Abstract: A method is provided for making high quality silicon sulfide having 4N (99.99% by weight) or better purity.

Abstract: An ion conductivity mixed chalcogenide (e.g. oxy-sulfide), mixed network former solid electrolyte is provided for use in solid state batteries.

Abstract: A method for removing bubbles from molten glass is provided and involves subjecting the surface of the molten glass to at least one fining sequence wherein the fining sequence comprises subjecting the surface of the molten glass to a sub-atmospheric pressure (relative vacuum less one atmosphere of pressure) for a time followed by subjecting the surface of the molten glass to super-atmospheric gas pressure (greater than one atmosphere of pressure) for additional time. The fining sequence can be repeated as needed to produce a high quality optically clear glass that is substantially free of bubbles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a secondary battery. The battery includes an anode made of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, or an alloy or solid solution thereof, a cathode made of copper metal or alloy or a catholyte that comprises an aqueous solution of a soluble salt of the metallic cathode material to provide reducible cations of the metallic cathode material in the aqueous solution. An ion conducting separator functions to separate the anode and cathode. The battery can be operated over a wide temperature range from ambient temperature to about 150° C. The anode material can be pre-installed or can be produced in-situ on the anode side of the battery.

Abstract: An ion conductivity mixed chalcogenide (e.g. oxy-sulfide), mixed network former solid electrolyte is provided for use in solid state batteries.

Abstract: The present invention provides new amorphous or partially crystalline mixed anion chalcogenide compounds for use in proton exchange membranes which are able to operate over a wide variety of temperature ranges, including in the intermediate temperature range of about 100 ° C. to 300° C., and new uses for crystalline mixed anion chalcogenide compounds in such proton exchange membranes. In one embodiment, the proton conductivity of the compounds is between about 10?8 S/cm and 10?1 S/cm within a temperature range of between about ?60 and 300° C. and a relative humidity of less than about 12%.

Abstract: The present invention provides new compounds for use in proton exchange membranes which are able to operate in a wide variety of temperature ranges, including in the intermediate temperature range of about 100° C. to 700° C., and new and improved methods of making these compounds. The present invention also provides new and improved methods for making chalcogenide compounds, including, but not limited to, non-protonated sulfide, selenide and telluride compounds. In one embodiment, the proton conductivity of the compounds is between about 10?8 S/cm and 10?1 S/cm within a temperature range of between about ?50 and 500° C.

Abstract: The present invention provides new compounds for use in proton exchange membranes which are able to operate in a wide variety of temperature ranges, including in the intermediate temperature range of about 100° C. to 700° C., and new and improved methods of making these compounds. The present invention also provides new and improved methods for making chalcogenide compounds, including, but not limited to, non-protonated sulfide, selenide and telluride compounds. In one embodiment, the proton conductivity of the compounds is between about 10−8 S/cm and 10−1 S/cm within a temperature range of between about −50 and 500° C.

Abstract: A new optical fiber and method of manufacturing the same developed for use with surgical laser systems. The fiber core utilizes an ultra-low expansion (ULE) material. The preferred ULE fiber consists of silicon dioxide core doped with titanium dioxide which is cladded and jacketed for chemical and abrasion resistance. The resulting fiber is stable against degradation due to thermal expansion.

Abstract: A new optical fiber and method of manufacturing the same developed for use with surgical laser systems. The fiber core utilizes an ultra-low expansion (ULE) material. The preferred ULE fiber consists of silicon dioxide core doped with titanium dioxide which is cladded and jacketed for chemical and abrasion resistance. The resulting fiber is stable against degradation due to thermal expansion.

Abstract: A chalcogenide glass capable of infrared transmission which is either sulfur, selenium or tellurium based and consists of compositions of the formula MX+M.sub.2 'X.sub.3 +SiX.sub.2, wherein M is one of the metals calcium, strontium, barium, zinc and lead, and M' is either aluminum or gallium and X is either sulfur, selenium or tellurium. Aluminum or gallium chalcogenide acts to increase the covalent bonding network structure of the glass with the result being that excellent high temperature 8-14 micron IR transmitting glasses with transition temperatures above 500.degree. C. are prepared.