Abstract: Modified silica fillers are prepared by contacting silica with blends or mixtures containing diorganodihalosilanes and tetrahalosilanes in weight ratios of 1:0.1 to 1:2, respectively. While dialkyldichlorosilanes and tetrahalosilanes such as dimethyldichlorosilane and silicon tetrachloride, respectively, are most preferred, the blends or mixtures may also comprise compositions containing other silanes such as mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane.

Abstract: In order to manufacture an integrated optical circuit, a first mask is formed on a first region of a substrate and defines the shape of at least one optical device (such as a waveguide). A second mask is formed on a second region of the substrate and corresponds to an optical structure (such as a periodic array structure or photonic crystal) to be formed in a second region of the substrate distinct from the first region. The first mask and the second mask are each made of a material which substantially resists a predetermined etching gas. The second mask may formed, patterned, and etched without adversely affecting the characteristics of the first mask.

Abstract: An optical cable includes a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide having predetermined bandwidth capacities. A bandwidth capacity ratio is defined as the predetermined bandwidth capacity between the first and second optical waveguides. The bandwidth capacity ratio being about 2:1 or greater, however, other suitable ratios can be used. Other embodiments identify one of the legs of an optical cable by using a marking indicia. Additionally, another embodiment employs a translucent jacket for aiding in identifying each optical waveguide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of preparing an optical fiber preform with the preform having a uniform refractive index profile for the deposited oxide material that ultimately forms the optical fiber core. One embodiment of the invention relates to a process for preparing an optical fiber preform comprising the steps of etching a substrate a first time to remove a portion of a deposited oxide material from the preform by using a gas comprising an etchant gas containing fluorine at a sufficient temperature and gas concentration to create a fluorine contamination layer in the remaining deposited oxide material; and etching the preform a second time using a gas comprising an etchant gas containing fluorine at a sufficient temperature and gas concentration to remove the fluorine contamination layer without any substantial further fluorine contamination of the remaining deposited oxide material. Further embodiments relate to similar processes.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for maintaining a volumetric gas to liquid ratio in a segmented gas/liquid flow along a reactor of monolithic catalyst beds in series. The present invention includes the steps of: initiating the segmented gas/liquid flow at a first end of the reactor by introducing feed liquid and feed gas both at a predetermined volume and a predetermined flow rate; injecting an additional amount of gas at least once into any of the spaces between catalyst beds; and combining the segments of the segmented gas/liquid flow at a second end of the reactor. The injection of gas is controlled such that the segmented gas/liquid flow can be maintained near or at the Taylor regime.

Abstract: A one-step direct method of making a high molecular weight functionalized polyolefin aqueous emulsion is provided. In this one-step direct method, a functionalized polyolefin having a molecular weight of at least 10,000, a fatty acid, a base, a surfactant, and water are heated in a pressure reaction vessel to a temperature above the emulsification temperature of the polyolefin with agitation for a period of time sufficient to form an aqueous emulsion. This high molecular weight functionalized polyolefin aqueous emulsion can be added to a sizing composition and applied directly onto glass fibers in the glass fiber manufacturing process.

Abstract: Good quality fusion splicing of optical fibers with very different melting points (even 800° C. and 1800° C.) can be achieved by heating the end (3) of the fiber of lower melting point to a substantial extent (preferably entirely) by conduction from the pre-heated end (4) of the fiber of higher melting point. Preheating is suitably by a laser with its beam (15) centered close to the interface between the two fibers (or slightly displaced in the direction of the fiber of higher melting point if the intensity of the beam is relatively evenly spread) using a screen (13) to shade the fiber of lower melting point from the beam.

