Abstract: Described is a process for the manufacture of glass substrates with improved long-term stability at raised temperatures, in which process a glass substrate is provided with a coating, this coating being prepared from a composition, which was obtained through hydrolysis and condensation of a compound that was dissolved in a solvent and belonged to at least one element from the group Si, Al, Ti and Zr and/or a suitable precondensate, optionally in combination with compounds, which are soluble in the reaction medium, of at least one element from the group of alkali metals, alkali earth metals, and boron. After the coating composition is deposited, the coating obtained thus is heat treated. The process is characterized in that the coating is not completely compacted.

Abstract: Optical glass of cubic, spherical or polygonal shape is fire polished on a graphite or Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3, concave surface with a surface roughness of 100 Angstroms or less. The optical glass having a surface roughness of 400 Angstroms or less is placed on the concave surface and fire polished by heating the optical glass between the yield point and softening point of the glass in a reducing atmosphere if the concave surface is made of graphite. A Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 concave surface is required for Pb.sup.+2 containing glasses. The molded preform obtained has a surface roughness of 100 Angstroms or less.

Abstract: In forming a plano-convex lens from a column-like lens blank by heating the blank to a temperature higher than the transition temperature thereof and by pressurizing an upper die with a closed space formed between the blank and the upper die, there are alternately repeated operations of pressurizing the upper die and stopping the application of pressure thereto. Through the control of the amount of displacement of the upper die, the maximum pressure of gas in the closed space at each pressurizing step is so controlled: as to be low according to the surface viscosity of the blank to the extent that no local concave deformation in the surface of the blank is produced; and as to be high to the extent that gas caught in the closed space is discharged at each step of stopping the application of pressure.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical device having a profile of refractive indices along its optical axis. A desired volume of each of a plurality of types of optical material are dispensed into a mold of known plan area in the form of a frit or a melt and the mold is heated to cause the materials to melt and fuse together to define a contiguous body of optical material having a desired profile. As the optical materials melt, the different types of material separate out so that they are arranged with the most dense material closest to the bottom of the mold and the least dense material closest to the top of the mold. To enhance this effect, the optical materials are layered in the mold in decreasing order of density of the materials from the bottom to the top so that the layers of optical material with the greater densities are closer to the bottom of the mold than the layers of materials with lesser densities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonfull aperture Luneburg-type lens for correction of an adjacent light source. The lens includes a core having a circular cross-section and a graded refractive index, and a cladding enclosing the core. The cladding has a circular cross-section and a homogenous refractive index. Also disclosed is a method for forming the nonfull aperture Luneburg-type lens with a graded index core and a homogenous cladding, and a high numerical aperture laser diode assembly including the nonfull aperture Luneburg-type lens.

Abstract: Methods of making gradient property refractive elements such as gradient index lens blanks. The spatial distributions of constituents achieved by subjecting various starting assemblages to various diffusion conditions are predicted. Each such predicted spatial distribution of constituents is converted to a spatial distribution of the graded property. The property distribution which best approximates a desired distribution is selected, to thereby select one starting assemblage and one set of diffusion conditions. That assemblage and set of conditions are used in fabrication of the element.

Abstract: A low-cost, high performance 1.times.N fiber optic coupler where N>16 is presented. The coupler has a GRIN lens having an first optic fiber aligned with the optical axis of the lens at one end of the lens. The first optic fiber ends in a microlens. At the other end of the GRIN lens a bundle of tapered second optic fibers is centered on the optical axis of the lens. The microlens is formed by fusing two fibers together, stretching the fused region, jerking the fibers apart and then heating a fiber end to form the lens.

