Abstract: A method of marking a thermoplastic article can comprise: combining a thermoplastic with a light-marking additive to form a composition, forming the composition into an article having a maximum optical absorption wavelength; and illuminating, at a marking wavelength, at least a portion of the article with a device having a power of less than or equal to about 200 mW, to form a light-mark. The light-mark can have a size, as measured along a major axis, of greater than or equal to about 10 micrometers. The light-mark can also have a mark absorption wavelength that is greater than or equal to about ±100 nm of the maximum optical absorption wavelength, and can have a spectral absorption curve.

Abstract: A directional integrated optical power monitor is disclosed. The power monitor includes an unbroken portion of a conventional optical fiber through which optical energy can propagate. The portion of optical fiber included in the power monitor has material removed from the cladding, generally by side polishing, to expose a side surface through which at least some of the optical energy leaks or can be extracted. A bulk material, such as a polymer or glass overlay, is positioned over the polished side surface of the fiber, and the bulk material has an index of refraction higher than the effective mode index of refraction of the fiber optic. A photodetector is positioned at the place of maximum optical signal strength to capture the extracted optical energy. The directional integrated optical power monitor can also be used in an assembly to provide a device that is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: Novel dye/polymer compositions are disclosed, which when used in connection with fiber optic devices, provide a uniform spectral response across a broadband wavelength region. The dye/polymer compositions contain an infrared absorbing dye having an absorption maximum from about 900 to about 1300 nm. One or more polar olefin copolymers containing monomers derived from polar olefins having an ester, benzene, or halogen substitutent attached, is/are chemically bonded to the dye. Optionally, a detached polar olefin copolymer may be blended with the dye-appended copolymer. Also disclosed is a broadband optical device comprising the novel dye/polymer compositions formed over an optical fiber. Improvements in the uniformity of spectral response and performance are observed across a wavelength band. Variable optical attenuators, switches, shutters, and couplers can be designed which incorporate the dye/polymer compositions. The invention is particularly useful in the 1500-1700 nm wavelength band.

Abstract: Novel attenuators for use in single-channel applications are disclosed. The attenuators include a crosslinked siloxane copolymer composition, prepared by crosslinking a vinyl-terminated dimethylsiloxane-diphenylsiloxane copolymer with a silane crosslinking agent in the presence of a platinum catalyst. The crosslinked copolymer overlies a portion of a side-polished optical fiber or tapered optical fiber. Optical energy propagating through the fiber can be extracted when the refractive index of the crosslinked material is varied about that of the optical fiber. The attenuators are useful in single-channel applications, such as the ever-popular 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths.

Abstract: Controllable fiber optic attenuators and attenuation systems are disclosed for controllably extracting optical energy from a fiber optic, and therefore attenuating the optical signal being transmitted through the fiber optic. A portion of the fiber optic is etched or tapered, thereby providing a side surface through which optical energy can be extracted. The portion of the fiber is suspended between two support points, and a controllable material is formed over the surface for controllably extracting optical energy according to a changeable stimulus applied thereto, which affects the refractive index thereof. In one embodiment, the changeable stimulus is temperature, and a controllable heating/cooling source can be provided in the attenuator for control of the attenuation. The limited amount of thermal contact between the suspended portion of the fiber optic and the controllable material to surrounding structures offers a more predictable response, and improved response time.

Abstract: Novel polymer compositions for controlling or correcting dispersion mismatch between the composition and a side-fiber polished optical fiber are disclosed. The polymer compositions contain an infrared absorbing dye having an absorption maximum from about 900 to about 1200 nm and and a polar olefin copolymer containing monomers which are formed from polar olefins having an ester, benzene, or halogen substitutent attached. A method for controlling the dispersion exhibited by the novel polymer compositions is also disclosed. The method includes forming the polymer composition over an exposed surface of an optical fiber. Dispersion is controlled by controlling the amount of dye present in the polymer composition. Also disclosed is an optical device from which improvements in the uniformity of spectral response and performance are observed across a wavelength band. The optical device includes the polymer composition formed over an optical fiber.

Abstract: Controllable fiber optic attenuators and attenuation systems are disclosed for controllably extracting optical energy from a fiber optic, and therefore attenuating the optical signal being transmitted through the fiber optic. In one aspect, material is removed from a portion of the fiber optic, thereby exposing a surface through which optical energy can be extracted. The portion of the fiber is suspended between two support points, and a controllable material is formed over the surface for controllably extracting optical energy according to a changeable stimulus applied thereto, which affects the refractive index thereof. In one embodiment, the changeable stimulus is temperature, and a controllable heating/cooling source can be provided in the attenuator for control of the attenuation. The limited amount of thermal contact between the suspended, side-polished portion of the fiber optic and the controllable material to surrounding structures offers a more predictable response, and improved response time.

