Abstract: A planar, rigid substrate made from a porous, inorganic material coated with cationic polymer molecules for attachment of an array of biomolecules, such as DNA, RNA, oligonucleotides, peptides, and proteins. The substrate has a top surface with about at least 200 to about 200,000 times greater surface area than that of a comparable, non-porous substrate. The cationic polymer molecules are anchored on the top surface and in the pores of the porous material. In high-density applications, an array of polynucleotides of a known, predetermined sequence is attached to this cationic polymer layer, such that each of the polynucleotide is attached to a different localized area on the top surface. The top surface has a surface area for attaching biomolecules of approximately 387,500 cm2/cm2 of area (˜7.5 million cm2/1×3 inch piece of substrate). Each pore of the plurality of pores in the top surface of the substrate has a pore radius of between about 40 Å to about 75 Å.

Abstract: An optical device comprises an optical waveguide component, a housing for the optical waveguide component, and a connecting portion that attaches the optical waveguide component to the housing while substantially completely isolating the optical waveguide component from force imposed on the connecting portion due to a dimensional change of the housing caused by a variation in ambient conditions.

Abstract: Optical waveguide fiber having low water peak as well as optical waveguide fiber preforms and methods of making optical waveguide fiber preforms from which low water peak and/or low hydrogen aged attenuation optical waveguide fibers are formed, including optical waveguide fiber and preforms made via OVD. The fibers may be hydrogen resistant, i.e. exhibit low hydrogen aged attenuation. A low water peak, hydrogen resistant optical waveguide fiber is disclosed which exhibits an optical attenuation at a wavelength of about 1383 nm which is less than or equal to an optical attenuation exhibited at a wavelength of about 1310 nm.

Abstract: An optical waveguide fiber or body having a doped outer region which can be utilized in an optical coupler, a preform which can serve as the precursor for the fiber, an optical coupler, and methods of making same. Water, for example in the form of H2O and/or D2O, may be added to the cladding of the optical waveguide fiber or body.

Abstract: An optical signal limiter is provided for limiting transmission of a continuous wave optical signal that exceeds a preselected threshold power level. The limiter includes a body having input and output ends that is formed at least in part from a material having a negative thermal index coefficient of between about −0.5×10−4 °C.−1 and −4.0×10−4 °C.−1 and an absorption coefficient of between 1.0 to 5.0 dB/cm at wavelengths between 980-1650 nm. The limiter also includes collimating fibers mounted on the input and output ends to minimize low power signal losses across the limiter body. It may be installed at a junction between two optical fibers and is preferably formed from a curable adhesive having the aforementioned negative thermal index coefficient to obviate the need for separate bonding materials and joining steps during the installation of the limiter.

Abstract: The disclosed invention includes a composition for an optical fiber reel cover. The cured composition includes a polymer and a light inhibitor. The invention also includes a method of making an optical fiber reel cover with the inventive composition. The invention further includes a method to prevent photo-yellowing of coated optical fiber stored on a spool. The inventive reel cover is attached to a spool containing the fiber stored on a barrel of the spool. The cover conceals the fiber.

Abstract: An optical signal limiter is provided for limiting transmission of a continuous wave optical signal that exceeds a preselected threshold power level. The limiter includes a body having input and output ends that is formed at least in part from a material having a negative thermal index coefficient of between about −0.5×10−4° C.−1 and −4.0×10−4 ° C.1 and an absorption coefficient of between 1.0 to 5.0 dB/cm at wavelengths between 980-1650 nm. The limiter also includes collimating fibers mounted on the input and output ends to minimize low power signal losses across the limiter body. It may be installed at a junction between two optical fibers and is preferably formed from a curable adhesive having the aforementioned negative thermal index coefficient to obviate the need for separate bonding materials and joining steps during the installation of the limiter.

Abstract: A method of immobilizing aminated DNA to a substrate surface is provided for use in DNA hybridization assays. The surface can be widely employed in a variety of molded laboratory products including multiwell plates, cell culture dishes, and biological containers. The method comprises the steps of providing a polystyrene substrate having a surface content of between 0.3 and 4.0% atomic percent oxygen, and attaching amine modified oligonucleotide to the surface of the substrate. A resultant product comprising a polystyrene substrate having a surface oxygen content of between 0.3 and 4.0% atomic percent, and a plurality of amine modified oligonucleotides directly attached to the surface of the substrate, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for temporarily protecting a surface of a glass article by coating the surface are provided. The methods include forming a stable, hydrophobic, removable film on the surface at the end of the glass manufacturing process while the glass is still at an elevated temperature (e.g., above 175° C.). The film reduces chip adhesion to the surface as a result of cutting and grinding. After cutting and grinding, the film is removed allowing the glass to be used in such processes as the manufacture of liquid crystal displays (LCDs).

Abstract: A coating and a method for protecting a flexible region of an optical device that generates different output optical signals based upon whether the region is flexed. The coating is applied to at least a portion of the region. The coating has a relaxation time that does not substantially affect the different output optical signals transmitted through the region while the region is being flexed and then unflexed.

