Abstract: A process for resolving racemic diesters of (R,S)(.+-.)-5-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,3-trimethylindane is disclosed. The process utilizes a microbial enzyme derived from Chromobacterium viscosum to catalyze the enantioselective and regioselective hydrolysis of the (S)(-)-enantiomer of the racemic mixture to its corresponding monoester at a faster rate than the (R)(+)-enantiomer. A substantially pure (S)(-)-indane monoester is thereby formed, while the (R)(+)-indane diester remains unreacted. The (S)(-)-monoester and the (R)(+)-diester can then be hydrolyzed using conventional techniques to form optically active (R)(+)- and (S)(-)-5-hydroxy-3-(4'-hydroxyphenyl)-1,1,3-trimethylindane enantiomers for use as monomers in the synthesis of chiral polymers.

Abstract: An electro-optic modulator is disclosed in the form of a compound waveguide device having a channel waveguide in optical proximity to an elongate waveguide propagating an optical signal therein. The channel waveguide includes a coupling surface through which optical energy is evanescently coupled to or from the optical signal propagating in the elongate waveguide. The channel waveguide is shaped to confine distribution of the optical energy therein along axes transverse to the axis of propagation of the optical energy. Transverse diffraction of the optical energy within the channel waveguide is thereby limited. The channel waveguide is formed from an electro-optically active material, and modulation of the optical signal propagating in the elongate waveguide is effected using the evanescent coupling effect between the two waveguides. In one embodiment, the elongate waveguide is a side-polished fiber-optic waveguide.

Abstract: Optically active polycarbonate, polyester, and polyurethane polymers prepared from monomers containing optically pure spirobiindane moieties are disclosed. The chiral spirobiindane polymers are of high molecular weight and exhibit high optical rotations. In addition, the optically active polymers are useful in the fabrication of optoelectronics devices and as polarizing coatings or filters or as polarized lenses.

Abstract: Optically active poly(aryl)ether polymers prepared from monomers containing optically pure spirobiindane and/or indane moieties are disclosed. The chiral poly(aryl)ether polymers are of high molecular weight and exhibit high optical rotations. In addition, the polyethers are thermally stable at high temperatures and exhibit excellent hydrolytic resistance making them useful in high temperature processing applications, in the fabrication of optoelectronics devices, and as polarizing coatings and filters.

Abstract: Polyetherimide polymers prepared from monomers containing indane moieties are disclosed. The high molecular weight indane polyetherimides are transparent, ductile, and exhibit high glass transition temperatures (>200.degree. C.). In addition, the polyetherimides are thermally stable at high temperatures and exhibit good optical properties making them useful in high temperature processing applications, in the fabrication of optoelectronics devices, and in optical applications.

Abstract: A side-polished fiber/overlay waveguide architecture and process for non-invasively implementing an optical amplifier are provided for an optical communications system. A "channel" overlay waveguide is employed to constrain for amplification optical energy evanescently coupled to the overlay waveguide from the side-polished optical fiber. The overlay waveguide exhibits a non-linear response of second order, and non-linear frequency conversion is employed to down-convert a high-power, short-wavelength pump signal into the waveguide to amplify the optical energy coupled thereto. The channel overlay waveguide is dimensioned to allow for phase matching between highest order modes of the optical signal within the side-polished fiber optic and the pump signal provided to the channel overlay waveguide. A low-index matching layer is disposed between the channel overlay waveguide and the side-polished fiber optic to facilitate phase matching of the propagation modes.

Abstract: Optically active polycarbonate, polyester, and polyurethane polymers prepared from monomers containing optically pure indane moieties are disclosed. The chiral indane polymers are of high molecular weight and exhibit high optical rotations. In addition, the optically active polymers are useful in the fabrication of optoelectronics devices and as polarizing coatings or filters or as polarized lenses.

Abstract: Linear indane polycarbonate polymers, both homopolymers and copolymers derived from biphenols and bisphenols are disclosed. The indane polycarbonates have high glass transition temperatures and exhibit good mechanical properties, good thermal stability, and good ductility even at temperatures greater than 150.degree. C. making them useful for high temperature processing applications. In addition, the clear indane polycarbonate compositions exhibit good optical properties.