Abstract: In a method of producing a condenser lens substrate, after a first clear substrate and a second clear substrate where a micro-lens having a spherical surface or a lenticular lens is formed are stuck to each other, at least one of the clear substrates is ground. At this time, the clear substrate is ground so as to have a thickness that a focus of the micro-lens or the lenticular lens is positioned in the vicinity of the outer surface of the first or the second clear substrate. This makes it possible to form a micro-lens or a lenticular lens having a short focus in a substrate of a liquid crystal display element. As a result, when a condenser lens substrate is produced, a possibility of breakage of the clear substrate is eliminated, and handling and sticking of clear substrates become easy, thereby making it possible to improve mass-productivity of a condenser lens substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of preparing an optical fiber for optimum coupling with a phototransducer, comprising the following steps: cleaving an end surface on an optical fiber; and depositing a succession of convex lenses on said cleaved surface over the core of the fiber, the lenses being in axial alignment and of decreasing radii of curvature on going away from the fiber. The present invention also provides a system obtained by implementing the method.

Abstract: An ophthalmic protective filter lens having a scotopic transmittance lower than the photopic transmittance by more than a factor of two, a dominant wavelength within the ranges of 580-605 nm and a color purity of 75-85 whereby colors perceived through the lens are approximately those of the scene being viewed. A method of producing an ophthalmic protective filter lens which comprises firing a photochromic glass lens in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere within the temperature range of 400.degree.-430.degree. C. for a time of 1-8 hours to impart a scotopic transmittance lower than the photopic transmittance by a factor of at least two, a dominant wavelength within the ranges of 580-605 nm and a color purity of 75-85 whereby colors perceived through the lens are approximately those of the scene.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of high intensity laser radiation of large spot size into arteries and a method for making same are disclosed. An optical radiating apparatus is formed on one end of a light-conducting optical fiber such that high intensity laser radiation leaves the optical radiation apparatus with a spot size that is expanded to a diameter significantly larger than the optical fiber diameter. The apparatus comprises a small diameter, flexible fiber which tapers to a large diameter, smooth, rounded ball tip. The taper allows the beam to expand to several millimeters in diameter and thereby ablate a large channel through an occluded artery. The smooth ball tip minimizes the chance of mechanical dissection or performation. The fiber material is continuous such that there are no optical interfaces.

Abstract: Shaped gradient profiles of index of refraction in lenses are fabricated from axial gradients. While the resulting lens has both radial (or cylindrical) and axial components, and, strictly speaking, is not a pure radial (cylindrical) gradient, nonetheless, the presence of both the radial and axial components or cylindrical and axial components provides lens designers with greater flexibility in lens design than heretofore existed.

Abstract: A package receives and encapsulates an optoelectronic integrated circuit chip. A plurality of optically transmissive filaments have first ends coupled with the chip and second ends opposite the first ends positioned outside the package. In a preferred embodiment, the first ends are flamed off to form spherical lenses, which are then used to contact optically active devices on the integrated circuit chip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glass blank for producing optical element used for the press molding thereof, having a core glass and a surface layer covering at least the optically functional surface of the core glass. The surface layer consists of an evaporation glass. This invention also relates to the technique to mold a glass lens using the glass blank.

Abstract: Disclosed is a glass blank used in a producing process for molding an optical element by heating a glass material and press molding the glass material in a mold having optical functional surfaces. Employed is the glass blank having the glass surface coated with a reaction preventive layer and a hydrocarbon layer or with the hydrocarbon layer.

Abstract: An optical lens has a blackened layer in its outer surface which extends to a depth sufficient to substantially eliminate reflected stray light in the lens. The blackened layer is formed by causing hydrogen under pressure to react for a predetermined time and temperature with a metal oxide of the optical material thereby leaving the metal oxide in its reduced form in the lens. Some of the oxides are reduced completely, leaving the metal in its elemental form in the layer.

Abstract: An optical fiber having an axis therethrough and having a tip thereon comprising a first tapered region and a second adjacent tapered region. The second tapered region terminates in an aspherical lens. Each of the tapered regions having a surface thereon. The surface of the first tapered region defines an angle with respect to the axis of the fiber that lies in the range from about ten (10) to about thirty (30) degrees, while the surface of the second tapered region defining an angle with respect to the axis of the fiber that lies in the range from about thirty-five (35) to about sixty (60) degrees. The second tapered region is produced as a result of a jerking action imposed during the drawing of the fiber.

