Abstract: A backshell for a connector (11) for a multicore cable (1) of the type formed from a plurality of individually screened wires (2), the backshell being generally cylindrical and releasably attachable to a connector and, in use, having the cable (1) passing therethrough, the backshell comprising an electrically-conductive body portion (9), termination means (16) releasably attachable to the body portion, and an electrically-conductive inner cylindrical member (18) having a slot (19) extending from one end and generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the inner member, the slot, in use, receiving one end of an electrically-conductive ribbon (22) wound around the wires (2) of the cable (1) in contact with the individual screens (5) thereof, the inner cylindrical member (18) being rotatable so as to wind the ribbon (22) around the periphery of the cable surrounded by the inner member, the application of the termination means (16) to the backshell body portion (9) serving electrically to connect the individual

Abstract: Laser cutting apparatus comprises a laser (20), means (24,25) for directing the output beam of the laser on to a workpiece (26), and means such as a quarter-wave plate (27) for producing circular polarization of the laser output beam. The laser may include within its optical cavity an element which produces stable linear polarization of the output beam. The quarter-wave plate (27) then covers the polarization into circular polarization.