Abstract: Disclosed are synthetic silica glass body with a birefringence pattern having low fast axis direction randomness factor and glass reflow process. The glass reflow process comprises steps of: providing a glass tube having a notch; and thermally reflowing the glass tube to form a glass plate. The process can be advantageously used to produce fused silica glass plate without observable striae when viewed in the direction of optical axis. Also disclosed are optical members comprising the fused silica glass body and a process for reflowing glass cylinders.

Abstract: Disclosed are process and apparatus for making oxide soot particles where an atomizing burner is used as well as process for making densified silica-containing glass bodies by using soot particles having specific surface area of less than about 50 m2/g. Large glass bodies can be produced with less drying time and less binders by using such particles. The invention is particularly advantageous for the production of TiO2-doped silica glass.

Abstract: Disclosed are high temperature free-flow mold for the production of near net-shape silica articles and method for the production of near net-shape silica articles. The mold is preferably made of graphite, preferably coated with SiC on the surfaces of the mold cavity. The mold and the process use no or less refractory elastic materials than that disclosed in the prior art, and does not alter or contaminate the glass composition. The mold the process are particularly suitable for the production of high purity silica articles for use in VUV and EUV lithographic devices.

Abstract: A method of making a capillary splice includes applying pressure to a bore in a tube, applying heat to a portion of the tube to soften the portion of the tube, and forming a bubble within the bore in the heated portion under the influence of the pressure and heat. While forming the bubble, a diameter of the bore at the heated portion is measured to determine when the bubble has enlarged to a target size. When the bubble has enlarged to the target size, a force is applied along an axial axis of the tube to shape the bubble to a desired size.