Abstract: A mold arranged between a pair of heater blocks for molding an optical element comprises a pair of first and second elements each having a molding surface for defining a cavity and an outer surface opposite to the molding surface and in contact with a corresponding heater block, and a ring member for guiding the first and second elements. The rear surface of at least one of the first and second elements has a part which is not in contact with the corresponding heater block. Also, another mold comprises a pair of first and second elements each having a molding surface for defining a cavity and an outer surface opposite to the molding surface, a first ring member for guiding the first and second elements, and a second outer ring member made of a material with a lower thermal conductivity than that of the first ring member. A molding method for optical elements is such that a glass with a viscosity of 10.sup.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a lens in which the lens composition is controlled by dynamic shaping and shadowing. A lens material is vaporized and directed to a substrate through an orifice which is rotating relative to the substrate about the lens axis and which has a non-uniform radial distribution. The lens material is condensed on the substrate to form a lens having a radially non-uniform but axially symmetrical distribution. Thereafter, the original orifice may be replaced by a complimentary orifice and another lens material vaporized and directed to the substrate through the replacement orifice which is also rotating relative to the substrate about the lens axis and which also has a non-uniform radial distribution. This second lens material condenses on the first condensed lens material to form a compound lens.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for constructing a glass mould, and particularly the primary glass mould member, for use in casting multifocal, ophthalmic lenses from organic polymers. The method comprises pressing a glass segment with a cavity, removing the base portion of the segment to form a perforation, mounting the perforated segment on a second glass body, and fusing the assembly to form a blank for finishing. For trifocal lenses, a composite, perforated segment is formed and sealed in a depression on a major element to form a blank.

Abstract: A lens structure for a combined vehicle radio/audio tape cassette player or the like to permit display of information generated by the combined vehicle radio/audio tape cassette player is provided. The lens structure has a transparent forward panel and an opaque panel heat fused thereto. The lens portion of the forward panel is not covered by the rearward panel thus providing a viewing lens. An opening is provided in the lens structure for insertion of an audio tape cassette.

Abstract: Gradient optical density transmissive light directing devices (24, 26, 28, 30) and fabrication thereof are disclosed herein. Examples of such devices include concentrators, lenses and compound lenses. The present invention teaches a process for the fabrication of glass light transmitting devices having a chosen gradient in index of refraction either bidirectionally (radially and longitudinally relative to an optical axis) or in three dimensions. The present invention further describes the design of several interesting optical devices by particular choices of the gradient in the index of refraction thereof. Such articles have numerous uses in the optics, optical fiber and solar technology industries for the purposes of designing compound lens systems using a single, integral lens, coupling light into fibers and for concentrating and directing light from a source having a significant angular variation to an energy collecting and/or conversion devices such as a photovoltaic cell, to name but a few applications.

Abstract: A mold blank for manufacturing eyeglass lenses containing a flat top bifocal segment. A ceramic platform is first constructed containing an optical surface having a recess corresponding to the flat top bifocal segment. A concave-convex glass mold blank polished on both sides is placed on the optical surface and across the recess of the platform and the mold blank together with the platform is placed in a furnace. The furnace is then heated to a preselected temperature at which the mold blank thermally deforms and sags against the optical surface and into the recess. Upon cooling the mold blank can be used to mold plastic eyeglass lenses. A method for making the mold blank is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed a low expansion glass-ceramic substrate for supporting a glass multifocal lens assembly during a fusing or sagging heat treatment. The substrate has baked on its supporting surface a paint composed essentially of titania, alumina and a mica.

Abstract: A relatively large scale low cost method of fabricating optical devices with associated coupling lenses comprises the following steps:(a) producing in one surface of a substrate (1) of suitable material(s) a predetermined array of planar diffused lenses (4);(b) forming or otherwise producing on the opposite surface of the substrate (1) remote from the planar lenses (4) but in predetermined positional relationship to the lenses in the general planar direction of the substrate an array or pattern of metallic bonding pads or other registration means co-operable with corresponding pads or other means provided on a multiplicity of optical devices (10) for the accurate registration of such devices relative to the optical lenses; and,(c) dividing the substrate (1) into a multiplicity of parts each of which comprises an optical device (10) having an associated planar lens (4).

