Abstract: A plasma vapor deposition system for making multi-junction silicon thin film solar cell modules and panels including a flexible substrate disposed about and removably supported by a dual-walled cylindrical substrate support for axially rotating the flexible substrate about its longitudinal axis, the dual-walled cylindrical substrate support comprising an inner wall spaced apart by an outer wall to define a coaxial cavity; a plasma vapor deposition torch located substantially adjacent to the flexible substrate for depositing at least one thin film material layer on an outer surface of the flexible substrate; and a traversing platform for supporting the rotatable substrate support relative to the plasma vapor deposition torch, the rotatable substrate support being traversed along its longitudinal axis by the traversing platform.

Abstract: A plasma vapor deposition system for making multi-junction silicon thin film solar cell modules and panels including a flexible substrate disposed about and removably supported by a dual-walled cylindrical substrate support for axially rotating the flexible substrate about its longitudinal axis, the dual-walled cylindrical substrate support comprising an inner wall spaced apart by an outer wall to define a coaxial cavity; a plasma vapor deposition torch located substantially adjacent to the flexible substrate for depositing at least one thin film material layer on an outer surface of the flexible substrate; and a traversing platform for supporting the rotatable substrate support relative to the plasma vapor deposition torch, the rotatable substrate support being traversed along its longitudinal axis by the traversing platform.

Abstract: A plasma deposition apparatus for making high purity silicon, including a chamber for depositing said high purity silicon, the chamber including a top defining substantially an upper end of the chamber; one or more sides having an upper end and a lower end, the top substantially sealingly joining the upper end of the one or more sides; a base defining substantially a lower end of the chamber, the base substantially sealingly joining the lower end of the one or more sides; and at least one induction coupled plasma torch disposed in the top, the at least one induction coupled plasma torch oriented in a substantially vertical position producing a plasma flame downward from the top towards the base, the plasma flame defining a reaction zone for reacting one or more reactants to produce the high purity.

Abstract: A plasma vapor deposition system for making multi-junction silicon thin film solar cell modules and panels including a flexible substrate disposed about and removably supported by a dual-walled cylindrical substrate support for axially rotating the flexible substrate about its longitudinal axis, the dual-walled cylindrical substrate support comprising an inner wall spaced apart by an outer wall to define a coaxial cavity, a plasma vapor deposition torch located substantially adjacent to the flexible substrate for depositing at least one thin film material layer on an outer surface of the flexible substrate; and a traversing platform for supporting the rotatable substrate support relative to the plasma vapor deposition torch, the rotatable substrate support being traversed along its longitudinal axis by the traversing platform.

Abstract: A plasma deposition apparatus for making solar cells comprising a conveyor having a longitudinal axis for supporting at least one substrate; at least two modules each having at least one plasma torch for depositing a layer of a reaction product on the at least one substrate, the at least one plasma torch located a distance from the at least one substrate; a chamber for containing the conveyor and the at least two modules; and an exhaust system. In another embodiment, the plasma deposition apparatus for making solar cells comprises: means for supporting a substrate; means for supplying reactants; plasma torch means for depositing a product on the substrate, the plasma torch means located a distance from the substrate; and means for oscillating the plasma torch means relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making an optical fiber preform, including injecting a plasma gas source into the first end of a tubular member; generating a ring plasma flame with the plasma gas source flowing through a plasma gas feeder nozzle, the plasma gas feeder nozzle including: an inner tube, an outer tube, wherein the plasma gas source is injected between the inner tube and the outer tube to produce the ring plasma flame, such that at least a portion of the ring plasma flame is directed radially toward the inner surface of the tubular member; traversing the tubular member along the longitudinal axis relative to the plasma flame; depositing at least one soot layer on the interior surface of the tubular member by introducing reagent chemicals into the plasma flame; and fusing all of the soot layers into a glass material on the interior surface of the tubular member.

Abstract: The improved plasma torch for making synthetic silica includes use of nitrogen screen gas from outer quartz tubing to provide active environment isolation. In addition, the present induction plasma torch includes a ring disk for more compact but complete environmental protection (360 degree coverage). It also includes offsetting and switching the position of the chemical injection nozzles for allowing improved deposition in both directions, when operated in a horizontal mode. Further, the present induction plasma torch maintains laminar flow for the injected chemicals and the middle quartz tube is provided with a concave section for increasing the average enthalpy of plasma jet, thus improving the efficiency of the plasma torch. In addition, it may utilize more plasma gas inlets. It also includes chemical injection nozzles having a downward angular inclination.

Abstract: A plasma flame is generated in an interior volume of a tubular member to be a radially directed plasma flame, directed to an inside surface of the tubular member, and reagent chemicals are injected to form soot particles, and the soot particles are deposited on the inner surface by the plasma flame. The plasma flame is generated by establishing an electromagnetic field in a region in the tube interior and inserting a plasma gas feeder nozzle into the tube interior, with the nozzle structured to emit plasma gas in a manner forming the radially directed plasma flame.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing electrical power to an optical communication system, in particular a telephone system, between a local or central station and a remote station incorporates a conventional fiber optical cable having an electrical conductor or electrically conductive sheath connected to the local station and the remote station already used for transmitting optical signal. A power source is electrically connected to earth ground and to the electrical conductor or sheath at the local station. A power supply is provided at the remote station and electrically connected to the electrical conductor or sheath and to the earth ground thereat. The power supply receives electrical power from the power source located at the local station via the conductor or sheath and the earth ground, the earth ground serving as a return path. The power supply means can thus provide electrical power to an interface device or any other devices provided in the remote station.

Abstract: A composite capillary tube structure made of a plurality of glass layers and methods for making same. This composite includes inner and outer layers of fused silica glass separated by an intermediate layer of a glass material having a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than the fused silica glass. The glass material of the intermediate layer also has a glass transition temperature on the same order as that of fused silica, so that the fused silica layers are maintained under compressive forces over a temperature range of up to about 400.degree. C. Preferably, the intermediate layer is a borosilicate or aluminosilicate glass.

Abstract: An arrangement for an optical fiber pressure sensor is described. This sensor is comprised of two coating layers concentrically clad to and coaxially oriented with an optical fiber. The first coating layer is comprised of a relatively hard optically lossy material which absorbs any light radiating outwardly from the optical fiber. The second coating layer is comprised of a compliant material in which granular particles have been uniformly dispersed. In response to any pressure laterally applied to the sensor, the compliant coating layer imparts micro-bends, onto the optical fiber, which, in turn, couple light from propagating modes to non-propagating modes. As a result, the amplitude (or power) of the light exiting the optical fiber advantageously decreases in response to this pressure.

Abstract: A concentric core optical fiber comprised of an inorganic crystalline, preferably metallic, central core and an optical waveguide having an optical ring core and inner- and outer-glass cladding layers concentrically clad to the central core is described. A long length of such an optical fiber can advantageously support a heavy load for a substantial period of time without fatiguing while providing a transmission medium for optical and/or electrical signals.

Abstract: A magnetically sensitive optical fiber is described. Specifically, this fiber is comprised of a central core containing magnetostrictive material and an optical waveguide, having an optical ring core and inner- and outer-glass cladding layers, clad to the central core. The core is constructed from magnetostrictive material which is readily and inexpensively available as wire of various gauges. The wire is chosen to have a relatively large cross-sectional area with respect to that of the glass cladding layer(s). The resulting optical fiber is advantageously highly sensitive to weak magnetic fields and is also both simple and inexpensive to manufacture.