Abstract: Micro channel array devices drawn from a bulk preform having an array of components to reduce the cross section. The reduced cross section fiber like structure is cut to produce individual arrays of small scale. End caps are drawn and optionally micro machined. The end caps are used to provide input and output ports and other structures for use with the micro channel arrays. A micro channel array may be used with different end caps for analysis and may form a lab on a chip or a component thereof.

Abstract: An optical component and a method of making the same are provided. In one embodiment, the optical component is a low-OH optical fiber that includes a core and a cladding. The optical component is treated by immersion in a hydrogen gas atmosphere at a predetermined pressure, at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time period such that intrinsic and impurity defects of the optical component are destroyed. The method of making the optical component includes providing a preform having a content of OH-groups in the amount of about 0.1 to about 10.0 ppm and a content of chlorine in the amount of 0 to about 1000 ppm and drawing the preform to elongate it to form an optical component from the preform. The optical component is immersed in a hydrogen gas atmosphere at a predetermined pressure, at a predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time period that is sufficient to destroy intrinsic and impurity defects of the optical component.

Abstract: The invention includes a ferrule having a layer of material on an inner surface of a hole therein which is selected to be preferentially softenable relative to the bulk material of the ferrule. The ferrule according to the present invention can be fused to optical fibers, capillaries and the like while reducing deformation of the fused component and the ferrule. A fiber Bragg grating device and a flow cell device are also provided.

Abstract: A device and method to dispense and manipulate multiple filaments includes at least three plates, each having at least one machined hole designed to accept one or more filaments. Based upon alignment of the machined holes in each of the at least three plates, the plates may be lowered over the top of one or more of the filaments. The position of the plates may be subsequently adjusted with respect to one another so as to secure the filaments in the device without having to individually secure the filaments into the device. Once secured, the filaments may be utilized in a predetermined application of an analytical instrument or dispensing device.

Abstract: A multimode optical fiber for UV light transmission, able to be sterilized with gamma radiation, has a core including undoped synthetic silica, a cladding including fluorine doped synthetic silica, a hydrogen content higher than 5.times.10.sup.19 molecules/cm.sup.3 and a metal coating that retards diffusion of hydrogen outwardly from the fiber, the metal being selected from aluminum, copper, zinc, tin, silver and gold. The metal coating has a high diffusion coefficient below 150.degree. and a low diffusion coefficient at a hydrogen loading temperature above 250.degree. C. The optical fiber may have a high-OH content of 50 to 1500 ppm and a low-OH content below 50 ppm after treatment. The optical fiber may also or alternatively have a low-OH content below 50 ppm, and preferably below 5 ppm, before treatment. A gamma radiation sterilized multimode fiber bundle may include a plurality of such optical fibers. A gamma radiation sterilized catheter may include at least one optical fiber or a fiber bundle.