Abstract: A base material excellent in heat resistance and high-temperature strength is processed into a desired configuration. The processed base material is coated with a heat-resistant film having excellent strength at high temperatures and low reactivity with a glass material to be molded. A resist is applied on the heat resistant film and a desired pattern is drawn thereon by means of electron beam, ion beam, hologram exposure, or ordinary photolithography. Or if a mold having deep unevenness of the pressing surface is required, the resist is applied after an intermediate layer which permits selective etching is formed on the heat resistant film, and the required pattern is drawn thereon by means of electron beam, ion beam, hologram exposure, or ordinary photolithography. The intermediate layer is removed by wet etching or dry etching to emphasize unevenness of the mask.

Abstract: In an apparatus for molding glass articles, a plurality of processing chambers including a heating chamber, a press chamber and a cooling chamber are arranged in order along a predetermined circular transport path. The processing chambers are surrounded by a case within a furnace body. A rotary table is driven for intermittent rotation about an axis thereof. The transport path extends in concentric relation to the axis of the rotary table. The rotary table extends radially outwardly to a position below the case. A plurality of sample mounts are mounted on the rotary table and are arranged along the transport path in spaced relation to each other. The sample mounts extend into the processing chambers through a slit formed in a bottom wall of the case. A plurality of molds each having accommodated therein a glass preform to be molded are mounted respectively on the sample mounts.

Abstract: In a press-molding device for lenses, an upper surface of a drag is formed into a molding surface, and a lower surface of a cope is formed into a molding surface. An inner peripheral surface of a guide mold portion is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the drag, and has an axial length longer than that of the outer peripheral surface of the drag so that the inner peripheral surface extends upwardly from the molding surface of the drag. The cope is capable of sliding along the inner peripheral surface. A pressure plate is in contact with an upper surface of the cope before pressing, and is abutted against the upper surface of the guide mold portion by the pressing. A glass preform to be molded is arranged between the molding surfaces of the respective cope and drag. The cope is pressed from above through the pressure plate, thereby molding the glass preform to a lens. The guide mold portion may be divided into a pair of upper and lower portions.

Abstract: A microlens is precisely positioned on the end of an optical fiber by urging the fiber against a moving abrasive lap at a desired angle and simultaneously turning the fiber end, either continuously or in discrete steps. The turning causes the fiber end to contact the abrasive at points all around its periphery, thereby removing material equally from all sides of the fiber and producing a precise lens form. The pressure with which the fiber end is urged against the abrasive is maintained substantially constant by spring action of the fiber. The resulting conical lens is centered on the fiber by action of friction forces which constrain the fiber to rotate in a fixed position despite the fiber's freedom of movement within a guide tube. The invention repeatably provides optically accurate lenses of a variety of conifurgations centered to within one micron on fibers of all types, including polarization-preserving fibers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for preparing a lens or a lens array and apparatus for carrying out the method. The method comprises directing, in line of sight in a vacuum, the vapor of a substance, which is solid and transparent at ambient temperature, from a source of that vapor through a hole in a mask to form a deposit on a substrate. The mask is so positioned between the vapor source and the substrate that obscuration by the solid portions of the mask around the hole causes the deposit to assume a curved surface and function as a lens.

Abstract: A single mode fiber expanded beam termination is formed by fusion splicing an undoped (pure) silica rod to a single mode fiber. The length of the rod controls the expanded beam diameter, and forms a lens on the free end of the undoped silica rod to collimate an output beam.

Abstract: A fixture is provided which enables the rapid mounting of an optical fiber contact with its forward end at a predetermined position and orientation with respect to arc-creating electrodes. The fixture includes a frame with a vertical slot having a width greater than the diameter of the cylindrical contact, and a plurality of spring-biased plungers which enable the contact to be pushed sidewardly into the slot and which thereafter press the contact against the slot bottom. The contact can slide vertically along the slot and plungers until a stop on the contact abuts a corresponding stop on the fixture and an orienting pin on the fixture passes into a corresponding hole in the contact stop.