Abstract: An optical waveguide fiber amplifier comprising a core region comprises at least in part between 1300 wt.ppm and 3600 wt.ppm Er2O3, between 6.0 wt. % to 10.0 wt. % Al2O3 and between 9.0 wt. % and 20.0 wt. % GeO2. The amplifier also comprising an inner clad surrounding the core region and an outer clad surrounding the inner clad. The relative refractive index percentages and radii of the core region, inner clad and outer clad are chosen from the following ranges: the relative refractive index percent of the core segment within the range of from about 0.5% to about 2.0%; the relative refractive index percent of the inner clad within the range of from about 0.0% to about 0.4%; the outer radius of the core region within the range of from about 0.7 &mgr;m to about 1.5 &mgr;m; and, the outer radius of the inner clad within the range of from about 4.3 &mgr;m to about 18.8 &mgr;m.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the use of multifunctional thiol compounds as adhesion promoters and/or primers to enhance the adhesion of photo or electron beam curable polymers, coatings, adhesives, or sealants to gold, other precious metals, and their alloys. Actinic radiation and electron beam (“EB”) radiation can be used to cure such compositions. The resulting cured compositions are optically clear, low Tg (≦30° C.), high refractive index (>1.50 at 1541 nm), thermally, oxidatively, and hydrolytically stable adhesives and/or coatings for glass and/or metal. The adhesive compositions containing such multifunction thiols can survive, without delamination or separation, testing conditions of 85° C. and 85% relative humidity (“RH”) for a time in excess of 500 hours.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photonic band-gap crystal waveguide having the physical dimension of the photonic crystal lattice and the size of the defect selected to provide for optimum mode power confinement to the defect. The defect has a boundary which has a characteristic numerical value associated with it. The ratio of this numerical value to the pitch of the photonic crystal is selected to avoid surface modes found to exist in certain configurations of the photonic band-gap crystal waveguide. Embodiments in accord with the invention having circular and hexagonal defect cross sections are disclosed and described. A method of making the photonic band-gap crystal waveguide is also disclosed and described.

Abstract: A high density fiber optic distribution frame includes a frame assembly, one or more left-hand connector module housings mounted on the frame assembly, one or more right-hand connector module housings mounted on the frame assembly and an Interbay Storage Unit (IBU) positioned on the frame assembly medially between the left-hand connector module housings and the right-hand connector module housings. Each connector module housing includes a mounting frame and at least one connector module having at least one fiber optic adapter for interconnecting optical fibers between connector modules on the distribution frame. The connector module is movable between a stowed position wherein the fiber optic adapter is not accessible and a deployed position wherein the fiber optic adapter is accessible. The distribution frame maintains the minimum bend radius of the optical fiber transitioned between connector modules, and reduces the length of a single length jumper employed on the frame.

Abstract: High purity direct deposit vitrified silicon oxyfluoride glass suitable for use as a photomask substrates for photolithography applications in the VUV wavelength region below 190 nm is disclosed. The inventive direct deposit vitrified silicon oxyfluoride glass is transmissive at wavelengths around 157 nm, making it particularly useful as a photomask substrate at the 157 nm wavelength region. The inventive photomask substrate is a dry direct deposit vitrified silicon oxyfluoride glass which exhibits very high transmittance in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) wavelength region while maintaining the excellent thermal and physical properties generally associated with high purity fused silica. In addition to containing fluorine and having little or no OH content, the inventive direct deposit vitrified silicon oxyfluoride glass suitable for use as a photomask substrate at 157 nm is also characterized by having less than 1×1017 molecules/cm3 of molecular hydrogen and low chlorine levels.

Abstract: Methods are provided for validating the continuity of one or more optical fibers upon which a fiber optic connector is mounted. Typically, the fiber optic connector is mounted upon an optical field fiber by actuating a cam mechanism to secure the optical field fiber in position relative to an optical fiber stub. If subsequent testing indicates that the continuity of the optical field fiber and the optical fiber stub is unacceptable, the cam mechanism can be deactuated, the optical field fiber can be repositioned and the cam mechanism can be reactuated without having to remove and replace the fiber optic connector.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of incorporating fluorine into a preform that may be used to produce an optical article. A method that may be used to practice the invention includes a method of making an optical fiber preform. The method includes reacting a fluorine containing precursor in a flame of a combustion burner without forming a soot, thereby forming a fluorine doping atmosphere. A further method that may be practiced to practice the invention includes the step reacting at least a fluorine containing precursor in a flame of a combustion burner, wherein the precursors reacted in the flame are substantially devoid of the element of silicon, thereby forming a fluorine containing atmosphere for the doping of a soot preform.

