Abstract: A device for selectively increasing higher-order mode losses comprises an optical fiber taper executed on a multi-mode fiber of a selected wavelength, and the fiber taper has separated regions, i.e. non-tapered fiber regions which have a first diameter equal to that of the main fiber. The tapered regions can also include transition regions in which the fiber diameter is reduced/increased, respectively, and a taper waist region which has a reduced diameter, where the taper level ratio between the regular diameter and the narrowed diameter is at least 20%, and the length of the transition regions are at least 0.5 mm on one side and may be zero on the other side, and the length of the taper waist with the narrower diameter is at least 0.5 mm. Furthermore, the taper area is coated with a filtering substance with attenuating properties between the tapered section and the cladding.

Abstract: A device for selectively increasing higher-order mode losses comprises an optical fiber taper executed on a multi-mode fiber of a selected wavelength, and the fiber taper has separated regions, i.e. non-tapered fiber regions which have a first diameter equal to that of the main fiber. The tapered regions can also include transition regions in which the fiber diameter is reduced/increased, respectively, and a taper waist region which has a reduced diameter, where the taper level ratio between the regular diameter and the narrowed diameter is at least 20%, and the length of the transition regions are at least 0.5 mm on one side and may be zero on the other side, and the length of the taper waist with the narrower diameter is at least 0.5 mm. Furthermore, the taper area is coated with a filtering substance with attenuating properties between the tapered section and the cladding.

Abstract: Silica nanopowders with biocidal properties, especially for polymer composites, are produced by sol-gel method. The silica sol is produced from the aqueous mixture containing tetraalkoxysilane, in which alkoxy group contains from C1 to C4 carbon atoms, an alcohol or the mixture of aliphatic alcohols from C1 to C4, in the mole ratio of 1:5 to 1:35, in the presence of ammonium compound, used in an amount of from 0.001 to 0.05 mol per 1 mol of tetraalkoxysilane, with introducing, after thorough mixing of components, the silver salt in the form of aqueous solution in an amount from 0.02 to 1 mol per 1 mol of tetraalkoxysilane, and subsequently the aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide in an amount from 0.02 to 1 mol of hydroxide per 1 mol of tetraalkoxysilane.

Abstract: Silica nanopowders with biocidal properties, especially for polymer composites, are produced by sol-gel method. The silica sol is produced from the aqueous mixture containing tetraalkoxysilane, in which alkoxy group contains from C1 to C4 carbon atoms, an alcohol or the mixture of aliphatic alcohols from C1 to C4, in the mole ratio of 1:5 to 1:35, in the presence of ammonium compound, used in an amount of from 0.001 to 0.05 mol per 1 mol of tetraalkoxysilane, with introducing, after thorough mixing of components, the silver salt in the form of aqueous solution in an amount from 0.02 to 1 mol per 1 mol of tetraalkoxysilane, and subsequently the aqueous solution of alkali metal hydroxide in an amount from 0.02 to 1 mol of hydroxide per 1 mol of tetraalkoxysilane.