Abstract: A mesh (36) is placed around a bundle (32) of fused glass fibers. The bundle is then immersed in a leaching bath (44). The ends of the bundle are protected from the bath fluid by furrules (34). Some of the glass of the bundle is leached out, so as to provide a flexible fiber bundle.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly including an alignment plate having an M×N array of alignment holes formed thereon and an equal number of optical fibers, each bonded to a respective one of the alignment holes. A bondline, preferably an inorganic adhesive having a glass transition temperature of at least about 150° C., is located between each optical fiber and its respective alignment hole. The bondline is preferably less than about 200 nm in thickness. The inorganic adhesive is preferably formed from a colloidal suspension of sodium silicate.

Abstract: A mesh (36) is placed around a bundle (32) of fused glass fibers. The bundle is then immersed in a leaching bath (44). The ends of the bundle are protected from the bath fluid by furrules (34). Some of the glass of the bundle is leached out, so as to provide a flexible fiber bundle.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly comprising a plurality of optical fibers bonded together with an inorganic adhesive having a glass transition temperature of at least about 150° C. The inorganic adhesive preferably comprises a sol-gel, such a colloidal suspension of sodium silicate, that creates bondlines between adjacent optical fibers that are less than about 200 nm in thickness.

Abstract: A fiber optic assembly including an alignment plate having an M×N array of alignment holes formed thereon and an equal number of optical fibers, each bonded to a respective one of the alignment holes. A bondline, preferably an inorganic adhesive having a glass transition temperature of at least about 150° C., is located between each optical fiber and its respective alignment hole. The bondline is preferably less than about 200 nm in thickness. The inorganic adhesive is preferably formed from a colloidal suspension of sodium silicate.

Abstract: A ferroelectric material 44 is selectively poled using laser light 14 capable of being absorbed by the material 44, a shutter 18 for turning the light on and off, a variable attenuator 28, with a beam splitter 31 and an optical detector 31a, to set the laser power level, a lens 32 to provide focused laser light 14d, a mirror 36 driven by a motor 40 (mirror-scanner) to direct the light to the regions to be poled, and an electric field applied by electrodes 68, 70. A computer 24 provides automatic control over selective poling of the material 44 by controlling the shutter 18, variable attenuator 28, mirror 36 position, and the direction of the applied electric field. A temperature sensor 52 provides temperature feedback to ensure proper laser power and dwell time. In the alternative, the material 44 is covered with a mask 604 and scanned with the laser to provide selective pole reversal.