Abstract: Novel polymer compositions for controlling or correcting dispersion mismatch between the composition and a side-fiber polished optical fiber are disclosed. The polymer compositions contain an infrared absorbing dye having an absorption maximum from about 900 to about 1200 nm and a polar olefin copolymer containing monomers which are formed from polar olefins having an ester, benzene, or halogen substitutent attached. A method for controlling the dispersion exhibited by the novel polymer compositions is also disclosed. The method includes forming the polymer composition over an exposed surface of an optical fiber. Dispersion is controlled by controlling the amount of dye present in the polymer composition. Also disclosed is an optical device from which improvements in the uniformity of spectral response and performance are observed across a wavelength band. The optical device includes the polymer composition formed over an optical fiber.

Abstract: Novel polymer compositions for controlling or correcting dispersion mismatch between the composition and a side-fiber polished optical fiber are disclosed. The polymer compositions contain an infrared absorbing dye having an absorption maximum from about 900 to about 1200 nm and and a polar olefin copolymer containing monomers which are formed from polar olefins having an ester, benzene, or halogen substitutent attached. A method for controlling the dispersion exhibited by the novel polymer compositions is also disclosed. The method includes forming the polymer composition over an exposed surface of an optical fiber. Dispersion is controlled by controlling the amount of dye present in the polymer composition. Also disclosed is an optical device from which improvements in the uniformity of spectral response and performance are observed across a wavelength band. The optical device includes the polymer composition formed over an optical fiber.

Abstract: Chiral organic polymers doped with or appended by nonlinear optical dyes are disclosed. The use of chiral polymers produces a more stable noncentrosymmetric environment for the dye molecules resulting in unexpectedly long relaxation times as compared with previously used organic polymers. In addition, the NLO/chiral polymer materials exhibit high electro-optical coefficients (r33), high nonlinear optical coefficients (d33), improved long-term thermal stability, and at the same time retain the processing advantages associated with organic polymers. Thus, the present NLO/chiral polymer materials are extremely well-suited for use in second-order nonlinear optical and optoelectronics devices.

Abstract: Controllable fiber optic attenuators and attenuation systems are disclosed for controllably extracting optical energy from a fiber optic, and therefore attenuating the optical signal being transmitted through the fiber optic. In one aspect, material is removed from a portion of the fiber optic, thereby exposing a surface through which optical energy can be extracted. The portion of the fiber is suspended between two support points, and a controllable material is formed over the surface for controllably extracting optical energy according to a changeable stimulus applied thereto, which affects the refractive index thereof. In one embodiment, the changeable stimulus is temperature, and a controllable heating/cooling source can be provided in the attenuator for control of the attenuation. The limited amount of thermal contact between the suspended, side-polished portion of the fiber optic and the controllable material to surrounding structures offers a more predictable response, and improved response time.

Abstract: Novel polymer compositions for controlling or correcting dispersion mismatch between the composition and a side-fiber polished optical fiber are disclosed. The polymer compositions contain an infrared absorbing dye having an absorption maximum from about 900 to about 1200 mn and and a polar olefin copolymer containing monomers which are formed from polar olefins having an ester, benzene, or halogen substituent attached. A method for controlling the dispersion exhibited by the novel polymer compositions is also disclosed. The method includes forming the polymer composition over an exposed surface of an optical fiber. Dispersion is controlled by controlling the amount of dye present in the polymer composition. Also disclosed is an optical device from which improvements in the uniformity of spectral response and performance are observed across a wavelength band. The optical device includes the polymer composition formed over an optical fiber.

Abstract: Novel polymer compositions for controlling or correcting dispersion mismatch between the composition and a side-fiber polished optical fiber are disclosed. The polymer compositions contain an infrared absorbing dye having an absorption maximum from about 900 to about 1200 nm and and a polar olefin copolymer containing monomers which are formed from polar olefins having an ester, benzene, or halogen substitutent attached. A method for controlling the dispersion exhibited by the novel polymer compositions is also disclosed. The method includes forming the polymer composition over an exposed surface of an optical fiber. Dispersion is controlled by controlling the amount of dye present in the polymer composition. Also disclosed is an optical device from which improvements in the uniformity of spectral response and performance are observed across a wavelength band. The optical device includes the polymer composition formed over an optical fiber.

Abstract: Linear indane polycarbonate polymers, both homopolymers and copolymers derived from biphenols and bisphenols are disclosed. The indane polycarbonates have high glass transition temperatures and exhibit good mechanical properties, good thermal stability, and good ductility even at temperatures greater than 15.degree. C. making them useful for high temperature processing applications. In addition, the clear indane polycarbonate compositions exhibit good optical properties.

Abstract: Linear indane polycarbonate polymers, both homopolymers and copolymers derived from biphenols and bisphenols are disclosed. The indane polycarbonates have high glass transition temperatures and exhibit good mechanical properties, good thermal stability, and good ductility even at temperatures greater than 150.degree. C. making them useful for high temperature processing applications. In addition, the clear indane polycarbonate compositions exhibit good optical properties.

Abstract: A method for the removal of halogenated organic contaminants from particulate material by admixing an additive selected from the group consisting of a sodium salt and an ammonium salt with the particulate material, and passing a vapor phase of steam through the material to substantially remove the halogenated organic contaminant.

Abstract: Polychlorinated biphenyl compounds are sorbed from aqueous solutions and mixtures by a variety of organic polymeric materials. The contaminant can be desorbed for further processing and destruction.