Abstract: A terminal element for fiber optic communication has an elongated body defining a body axis and having a first end from which an optical fiber extends along the body axis. The body has a second end with an angled surface offset at an angle from the body axis. The fiber extends partly through the length of the body, and terminates at a fiber end surface. The second portion has an optical entry surface registered with the fiber end surface such that light emitted from the fiber end surface enters the optical entry surface. At least one of the fiber end surface, angled surface and optical entry surface has a figured optical form with a non-planar shape.

Abstract: A circuit assembly has two circuit boards parallel to each other and having major faces facing each other. Each major face has a signal contact connected to a signal trace. At least one of the major faces has a ground contact surrounding the signal contact. The signal and ground contacts are connected by way of a column element defining an axis perpendicular to the board faces. The column element has an inner conductor electrically connecting the signal contact, and a shield electrically isolated from and surrounding the inner conductor. A number of the column elements, as well as solder elements, may be supported by a carrier, which is placed between the boards for an electrical connection process, and which then may be dissolved.

Abstract: An integrated circuit chip has a first part with active circuitry, and a second part with a major surface defining a chamber. The first part covers the second, to enclose the chamber. Inlet and outlet openings are provided in the edge or face of the chip, so that a cooling facility may be connected to each end to transmit coolant through the passage. The chamber may be a serpentine conduit that occupies a plane parallel to the plane of the chip surface or a generally open space enclosed at the periphery, and having spaced apart support elements. The buried passage may be formed by a conventional surface etching process.

Abstract: A terminal element for fiber optic communication has an elongated body defining a body axis and having a first end from which an optical fiber extends along the body axis. The body has a second end with an angled surface offset at an angle from the body axis. The fiber extends partly through the length of the body, and terminates at a fiber end surface. The second portion has an optical entry surface registered with the fiber end surface such that light emitted from the fiber end surface enters the optical entry surface. At least one of the fiber end surface, angled surface and optical entry surface has a figured optical form with a non-planar shape.

Abstract: A terminal element for fiber optic communication has an elongated body defining a body axis and having a first end from which an optical fiber extends along the body axis. The body has a second end with an angled surface offset at an angle from the body axis. The fiber extends through the length of the body, and terminates at a fiber end surface flush with the angled surface. A lens element is positioned adjacent to the angled surface. The fiber may be hermetically sealed to the body at a position away from first end, and may be sealed with a flexible material at the first end.

Abstract: A terminal element for fiber optic communication has an elongated body defining a body axis and having a first end from which an optical fiber extends along the body axis. The body has a second end with an angled surface offset at an angle from the body axis. The fiber extends through the length of the body, and terminates at a fiber end surface flush with the angled surface. A lens element is positioned adjacent to the angled surface. The fiber may be hermetically sealed to the body at a position away from first end, and may be sealed with a flexible material at the first end.

Abstract: Stacked optical structures and methods and apparatus for making them are provided. The stack has a uniform gap between adjacent structures in which (1) a mixture of adhesive and mechanical spacers and (2) an optical filler, or adhesive, is placed. Each stacked optical structure includes at least two optical substructures, each of which has a mating surface. The thickness of the gap is equal to the maximum diameter of the mechanical spacers. The mixture is distributed in the gap away from an optical axis and the optical filler is distributed in the gap such that the optical axis passes through it.