Abstract: Spatial thinning in no more than two dimensions is used in order to lower both the effective dielectric constant and the dielectric loss tangent of ferroelectric ceramics, while retaining a substantial fraction of their tunability. By not thinning in the third direction, along which the dc bias field is applied, the ferroelectric material maintains the connectivity between elements of the ferroelectric structure that is essential to retaining the tunability. Examples of one-dimensional structures (30) include small diameter columns (28, 32) of dielectric material embedded in a dielectric matrix (26, 34). Examples of two-dimensional structures (21) include square (22) and hexagonal (24) cells comprised of ferroelectric material filled with inert dielectric material or vice versa.

Abstract: An electrochemical storage cell (20) includes ceramic housing frame (22) with a flat plate solid ceramic electrolyte (32) bonded to a internal shoulder (26) of the housing frame (22) with a glassy seal (33). A metallic weld ring (34) is bonded to each end of the housing frame (22). Each weld ring (34) has a welding flange (36) disposed parallel to a respective end of the housing frame (22) and also has a bonding flange (40). The bonding flange (40) lies parallel and adjacent to an internal surface (24) of the housing frame (22) if the coefficient of thermal expansion of the weld ring (34) is less than that of the housing frame (22), and parallel and adjacent to an external surface (28) of the housing frame (22) if the coefficient of thermal expansion of the weld ring (34) is greater than that of the housing frame (22). A glassy seal (42) is formed between the bonding flange (40) of each weld ring (34) and the respective adjacent surface (24 or 28) of the housing frame (22).

Abstract: An electrochemical storage cell (20) includes a ceramic housing frame (22) with a flat plate solid ceramic electrolyte (32) bonded to a internal shoulder (26) of the housing frame (22) with a glassy seal (33). A metallic weld ring (34) is bonded to each end of the housing frame (22). Each weld ring (34) has a welding flange (36) disposed parallel to a respective end of the housing frame (22) and also has a bonding flange (40). The bonding flange (40) lies parallel and adjacent to an internal surface (24) of the housing frame (22) if the coefficient of thermal expansion of the weld ring (34) is less than that of the housing frame (22), and parallel and adjacent to an external surface (28) of the housing frame (22) if the coefficient of thermal expansion of the weld ring (34) is greater than that of the housing frame (22). A glassy seal (42) is formed between the bonding flange (40) of each weld ring (34) and the respective adjacent surface (24 or 28) of the housing frame (22).

Abstract: A filler composition having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially equivalent to that of SiC foam and capable of fusing and integrally bonding to SiC foam. The filler composition is useful for bonding a surface layer to a SiC foam core for optical mirrors which are used in space applications and cryogenic detectors.

Abstract: A flexible endoscope with a carbon dioxide laser connected thereto for simultaneous viewing and performance of a surgical operation on either exterior or interior tissue of a patient. The laser operates at 10.6 microns, with the laser beam being transmitted through a flexible bundle of drawn fiber optics that are held in adjacently disposed fixed relationship by a flexible sheath. Each laser beam transmitting fiber optic has a core of infra red transmitting true amorphous chalcogenide glass that is clad by a thin flexible film of material having a lesser refractive index. The infra red transmitting glass will preferably have a transmission efficiency of between 38 to 62 percent.