Abstract: An inkjet ink capable of undergoing polymerization (curing) after exposure to microwave radiation, and method for printing and fixation the above ink on various substrates by ink jet printer and microwave source is disclosed. Ink compositions suitable for microwave curing are provided. These inks overcome the problems associated with drying of solvent and water based inks, and curing of UV inks. The present invention provides also a method for quick fixation of inks in which the ink vehicle is composed of molecules having appropriate dielectric properties.

Abstract: A method of bonding of an optical fiber to at least one port of a Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC). The method includes steps of depositing an index matching and bonding material on the tip of the optical fiber, bringing in contact with the planar lightwave circuit (PLC) the tip of optical fiber having index matching and bonding material on it in a way where the index matching and bonding material serves as an interface between the port of the planar lightwave component (PLC) and the tip of optical fiber, and bonding the tip of optical fiber to the planar lightwave component by curing the index matching and bonding material in the interface between the planar lightwave component and optical fiber tip by curing radiation. The method is characterized in that the curing radiation from a source of curing radiation is delivered along the optical fiber to the tip of the optical fiber to be bonded.

Abstract: An inkjet ink capable of undergoing polymerization (curing) after exposure to microwave radiation, and method for printing and fixation the above ink on various substrates by ink jet printer and microwave source is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to detect an edge of a print substrate is provided. The method includes determining the position of an edge of a substrate relative to a reference position on the work surface during loading of the substrate onto the work surface and modifying digital data of an image during printing such that the image is printed on the substrate at a predetermined position relative to the position of the edge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing and curing ink is provided. The method comprises ejecting droplets of ink onto the substrate to form a portion of an image and directing onto that portion an amount of radiation energy based on the image comtent of that portion.

Abstract: A method of preventing contamination of the air channels in the capillaries or pores of an air-clad or photonic-crystal fiber during polishing of the end-faces. A glass or silica fiber rod of diameter comparable to the fiber is fused to the end-face of the fiber, cut, and polished to form a thin protective plate having no appreciable affect on the optical properties of the fiber. Alternatively the air capillaries may be sealed by a UV-curable fluid or by melting the surrounding material. The end-face of the fiber thus presents a polished or cleaved surface for optical coupling to other fibers without causing damage or contamination to the air channels of the fiber. Furthermore, treating both end-faces of an air-clad or photonic-crystal fiber in manner provides a hermetic seal for the air-channels and protects the fiber against degradation caused by contamination such as humidity and dust which would otherwise enter the air channels over the course of time.

Abstract: An ablatable printing member comprising a base material and a coating is provided. The coating may comprise at least one polymeric layer containing magnetic particles embedded therein. In another application, an erasable printing member comprising a base material and an emulsion coating is provided. The emulsion coating may comprise a polymer dispersed with magnetic particles and may have a relatively low glass transition temperature.

Abstract: Scanning apparatus including a light source for providing at least one light beam, a medium for receiving the light beam and two helical optical apparatuses disposed between the light source and the medium for sequentially receiving the light beam and for directing the light beam towards the medium.