Abstract: A planar optical device is formed on a substrate. The device comprises an array of waveguide cores which guide optical radiation. A cladding layer is formed contiguously with the array of waveguide cores to confine the optical radiation to the array of waveguide cores. At least one of the array of waveguide cores and cladding layer is an inorganic-organic hybrid material that comprises an extended matrix containing silicon and oxygen atoms with at least a fraction of the silicon atoms being directly bonded to substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon moieties. This material can be designed with an index of refraction between 1.4 and 1.55 and can be deposited rapidly to thicknesses of up to 40 microns. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a method for forming a planar optical device obviates the need for a lithographic process.

Abstract: A planar optical device is formed on a substrate (12) and comprising an array of waveguide cores (14) and a cladding layer (16) formed contiguously with the cores. At least one of the array of waveguide cores (14) and the cladding layer (16) is an inorganic-organic hybrid material that comprises an extended matrix containing silicon and oxygen atoms with at least a fraction of the silicon being directly bonded to substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon atoms. In accordance with other embodiments of the invention, a method of forming an array of cores comprises the steps of preparing a core composition precursor material; partially hydrolyzing and polymerizing the material; forming an array of waveguide cores under conditions effective to form an inorganic-organic hybrid material that comprises an extended matrix containing silicon and oxygen atoms with at least a fraction of the silicon being directly bonded to substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon atoms.

Abstract: A structure for use in forming an optical component and a method of making such a component is described. The structure comprises a non-waveguiding body of optical material having a concentration of a photorefractive-sensitive component in the body such that upon irradiation of a part of the body by a beam of actinic radiation, the refractive index of the irradiated part is increased. The method of making the optical component comprises providing a non-waveguiding body of optical material; providing a concentration of a photorefractive-sensitive component in the body; contacting the non-waveguiding body of optical material with an atmosphere comprising one of hydrogen, deuterium and mixtures thereof; and exposing a part of the non-waveguiding body of optical material to actinic radiation such that the refractive index of the exposed part is increased. Such a structure and method can be used to form symmetrical planar waveguides, optical fiber waveguides and other optical components such as gratings.

Abstract: A method for drawing glass objects from glass feedstock, wherein a dimension of the glass object is measured on-line and controlled by a control structure which compensates for the deadtime between a change to the drawing speed and the measurement of the effect of that change to the measured dimension. The model which compensates for the deadtime is preferably nonlinear, and the control gains and model parameters are preferably continuously calculated during the drawing process. The invention is particularly applicable to drawing optical waveguide cane from optical waveguide preforms.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a four-step process for molding glass articles of high precision and excellent surface figure. A glass preform having an overall geometry closely approximating that of the desired final product is placed into a mold, the mold and preform are brought to a temperature at which the glass exhibits a viscosity between 10.sup.8 -10.sup.12 poises, a load is applied to shape the glass into conformity with the mold, and thereafter the resulting glass article is removed from the mold at a temperature above the transformation range of the glass. The glass article is then annealed.

Abstract: A method of molding precision glass optical elements or lenses is disclosed. Precision molded glass molds are first provided which define a glass mold cavity having a predetermined desired size, shape and volume corresponding to the glass optical element. To facilitate formation of the glass optical elements, shaped and polished preforms are formed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a four-step process for molding glass articles of high precision and excellent surface figure. A glass preform having an overall geometry closely approximating that of the desired final product is placed into a mold, the mold and preform are brought to a temperature at which the glass exhibits a viscosity between 10.sup.8 -10.sup.12 poises, a load is applied to shape the glass into conformity with the mold, and thereafter the glass shape is removed from the mold at a temperature above the transformation range of the glass and annealed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a four-step process for molding glass articles of high precision and excellent surface figure. A glass preform having an overall geometry closely approximating that of the desired final product is placed into a mold, the mold and preform are brought to a temperature at which the glass exhibits a viscosity between 10.sup.8 -10.sup.12 poises, a load is applied to shape the glass into conformity with the mold, and thereafter the glass shape is removed from the mold at a temperature above the transformation range of the glass and annealed.

Abstract: A process for determining the location and/or the alignment of the axis or point of symmetry of an optical surface of a precision optical element, such as an aspheric lens. A fiducial surface is provided on the element, comprising a surface which has a predetermined location and alignment relative to the axis or point of symmetry of the optical surface of the element. Predetermined light waves are impinged against the fiducial surface. The nature of the fiducial surface is such that the light waves are transmitted or reflected in a manner that is a function of the location and/or the alignment of the fiducial surface. The characteristic transmission or reflection of light waves can be resolved by various conventional optical techniques such as by interferometry, thereby precisely indicating the location and/or alignment of the optical surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a four-step process for molding glass articles of high precision and excellent surface figure. A glass preform having an overall geometry closely approximating that of the desired final product is placed into a mold, the mold and preform are brought to a temperature at which the glass exhibits a viscosity between 10.sup.8 -10.sup.12 poises, a load is applied to shape the glass into conformity with the mold, and thereafter the glass shape is removed from the mold at a temperature above the transformation range of the glass and annealed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for injection molding hydrosilicate glasses and apparati useful therefor. This invention is also concerned with apparati for mixing hydrosilicate glasses while in the fluid stage, i.e., when the hydrosilicate glasses have a viscosity between about 10.sup.2 -10.sup.9 poises. Finally, this invention describes materials demonstrating ready release of hydrosilicate glasses after contact in fluid form.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for injection molding hydrosilicate glasses and apparati useful therefor. This invention is also concerned with apparati for mixing hydrosilicate glasses while in the fluid state, i.e., when the hydrosilicate glasses have a viscosity between about 10.sup.2 -10.sup.9 poises. Finally, this invention describes materials demonstrating ready release of hydrosilicate glasses after contact in fluid form.