Abstract: Infrared detection and transmission apparatus are disclosed which incorporate an infrared transparent window consisting essentially of thorium fluoride. Due to high resistance to thermal shock, thorium fluoride window material may be used to advantage under extreme atmospheric conditions or for the transmission of infrared radiation at high power levels.

Abstract: A light guide is produced by the out-diffusion of boron oxide through a free surface of a uniform borosilicate mass. The resulting structure consists of increased index silica rich regions near the surface in contact with lower index regions of a composition approaching that of the unmodified borosilicate. The out-diffusion process, generally carried out at a temperature approaching the softening point of the glass, may be applied to a borosilicate tube to result in a fiber preform. Fibers drawn from such a preform may be characterized by a silica core region, a borosilicate clad region, and a silica outer shell. Use of the procedure results in a graded index structure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for fabricating an optical fiber by drawing a preform whose manufacture involves the deposition of a borosilicate layer. The method calls for borosilicate deposition by high temperature pyrolysis of two gases, with processing parameters chosen so as to cause an acicular structure in the deposited layer, a structure which contributes to the uniformity of the drawn fiber.