Abstract: An endbell assembly operatively associated with a laser body includes a metal endbell component sealed to a crystalline endbell component which terminates with a crystalline optical component. The crystalline endbell and crystalline optical component are hermetically sealed without using a frit. This is achieved by polishing and a modified optical contacting technique whereby the optical component and crystalline endbell component are polished to a flatness of about 1/2 wavelength of light, placed in a contacting position and then thermally cycled at a temperature of about 400.degree.-500.degree. C. for about 1 to 10 hours, forming a substantially uniform unitary body. This seal is mechanically strong and minimizes the introduction of contaminants into the endbell assembly. In one embodiment, the crystalline endbell component is metallized and braze-sealed to the metal endbell component. In another embodiment, the two endbell components are hermetically sealed by modified optical contact and thermal cycling.

Abstract: Disclosed is a molding method for producing an optical glass element which comprises the steps of preparing a mold coated with a thin film of a noble metal alloy, and molding optical glass into the form of an optical glass element by using the mold while applying heat and pressure to the optical glass. Further disclosed is such a mold that is coated with a thin film of a noble metal alloy, for producing an optical glass element.

Abstract: A laminated multifocal prescription ophthalmic lens is provided comprising a plano (zero power) cap element incorporating a convergent near-vision multifocal segment, the cap being cemented to a prescription-ground single vision base element. The back surface curvature of the base is configured to provide prescribed sphere, cylinder and other vision-corrective refraction characteristics to the laminated lens.

Abstract: A method of minimizing distortion and preventing wrinkles in optical plastic-glass composites utilizing a lens-laminating mechanism wherein stretched synthetic fabric is disposed between a plunger and the plastic-glass composite wherein the stretched synthetic fabric transfers some of the plunger forces toward the perimeter of the plastic-glass composite during contact of the plunger with the composite.

Abstract: Colored photochromic ophthalmic lenses are produced by combining a photochromic cap element having an integrally colored back surface with an ophthalmic crown base element having a prescription-ground back surface, the cap back and base element front surfaces having been finished to a matching standard base curvature, thus providing a cemented assembly exhibiting a selected combination of prescribed vision-correcting and light filtering properties.

Abstract: Disclosed, in a method for preparing a preformed thermoplastic/thermoset wafer for lamination to a prefinished ophthalmic lens, the improvement comprising: storing the preformed thermoplastic/thermoset wafer immediately after manufacture under refrigerating conditions; and subjecting said stored wafer to a temperature of 90.degree. to 120.degree. F. at 50% to 70% RH for no more than 48 hours just prior to lamination of same to an ophthalmic lens.

Abstract: The instant invention is related to the manufacture of photochromic glasses having base compositions within a very narrow interval of the alkali metal boroaluminosilicate system wherein silver chloride and/or silver bromide crystals impart photochromic properties. The glasses are notable for their rapid fading characteristics and relatively low temperature dependence of darkening. The compositions are especially suitable for a production process which contemplates simultaneously shaping articles from glass sheet and developing photochromic properties therein.

Abstract: A multifocal lens is formed by positioning ground and polished elongate lens portions together with the longitudinal edges thereof abutting each other, and fusing the abutting edges together.

Abstract: Method of producing a coupling element for coupling a laser radiation source to a monomode optical transmission fiber. The end of the fiber is monotonically flattened at a temperature at which the fiber's core has a viscosity of between 10.sup.7 to 10.sup.8.5 poises. The fiber has a cladding glass chosen to have a viscosity of between 10.sup.10 -10.sup.11 poises at the flattening temperature. This causes the core glass to emerge in the form of a semi-ellipsoidal lens, when the fiber is flattened.

Abstract: A method is described for making molds for the casting of resin ophthalmic lenses having segments of prismatic optical effect. A first mold surface is formed in a first blank. A second blank, having a recess therein shaped to the outline of the desired lens segment, is adhered to the first blank's mold surface. A second mold surface is then formed in the blank resulting from the connection of the first and second blanks. The first and second mold surfaces are each portions of surfaces of revolution having first and second axes of symmetry, respectively. The second surface has an effective center of curvature on the second axis. The second surface is so formed in the resulting blank that the first and second axes, if they intersect, do so at a location on the second axis other than at substantially the center of curvature of the second surface.

