Abstract: A method for ion exchanging glass articles is provided. The method includes ion exchanging a plurality of lots in steps within an ion exchange salt bath, wherein each of the plurality of lots comprises at least one glass article, and wherein the ion exchange salt bath comprises molten salt and, after removing the last lot from the ion exchange salt bath, removing substantially the entire volume of molten salt from the ion exchange salt bath. The method further includes maintaining steady state conditions in the ion exchange salt bath prior to removing substantially the entire volume of salt from the ion exchange salt bath such that at least one of the compressive stress and the central tension of substantially all of the glass articles varies from at least one of the compressive stress and the central tension of any other of the glass articles by less than about 20%.

Abstract: A method for ion exchanging glass articles is provided. The method includes ion exchanging a plurality of lots in steps within an ion exchange salt bath, wherein each of the plurality of lots comprises at least one glass article, and wherein the ion exchange salt bath comprises molten salt and, after removing the last lot from the ion exchange salt bath, removing substantially the entire volume of molten salt from the ion exchange salt bath. The method further includes maintaining steady state conditions in the ion exchange salt bath prior to removing substantially the entire volume of salt from the ion exchange salt bath such that at least one of the compressive stress and the central tension of substantially all of the glass articles varies from at least one of the compressive stress and the central tension of any other of the glass articles by less than about 20%.

Abstract: According to some embodiments a few moded optical fiber includes a glass core structured to provide light amplification at an amplification wavelength and a cladding surrounding the core. According to some embodiments the core of the few moded optical fiber includes a portion that has an average concentration of rare earth dopant which is lower by at least 30%, and preferably by at least 50%, than the average concentration of the rare earth dopant at another portion of the core that is situated further from the core center.

Abstract: According to some embodiments a few moded optical fiber includes a glass core structured to provide light amplification at an amplification wavelength and a cladding surrounding the core. According to some embodiments the core of the few moded optical fiber includes a portion that has an average concentration of rare earth dopant which is lower by at least 30%, and preferably by at least 50%, than the average concentration of the rare earth dopant at another portion of the core that is situated further from the core center.