Abstract: The present invention discloses novel methods for fabricating glass articles, particularly optical fiber glass preforms, which may contain alumina, yttrium, lanthanum, erbium, or other rare earth metals as dopants. The glass articles made in accordance with the present invention exhibit radially uniform dopant profiles relative to conventional dopant methods. In addition, the overall concentration of the dopant is increased relative to analogous dopant methods.

Abstract: A glass component in an optical system, which may be a lazing or an optical amplifying medium, comprising a silicate base glass doped with at least two Group III B elements, the glass, and a method of preventing clustering of a rare earth metal ion in the glass.

Abstract: A glass component in an optical system, which may be a lazing or an optical amplifying medium, comprising a silicate base glass doped with at least two Group III B elements, the glass, and a method of preventing clustering of a rare earth metal ion in the glass.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the preparation of alloy articles consisting essentially of 65 wt. % or more glass and high temperature organic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers having working temperatures which are compatible with that of the glass and/or the precursor glass for the glass-ceramic. The glass and polymer are combined at the working temperature to form an intimate mixture; i.e., the glass and polymer are in a sufficiently fluid state to be blended together to yield a body exhibiting an essentially uniform, fine-grained microstructure wherein, desirably, there is at least partial miscibility and/or a reaction between the glass and the polymer to promote adhesion and bonding therebetween. A body is shaped from the mixture and cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: This invention is directed to the preparation of alloy articles consisting essentially of glass and high temperature organic thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers having working temperatures which are compatible with that of the glass and/or the precursor glass for the glass-ceramic. The glass and polymer are combined at the working temperature to form an intimate mixture; i.e., the glass and polymer are in a sufficiently fluid state to be blended together to yield a body exhibiting an essentially uniform, fine-grained microstructure wherein, desirably, there is at least partial miscibility and/or a reaction between the glass and the polymer to promote adhesion and bonding therebetween. A body is shaped from the mixture and cooled to room temperature.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of phosphate glass comprising forming an aqueous slurry by mixing phosphoric acid, a zinc compound and other batch materials in the required proportions, heating the batch slurry to produce a molten phosphate glass that exhibits a P.sub.2 O.sub.5 /ZnO weight ratio range between about 1.2 to 2.0, and cooling the molten phosphate glass to room temperature.