Abstract: Aluminized optical fiber is used for transmitting electricity, as well as transmitting lightwaves. In one example, an aluminized optical fiber (17) is bonded within a photonics package in contact with a conductor (15) that interconnects it to a photonic device (12) or electronic circuit. Power is then supplied to the package by applying it to the aluminized coating (19) of the optical fiber. This avoids the need for a separate conductor extending into the photonics package for supplying electrical power. It also may significantly simplify system design since the power supply can conveniently be included a fairly remote distance from the photonics package.The aluminized optical fiber can be bonded to a metallization in the V-groove (13) that provides electrical contact simply by applying heat and pressure. This allows the aluminized fiber to be bonded without the need for any adhesives, while assuring good electrical contact for the transmission of electrical power. According to another embodiment (FIG.

Abstract: A method for removing lead and other basic impurities from copper during refining of the copper comprises treating molten copper to be refined with a slag having a final composition including iron oxide, calculated as Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 and silica (SiO.sub.2) wherein the weight ratio of iron oxide to silica is from 0.4 to 0.8. The novel slag preferably contains less than 10% boric oxide and up to 30% phosphorus pentoxide.

Abstract: Tin and antimony impurities can be removed from copper scrap by melting the scrap in the presence of a flux comprising a mixture of calcium and solution oxides in a weight ratio of calcium oxide to sodium oxide of from 1:1 to 4:1.

Abstract: Copper scrap from chopped and separated copper wire and cable is treated to remove contaminants still remaining on or mixed with the copper by sequential treatment, first in a sodium nitrate-postassium nitrate fused salt bath followed by a cuprous chloride fused salt bath.