Abstract: A halide glass core fiber is clad by providing two melts that selectively join to form the molten clad fiber in a temperature range from 580.degree. C. to 600.degree. C. A separate heating means controls the fiber melt at the die nozzle. Because of the low viscosity and the narrow proto congelation temperature zone, the clad fiber is extruded and drawn in the vertical direction counter the effect of gravity.

Abstract: Heavy metal fluoride glasses are made by a process that requires high purity fluoride constituent compounds fluorinated oxides, or premelted glass cullet. The charge is placed in an enclosed furnace chamber having the ability of atmosphere control, heat control and position control of the charge. In particular, an inert, or nonreactive atmosphere or air is used in the furnace chamber as well as an oxygen-scavenging metal therein. The oxygen-scavenging metal at the high temperature produces a controlled oxygen partial pressure so that the air is essentially inert and non-reactive although the presence of a slightly oxidizing atmosphere is still required to produce the glass. The charge is rapidly raised to its fusion temperature and held at the temperature for a short time in proximity to an oxygen-scavenging material. The charge is immediately removed from the heating source and quickly cooled through the critical crystallization region. The total heating and cooling time being less than one hour.

Abstract: An improved method of rapidly forming halide glass wherein the heating and cooling schedule has two phases of heating and cooling. This improved method substantially limits the loss of volatile components because of the significantly shortened interval of time at the elevated melting temperatures. The average time under heating is about 80 minutes. Cooling is as rapid as possible. The homogenization occurs above 800.degree. C. for about 20 minutes.

Abstract: An improved method of making carbon dioxide and chlorine free fluoride-based glass wherein the atmosphere in the furnace enclosure is sulphur hexafluoride gas at a positive over pressure.

Abstract: An extremely long-life, highly reproducible cathode is produced by preparing a porous sintered metal matrix, impregnating the matrix with a reagent containing a transition metal to modify the surface structure of the matrix, and then impregnating the surface-modified metal matrix with a barium-containing reagent to produce a cathode structure in which barium atoms are held in a metal-metal interaction with the transition metals and the surface of the matrix. In a preferred embodiment, the transition metal oxide is TiO.sub.2. This produces a barium/transition metal oxide surface structure which permits cathode operating temperatures on the order of 650 degrees C. The barium is stable and is retained on the surface of the metal matrix, so further dispensing is not required.

Abstract: Heavy metal fluoride glasses are made by a process that requires high purity fluoride constituent compounds, some of which are further refined by sublimation. Handling occurs in a protective atmosphere such as argon. The charge is placed in a sealed modified optical growth furnace having the ability of atmosphere control, heat control and position control of the charge. The charge is firstly raised to its fusion temperature, then to an admixture temperature, and finally to a higher temperature. The charge is immediately removed from the heating source and quickly cooled through the critical crystallization region. The total heating and cooling time being about one to two hours. The resulting glass ingot is partially annealed. The HMFG of (Zr or Hf)F.sub.4 -BaF.sub.2 -LaF.sub.3 -AlF.sub.2 consistently exhibits low levels of both light scattering and bulk OH contact, along with very reproducible hardness, thermal parameters, and UV and IR edge absorption behavior.

Abstract: A process for the production of trialuminum nickelide fibers which involves the utilization of an oxalic acid-hydrogen chloride mixture for separating the fibers from a solid, two-phase, composite matrix of aluminum and trialuminum nickelide fibers.

Abstract: A method for deagglomerating finally divided aluminum metal powders by allowing said metals powders to remain in contact with water heated to room temperature for approximately 30 hours.

Abstract: Electrolytic production of Al.sub.3 Ni fibers using a potassium hydroxide electrolyte.