Abstract: A plurality of different structural members for reinforcing a plate-like structure, such as a bushing tip plate for intended use in forming fibers from a fluid material supplied to a bushing assembly, are disclosed. Each reinforcing member includes a body having a first portion for attachment to the structure and a second portion having a profile with a variable height including at least one apex. The body may be integrally formed of a single piece of material, or two or formed from more separate pieces of material bonded or secured together. The body may be T-shaped, L-shaped, or F-shaped in cross-section. The second portion of the body may have an inverted V-shaped profile, an inverted W-shaped profile, or an arcuate profile. The at least one apex may be located at the midpoint or elsewhere along the length of the body.

Abstract: A network interface device includes a base and a protective outer cover that is attached to the base for movement between an opened position and a closed position. The base has a channel formed therein, and the outer cover has a corresponding lip that depends outwardly from the outer cover and is received within the channel. The channel and the lip form a watertight seal across the top and along the sides of the network interface device when the outer cover is closed on the base. With the outer cover in the closed position, a small opening is defined between the lip and the outer edge of the outer cover so that any moisture that accumulates against the outside of the lip drains along the opening towards the bottom of the network interface device. Accordingly, terminating equipment and wiring connection housed within the network interface device are protected without the use of an elastic seal or gasket.

Abstract: Methods of bonding glass and silicon-containing articles are disclosed. Bonding is achieved without use of adhesives or high temperature fusion. A wide variety of glass and silicon-containing articles may be bonded by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A composition for a glass-ceramic material that contains a crystallinity of at least about 30% by weight of forsterite components at a liquidus temperature of about 1525° C. or below. The glass-ceramic has a composition, in weight percent on an oxide basis, consisting essentially of about: 40-60% SiO2; 10-25% Al2O3; 18-30% MgO; 3-10% Na2O; 0-10% K2O; >5-15% TiO2. The invention further comprises a method for achieving high crystalline yield at such a low liquidus with increased solubility of high levels of chromium ions. The glass-ceramics can be used in drawing optical fibers and as gain media in amplifier and laser devices for near infrared wavelengths.

Abstract: A process for preparing a fiberglass insulation product, including the steps of: (a) providing a layer of kraft paper, (b) coating the kraft paper layer with from 2 to 10 pounds of HDPE or of polypropylene per 3000 square feet of the paper to form an HDPE-kraft laminate or a polypropylene-kraft laminate, (c) coating the HDPE-kraft or polypropylene-kraft laminate with from 3 to 10 pounds of LDPE per 3000 square feet of the HDPE-kraft laminate or polypropylene-kraft laminate to form an LDPE-HDPE-kraft laminate or an LDPE-polypropylene-kraft laminate, (d) adjusting the temperature of the LDPE-HDPE-kraft laminate or the LDPE-polypropylene-kraft laminate so that the LDPE becomes tacky while the HDPE or polypropylene remains solid, (e) providing a layer of fiberglass wool, and (f) contacting the LDPE layer of the LDPE-HDPE-kraft laminate or of the LDPE-polypropylene-kraft laminate with the fiberglass wool layer with pressure and cooling to bond the LDPE-HDPE-kraft laminate or LDPE-polypropylene-kraft laminate to th

Abstract: The invention includes inventive methods of treating a soot preform. One method includes heating a soot preform to a temperature of less than about 1000° C. and exposing the preform to a substantially halide free reducing agent. Preferred reducing agents include carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide. Another inventive method of treating the preform includes exposing the preform, in a furnace, to a substantially non-chlorine containing atmosphere comprising carbon monoxide. The preform is heated to a temperature of at least about 1000° C. Preferably this method is incorporated into the process for making an optical fiber. An additional method of treating the preform includes doping the preform with fluorine and exposing the fluorine doped preform to a substantially chlorine free atmosphere comprising at least carbon monoxide at a temperature of at least 1100° C., thereby reacting excess oxygen present in the furnace.