Abstract: The invention includes methods and apparatus for depositing soot onto a glass surface to minimize water in the deposited soot and the diffusion of the water into the glass surface. The invention includes depositing a first layer of soot a on the glass surface at a first forward traverse rate and depositing a second layer of soot at a second forward traverse rate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber having a core with an alkali metal oxide dopant in an peak amount greater than about 0.002 wt. % and less than about 0.1 wt. %. The alkali metal oxide concentration varies with a radius of the optical fiber. By appropriately selecting the concentration of alkali metal oxide dopant in the core and the cladding, a low loss optical fiber may be obtained. Also disclosed are several methods of making the optical fiber including the steps of forming an alkali metal oxide-doped rod, and adding additional glass to form a draw perform. Preferably, the draw preform has a final outer dimension (d2), wherein an outer dimension (d1) of the rod is less than or equal to 0.06 times the final outer dimension (d2). In a preferred embodiment, the alkali metal oxide-doped rod is inserted into the centerline hole of a preform to form an assembly.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improving the lifetime of optical assemblies by placing such assemblies in a housing and placing a “getter” material within the housing to remove substances that affect the surface of the optical elements used in such assemblies. The “getter” materials are those materials that can remove H2O and O2 from the operating environment of the optical element. The invention is useful in protecting the optical elements of below 250 nm laser lithography systems from damage due to pitting.

Abstract: An optical device, and a method of producing the device, are disclosed. The device comprises a substrate and an optical waveguide component affixed to the substrate with a glass frit fusion seal formed and locked within a recessed void in the substrate, the glass frit fusion seal being the fused product of a low melting glass frit. The recessed void in the substrate includes a region for receiving the optical waveguide component and an intersecting region that secures the placement of the glass frit fusion seal. The optical waveguide component is affixed to the substrate in order to control temperature varying optical properties of the component.

Abstract: An optical device, and a method of producing the device, are disclosed. The device comprises a substrate and an optical waveguide component affixed to the z, substrate with a glass frit fusion seal formed and locked within a recessed void in the substrate, the glass frit fusion seal being the fused product of a low melting glass frit. The recessed void in the substrate includes a region for receiving the optical waveguide component and an intersecting region that secures the placement of the glass frit fusion seal. The optical waveguide component is affixed to the substrate in order to control temperature varying optical properties of the component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wholly aromatic polyetherimide further containing sulfur containing groups in the backbone of the polyetherimide. The polyetherimide is characterized by extremely high glass transition temperatures, high chemical resistance and thermogravimetric stability.