Abstract: A method of generating a desired gas is provided. The method includes introducing a matrix comprising media containing a parent compound and an inert media into an effusion tube comprising a first zone and a second zone. The first zone includes a micro-porous metal tube, and a closed end. The second zone includes a non-porous metal tube, and an open end. Heating the effusion tube, produces a desired gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a desired gas is provided. The apparatus includes an effusion tube comprising a first zone and a second zone. The first zone includes walls of micro-porous metal tube, and a closed end. The second zone includes non-porous metal tube, and an open end. The two-zone effusion tube is fixtured inside of a larger cylindrical metal jacket with gas entry and exit ports at opposite ends of the jacket, which allows gas to flow over the exterior of the effusion tube. The effusion tube is configured to contain a matrix comprising media containing a parent compound and an inert media. A heating means for heating the effusion tube, thereby producing a desired gas which exits the open end of the metal jacket.

Abstract: A method of measuring the concentration of a component in a sample gas comprises the steps of: determining the flow rate at sonic velocity of a sample gas through a critical orifice; determining the flow rate at sonic velocity of a calibration gas through the critical orifice; comparing the flow rate of the sample gas with the flow rate of the calibration gas; formulating the calibration gas with an additional gas to adjust the flow rate of the calibration gas to approximately equal the flow rate of the sample gas through the critical orifice at sonic velocity, thereby creating a balanced calibration gas; calibrating the analyzer with the balanced calibration gas, wherein a concentration reading of the component from the analyzer is compared with a known concentration of the component in the balanced calibration gas; and measuring the concentration of the component of the sample gas using the analyzer.

Abstract: A system for continuously filling a plurality of cylinders with a precise concentration of a vaporized liquid component blended into a gas is disclosed wherein the concentration of the liquid component of the resultant final blended mixture is continuously analyzed, and immediately adjusted, during the filling process. Due to the constant analysis and adjustment, any error in the concentration of a component is typically realized before the concentration is outside an acceptable range. The inventive system allows for a large number of cylinders to be accurately and quickly filled with the compressed, final blended mixture.

Abstract: Glass or ceramic products including glass optical waveguides are produced by a vapor phase oxidation process wherein .beta.-diketonate complexes of selected metals having significant vapor pressures at some temperature below their decomposition temperatures are vaporized, transported to an oxidation site in the vapor phase, and reacted in the vapor phase to form particulate metal oxide soot. After capture, this soot can be consolidated by sintering to form e.g. clear glass of a purity suitable for drawing into glass optical waveguide fiber.

Abstract: A glass optical waveguide preform is formed by chemical reaction of gaseous and/or vaporized ingredients within a glass substrate tube. A reactant feed tube extends into a first end of the substrate tube. One of the reactants flows through the feed tube, and another flows through the annular channel between the feed and substrate tubes. The reactants combine just downstream of the end of the feed tube and react to form particulate material, at least a portion of which deposit in the substrate tube. The output end of the feed tube traverses the substrate tube so that the region of maximum soot deposition moves along the length of the substrate tube. A hot zone traverses the substrate tube in synchronism with the feed tube to sinter the deposited soot.

Abstract: An article suitable as an integral handle for an optical waveguide preform is disclosed. The article comprises a hollow tubular member defining a substantially longitudinal aperture and having one end thereof tapered and of diminishing wall thickness for the length of said taper. Adjacent the tapered end is disposed an outwardly extending protrusion which is embedded in one end of an optical waveguide preform forming an integral unit therewith. Means are provided for a substantially gas-tight connection to the handle so that a gaseous medium may be flowed through the handle and the optical waveguide preform in its porous soot form. Means are also provided for attaching and securing the composite structure to a source of gaseous medium. Also disclosed is the combination of an optical waveguide preform rigidly affixed to a handle.

Abstract: An article suitable as an integral handle for an optical waveguide preform is disclosed. The article comprises a hollow tubular member defining a substantially longitudinal aperture and having one end thereof tapered and of diminishing wall thickness for the length of said taper. Adjacent the tapered end is disposed an outwardly extending protrusion which is embedded in one end of an optical waveguide preform forming an integral unit therewith. Means are provided for a substantially gas-tight connection to the handle so that a gaseous medium may be flowed through the handle and the optical waveguide preform in its porous soot form. Means are also provided for attaching and securing the composite structure to a source of gaseous medium. Also disclosed is the combination of an optical waveguide preform rigidly affixed to a handle.

Abstract: A method of forming a preform suitable for optical waveguides is disclosed. The method comprises providing a hollow tubular member defining a substantially longitudinal aperture and having one end thereof tapered and of diminishing wall thickness for the length of said taper. Adjacent the tapered end is formed an outwardly extending protrusion. A starting mandrel is inserted into the aperture so as to extend therebeyond. Particulate material is deposited over at least a portion of each of the extending part of the hollow tubular member and the starting mandrel whereby the extending protrusion is embedded in one end of the resulting optical waveguide preform. An integral unit including the tubular member and the preform is thus formed. Means are provided for a substantially gas-tight connection to the handle so that a gaseous medium may be flowed through the handle and the optical waveguide preform in its porous soot form.

Abstract: A substantially continuous method for drying, consolidating and drawing an optical waveguide preform is disclosed. A porous soot preform suspended from a substantially hollow longitudinal preform handle having a longitudinal aperture therein is provided. The end of the hollow preform handle is connected to a source of gaseous drying medium, and a quantity of the gaseous drying medium is flowed through the aperture in the porous soot preform and through the porous walls of the preform thereby drying the preform structure. The extending end of the porous soot preform is heated to the consolidation temperature of the materials thereof to progressively consolidate the preform from the extending end thereof. The consolidated end of the preform is further heated to the drawing temperature of the materials thereof and a filament is drawn from the extending end of the consolidated preform.