Abstract: A cutting fluid applicable for the machining of vitreous, crystalline or aggregate materials such as glass, glass-ceramics, ceramics, stone, concrete, silicon and the like. The cutting fluid comprises a solution containing organic molecules—in particular silanes, silanols, and siloxanes—capable of forming covalent bonds with such vitreous, crystalline or aggregate materials. The organic molecules in the cutting fluid is believed to improve the rate of manufacturing productivity, surface finish quality, and decrease the incidence of sub-surface damage caused by particulate adhesion to the cutting or abrading tool during a machining process of these kinds of substrates. The reduced clogging of cutting surfaces and increased lubricity of the cutting fluid may also prolong the useful life of the machining tools when used against these kinds of substrates.

Abstract: A method for mechanically stripping the protective coating from a silica or glass optical fiber using a polymeric or soft metal blade having a hardness less than that of the glass optical fiber but greater than the protective coating. The blade is preferably selected from a group of polymeric materials, or alternately a soft metal, which is selected or treated so as to not detrimentally oxidize in conventional operating environments. For a silica-containing optical fiber, the blade has a hardness of less than approximately 125 on the Knoop hardness scale, and preferably less than approximately 60 on the Knoop hardness scale. A method of inhibiting damage to the exposed region of the silica-containing optical fiber comprises applying a substance that forms a protective layer to provide a barrier to particulates and moisture, and which does not inhibit subsequent processing of the optical fiber, selected from a group of silane-containing compounds.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is a method of making a semiconductor laser optical waveguide telecommunications module which includes providing a semiconductor laser, a housing, and an oxidizing atmosphere, such that the oxidizing atmosphere is in contact with the semiconductor laser and contained by the housing. In another aspect, the invention includes a semiconductor laser optical waveguide telecommunications module that includes a semiconductor laser, a housing for enclosing the semiconductor laser and an O2-free oxidizing atmosphere in contact with the semiconductor laser and contained by the housing.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating an optical component, the component comprising at least partially uncoated organic material, the method comprising: placing molten metal around the optical component, and solidifying the metal. The invention includes encapsulating a segment or element of an optical component, such as, for example, an optical junction or a surface. An encapsulated optical component and optical components having sealed or encapsulated elements are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical fiber component, which includes an optical component, (e.g., a glass tube), one or more glass optical fibers attached to the surface of said component, and a surface pretreatment layer, formed from a silane applied to the surfaces of the component and the one or more glass optical fibers. Preferably, an adhesive is applied over the surface pretreatment layer to strengthen attachment of the component to the one or more glass optical fibers. A method of preparing such optical fiber components is also disclosed.

Abstract: A body made of carbon particles bonded together with a phenolic resin wherein the resin content is about 5% to about 35% by weight based on the total weight of carbon and resin.A method for making the body involves forming an aqueous mixture composed of in percent based on the total weight of the activated carbon and phenolic resin about 5% to about 35% solid phenolic resin, about 4% to about 10% plasticizing organic binder which can be cellulose ethers, cellulose ether derivatives, and combinations thereof, and the balance of the mixture being activated carbon particles, forming the mixture into a body, and drying the formed body.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an alloy, and a method of producing an alloy, of increased resistance to moisture, comprising a melt mixture of at least one phosphate glass, at least one organic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymer, and an amount of a water soluble stabilizer component which provides a source of metal cations having a valency of 2.sup.+ or higher The amount of the stabilizer component added is that amount effective to improve the alloy's resistance to moisture. Preferably, the alloy is comprised of: (a) 5-80% of the matrix material; (b) 15-90% of the phosphate glass; and, (c) 0.1 to 40% of the stabilizer component. Additionally, the metal cations which are found in the stabilizer component and which form part of the insoluble surface layer are preferably selected from the group consisting of Ba.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Ca.sup.2+, Al.sup.3+, Zn.sup.2+, Sr.sup.+2 and Fe.sup.3+.

Abstract: Lead-free, SnO-ZnO-P.sub.2 O.sub.5 glasses contain 25-50 mole percent P.sub.2 O.sub.5 and SnO and ZnO in amounts such that the mole ratio of SnO:ZnO is in the range of 1:1 to 5:1. Optionally, the glasses may contain up to 20 mole percent of modifying oxides including up to 5 mole percent SiO.sub.2, up to 20 mole percent B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and up to 5 mole percent Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, as well as one or more crystallization promoters selected from 1-5 mole percent zircon and/or zirconia and 1-15 mole percent R.sub.2 O. The glasses are particularly useful as sealing glass frits in sealing material to join component parts in articles such as cathode ray tubes. The sealing glass material may contain mill additions to reduce the effective coefficient of thermal expansion in a seal.

Abstract: Improved blends of polyetherimide/liquid crystalline polymer are provided. The blends are obtained by melt blending amine terminated polyetherimide resin with liquid crystalline polyester resins and exhibit improved levels of tensile strength compared to blends of phthalic anhydride capped polyetherimide resin with liquid crystalline polyester resin. The blends are useful as molding compositions.

Abstract: Polyetherimide resins which crystallize from the melt contain crystallizing repeating units based on biphenoldianhydride or hydroquinone dianhydride and a linear aromatic diamine. The melt crystalline polyetherimides exhibit improved solvent resistance. The melt crystalline polymers retain the advantageous properties associated with their known amorphous polyetherimide counterparts.