Abstract: A system is provided, the system including at least one integrated optical circuit (IOC) formed from at least one material, and a support-structure configured to support the at least one IOC to couple light between other components. A performance of the at least one IOC is improved by treatment with at least one selected gas.

Abstract: A system is provided, the system including at least one integrated optical circuit (IOC) formed from at least one material, and a support-structure configured to support the at least one IOC to couple light between other components. A performance of the at least one IOC is improved by treatment with at least one selected gas.

Abstract: A method for coating a surface mount package is provided. The method includes applying a layer of a coating material above at least one surface of the surface mount package, applying a masking material above the layer of coating material, and removing the layer of coating material from a selected portion of the surface mount package defined by the masking material.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor coil and method of forming a fiber optic sensor coil including a plurality of turns of a first segment of optical fiber wound in a clockwise direction and a plurality of turns of a second segment of optical fiber wound in the counterclockwise direction. The turns of the first segment and of the second segment together forming a plurality of layers of turns of the optical fiber. A restraining ring covers an outermost layer of the plurality of layers of turns of optical fiber. The restraining ring includes a plurality of openings formed therein and provides a compressive force to the plurality of turns of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A structural packaging assembly to support a multi-function optic chip or the like is mountable in a gyroscopic unit. An example assembly includes a housing mounted to a mounting plate. The chip is located in the housing, which in turn is coupled to a mounting plate. The housing may have a prescribed section modulus capable of sufficiently withstanding applied vibrations within a predefined vibrational range, such as a vibrational range at or below about 3500 Hz. The structural packaging assembly utilizes a mounting system with mounting feet that clamp to dowels, which in turn have been press fit into the mounting plate. In one embodiment, the mounting feet take the form of “C” clamp mechanisms, which after being clamped to the dowels, allow for resonance dampening between the housing and the mounting plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for selective removal of a conformal coating from the solder balls of grid array packages such that the benefits of the coating are realized. An ancillary benefit of the invention is improved process-ability of the grid array package by improving the mechanical containment of the solder during the reflow process and improved electrical isolation between the individual solder attachment points. For example, a method for coating a ball grid array is provided, which includes coating the ball grid array with a thin layer of parylene. Next, the solder ball side of the part is butter smeared or squeegeed with a water soluble coating and assembled wet. A mask having holes in the same pattern as the balls in the grid, and a thickness that is about 80% of the height of the balls, is applied to the solder ball side of the part. This side of the part is then butter smeared again with the water soluble coating, and the entire assembly is allowed to dry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for selective removal of a conformal coating from the solder balls of grid array packages such that the benefits of the coating are realized. An ancillary benefit of the invention is improved process-ability of the grid array package by improving the mechanical containment of the solder during the reflow process and improved electrical isolation between the individual solder attachment points. For example, a method for coating a ball grid array is provided, which includes coating the ball grid array with a thin layer of parylene. Next, the solder ball side of the part is butter smeared or squeegeed with a water soluble coating and assembled wet. A mask having holes in the same pattern as the balls in the grid, and a thickness that is about 80% of the height of the balls, is applied to the solder ball side of the part. This side of the part is then butter smeared again with the water soluble coating, and the entire assembly is allowed to dry.

Abstract: A method is provided for stabilizing an electro-optic substrate employed in a waveguide device. The method comprises cleaning a surface of the substrate, and exposing the device to a reactive oxide to passivate the surface. A layer of sealant is deposited on the substrate in a vacuum to seal the surface.