Abstract: A mold for casting a resin ophthalmic lens is comprised of a glass disc defining a principal casting surface on one face thereof. The casting surface is a portion of a surface of revolution which has a first axis of symmetry and which has, at a location along such axis, an effective center of curvature. The principal casting surface has, in a selected portion thereof, a bottom surface defining in the mold a minor casting surface which is a portion of a surface of revolution having a second axis of symmetry. The first and second axes, if they intersect at all, intersect at a location on the first axis other than at substantially the center of curvature of the principal casting surface.

Abstract: A method of molding glass elements requiring no further preparatory operations such as grinding or polishing before use wherein a portion of glass is heat-softened and subjected to pressure in a mold having molding surfaces formed of silicon carbide (SiC) or silicon nitride (Si.sub.3 N.sub.4).

Abstract: The jacket of a cored light guide is completely or partially etched away; or, if the light guide is a gradient fiber guide, it is etched to about the light guiding diameter. A lens is then adhered to the end of the fiber, the lens being made of a material having a melting point which is low in relation to the melting point of the core material, to result in a light guide having an essentially semispherical lens at the end; adhesion may be effected by melting on a lens of lower melting point glass, or by making the lens of transparent epoxy, a drop of which can be cured on the light guide to form the lens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing glass, in which an oxide ss is mixed with a reducing agent and a combination of compounds which provide a dopant, donor-acceptor ion pair. This ion pair is selected from the group consisting of trivalent thulium plus trivalent cerium, trivalent bismuth plus trivalent europium, or trivalent bismuth plus trivalent samarium. The resulting mixture is homogenized and heated to about 1100.degree. C. The hot melt is allowed to fall on a ceramic surface and pressed with a second ceramic surface to produce a glass disk. When borax, phosphate, and germanate glasses are used, the glass ingredient is dried overnight at 150.degree. C followed by addition of a quantity of dopant ions, then homogenized, heated, and a disk formed as above.The glass thus produced is capable of emitting monochromatic radiation in predetermined regions of the spectrum wherein the emitted radiation has an unexpectedly high intensity compared with radiation emitted by singly doped glass.

Abstract: A process for producing a soft aperture filter having high acid and heat resistance as well as a desired colored layer thickness comprising heat-treating a glass, having a base composition of 55 to 72 mole percent SiO.sub.2, 15 to 35 mole percent Na.sub.2 O, 0 to 5 percent di-valent oxides other than ZnO, 4 to 15 mole percent ZnO, and 0 to 5 mole percent Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 with Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 and/or As.sub.2 O.sub.3 additionally present in an amount of 2 to 5 weight percent of the base composition, in a fused bath containing 14 to 60 mole percent of a silver salt, and optionally with NaNO.sub.3 and/or Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4.

Abstract: Ophthalmic lenses with locally variable indices of refraction produced from microporous glass bodies diffused with inorganic salts and rendered transparent by heat treatment. Local variations in refractive index result from differences in concentrations of the salts produced by controlled diffusion and/or selective leaching after impregnation of the porous bodies.

Abstract: Optical sections (lenses) of pseudophakoi having tangential holes are produced without drilling operations. A preform of lens material is drawn with embedded acid soluble rods and/or openings corresponding in diametral size and relative juxtaposition to the size, shape and locations of holes needed in a lens, a lens blank is cut from the drawn preform and portions of rods remaining therein are etched away prior to or following final edging and surface finishing of the lens blank.

Abstract: An optical lens equipped glass fiber is formed by bringing at least one end of a glass fiber into contact with an optical lens forming liquid-like material with the liquid-like material deposited onto the end of the glass fiber in a manner to have a curvature due to its surface tension and, after lifting it up, allowing the deposit to stand for solidification so as to obtain an optical lens on the end of the glass fiber.