiving the collar and a second abutment; and co-operating interlocking portions for removably urging the first and second abutment surfaces together by relative rotation of the interlocking portions wherein the first and second abutment surfaces comprise a complimentary taper for aligning the collar in concentric formation with at least one other tube on the base by co-operation of the interlocking portions.

Abstract: An ablative plasma gun is presented. The ablative plasma gun includes a first gun electrode and a second gun electrode arranged between a dielectric layer to form a longitudinal slot. An opening at a distal end of the longitudinal slot is provided to spread generated plasma.

Abstract: A variable orifice torch for use in a solid free form fabrication system for manufacturing a component from successive layers of metal feedstock material. The variable orifice torch includes a torch structure defining a torch nozzle formed of a highly conductive bulk material. The variable orifice torch further includes a gas flow channel and a variable orifice defined therein. An arc electrode is disposed within the gas flow channel. The variable orifice is defined in the torch nozzle and in alignment with the arc electrode. The variable orifice is coupled to the torch structure in a manner operable to control a flow gas therethrough by varying the size of an aperture defined by the variable orifice.

Abstract: A dual mode plasma arc torch and methods of operation thereof are provided, wherein the plasma arc torch is operable with both a high frequency power supply and a contact start power supply.

Abstract: A system (10) for coating surfaces of a workpiece (12) comprises a biasing system (242) for connection to said workpiece (12) and an anode (76) such as to negatively bias the workpiece relative to the anode and a vacuum source (42, 44) for evacuating an interior of the workpiece (12). A gas supply (224, 226, 228) is employed for introducing a gas containing a treatment material to said workpiece and a control system (244) controls the biasing system (242), the vacuum source (42, 44) and the gas supply (224, 226, 228) so as to establish a hollow cathode effect within the workpiece (12). A pair of coupling heads (16, 18) are supported on articulated arms (22, 24, 26) movable in one or more of three axes and include removable shields (78) to protect the heads (16, 18) and an anode mount (74) for receiving an anode (76). The articulated arms allow the system to accommodate a plurality of different shaped and different sized workpieces while the shields protect the coupling heads during a deposition process.

Abstract: Plasma arc torches described herein include a torch tip with an improved nozzle that provides angular shield flow injection. In particular, the nozzle provides angular/conical impingement of a fluid (e.g., a shield gas) on an ionized plasma gas flowing through a plasma arc torch. Some of the torch tips described herein include a nozzle with a conical external shape combined with a shield with complementing internal geometry to form the angular fluid flow. As a result, a plasma arc torch including the improved nozzle have the benefits of a stabilized ionized plasma gas flow together with enhanced nozzle cooling and protection from reflecting slag during torch use.

Abstract: A adjustable upper coil or electrode for a reaction chamber apparatus useable in semiconductor processing, is constructed so that its shape may be selectively changed or so at least two portions thereof may be selectively driven at different power and/or frequencies. The adjustable upper coil or electrode, therefore, enables the plasma density distribution in the reaction chamber apparatus to be selectively controlled.

Abstract: A burner design used for thermal treatment of a surface of materials is presented. The burner includes a tubular electrode, a nozzle, a removable rod-shaped electrode which are arranged to form a discharge chamber, a means for vapor generation in the form of a reservoir provided with a flange and filled with a liquid-absorbing material, an electric arc vortex stabilization element, an element for cooling the nozzle and the electrode, and current leads. The reservoir flange is made in the form of a connection fitting and is provided with a partition having a central opening in which the tubular electrode is positioned to enable the formation of a heating element including an evaporator and a vapor superheater, both separated by the partition, the evaporator is provided with grooves for discharging vapor into a collector out of an annular recess on a surface of the vapor superheater arranged outside the reservoir.

Abstract: A plasma torch rotation assembly for relieving stress on a lead. The rotation assembly can include an outer housing, which can have a mounting surface adapted to be fixedly coupled to a torch mount. The rotation assembly can include an inner component disposed at least partially within the outer housing, and a bearing structure disposed between the outer housing and the inner component. The bearing structure can facilitate rotational movement of the outer housing relative to the inner component, about a longitudinal axis of the rotation assembly. The rotation assembly can include a torch adapter disposed near a first end of the inner component. The torch adapter can be adapted to mate with a plasma arc torch. The rotation assembly can include a receiving portion disposed at a second end of the inner component, the receiving portion adapted to receive at least a portion a lead.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an optical fiber preform, including injecting a plasma gas source into the first end of a tubular member; generating a ring plasma flame with the plasma gas source flowing through a plasma gas feeder nozzle, the plasma gas feeder nozzle including: an inner tube, an outer tube, wherein the plasma gas source is injected between the inner tube and the outer tube to produce the ring plasma flame, such that at least a portion of the ring plasma flame is directed radially toward the inner surface of the tubular member; traversing the tubular member along the longitudinal axis relative to the plasma flame; depositing at least one soot layer on the interior surface of the tubular member by introducing reagent chemicals into the plasma flame; and fusing all of the soot layers into a glass material on the interior surface of the tubular member.