Abstract: A new type of all-silica optical fiber is described; a Structured Silica Clad Silica (SSCS) optical fiber, whose cladding is structured to provide mode mixing within the core; and/or to have an average effective refractive index. Its cross-section is essentially symmetrical, it can be used, among other objects, to provide flatter, more speckle-free outputs from fiber lasers, or other limited mode photonic sources. Building the new fiber structure around a rare earth doped laser core provides a better fiber laser/amplifier for cladding pumping. The structured silica cladding contains paired layers, in which a down doped silica layer is followed by a layer of pure, or lesser down-doped, or even up-dope silica, and die number of paired layers is, typically, from 5 to about 25, and, generally, within the paired layers the ratio of thickness of the higher RI layer of silicate the down-doped silica is very broad, lying between about 0.0625 to about 16, depending on the intended use of the SSCS fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved diffusion tips for optical fibers and methods of making the same. Nanoporous silica clad optical fibers are used to make fibers having integrally formed diffusion tips and diffusion tips that can be fused to other fibers. The disclosed diffusers can be fabricated to be cylindrical with light diffusing along its length, spherical with light radiating outwardly in a spherical pattern, or custom shaped to illuminate irregular surfaces or volumes. Gradient and step index properties can also be achieved. Several fabrication methods to achieve the desired effects are described. The problems in the prior art methods associated with epoxy, such as curing, bond strength, embrittlement, power handling limitations, and refractive index matching are avoided.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved diffusion tips for optical fibers and methods of making the same. Nanoporous silica clad optical fibers are used to make fibers having integrally formed diffusion tips and diffusion tips that can be fused to other fibers. The disclosed diffusers can be fabricated to be cylindrical with light diffusing along its length, spherical with light radiating outwardly in a spherical pattern, or custom shaped to illuminate irregular surfaces or volumes. Gradient and step index properties can also be achieved. Several fabrication methods to achieve the desired effects are described. The problems in the prior art methods associated with epoxy, such as curing, bond strength, embrittlement, power handling limitations, and refractive index matching are avoided.

Abstract: A method for efficiently coupling beams from semiconductor lasers into optical fibers is presented which provides optical fibers with a modified end surface for efficient coupling. The method comprises a combination of shaping of the fiber end face and of axially varying the refractive index of the fiber end face material as a function of the distance from fiber end face surface. One preferred embodiment employs an axial gradient-index lens (AGRIN lens) fabricated directly on the fiber end face to improve coupling a laser beam into the fiber. The method can also be used in other applications where optical fibers having spherical or more complicated surfaces of their end faces need to be fabricated.

Abstract: Coated glass containers having a surface cured composition which is the reaction product of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monoene, a polyene and a curing initiator. The coating is bonded to the exterior or interior surface of a glass container to increase hardness and strength.

Abstract: Coated glass containers having a surface cured composition which is the reaction product of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monoene, a polyene and a curing initiator. The coating is bonded to the exterior or interior surface of a glass container to increase hardness and strength.

Abstract: Curable compositions having at least one ethylenically unsaturated monoene, a polyene and a curing initiator are disclosed for use with optical fibers. The monoene and polyene components may be substituted with organo functional compounds to selectively vary the properties of the cured compositions.

Abstract: Compositions with improved optical qualities, based on highly fluorinated monofunctional acrylates, are cured for use in a wide range of optical articles. The preferred components of the composition are (1) a highly fluorinated monofunctional acrylate; (2) a trifunctional or higher acrylate that serves as a crosslinking agent; (3) a mono or poly-functional thiol that functions as a synergist; and (4) a photoinitiator such as an ultraviolet (UV) initiator. These components can be varied relative to one another over a wide range, but the fluoroacrylate must always be the major component. Where the fluoroacrylate is a solid at room temperature, a small amount of solvent like di-isobutyl ketone or methylene chloride can be added.

Abstract: Synthetic rubber compositions and method of radiation curing such compositions at low average radiation dose wherein the compositions are characterized by defined distribution of radiation rate enhancing and inhibiting monomers.