Abstract: A preform having an array of axially extending holes is reduced in diameter for adjusting a spacing between the holes as well as the hole diameters to desired dimensions. Sections of the reduced preform having the desired dimensions are removed for supporting arrays of optical fibers in predetermined patterns. Tips of the fibers are mounted flush with a mounting surface of one of the preform sections, and the preform section is mounted together with a common support for an array of optical conveyances arranged in the same pattern for collectively coupling the array of fibers to the array of optical conveyances. Various active and passive optical components including VCSELs, MEMS, and even other fiber arrays can be among the optical conveyances collectively coupled to the fiber array.

Abstract: A preform having an array of axially extending holes is reduced in diameter for adjusting a spacing between the holes as well as the hole diameters to desired dimensions. Sections of the reduced preform having the desired dimensions are removed for supporting arrays of optical fibers in predetermined patterns. Tips of the fibers are mounted flush with a mounting surface of one of the preform sections, and the preform section is mounted together with a common support for an array of optical conveyances arranged in the same pattern for collectively coupling the array of fibers to the array of optical conveyances. Various active and passive optical components including VCSELs, MEMS, and even other fiber arrays can be among the optical conveyances collectively coupled to the fiber array.

Abstract: A method of applying a tough, abrasion-resistant, organic film to a back surface of a thin, glass body to form a glass-plastic composite, the method comprising preheating the film to a temperature at which residual solvent and moisture are removed from the film, preheating a presshead to a pressing temperature, pressing the film and the glass together, maintaining the glass-film assembly at a controlled temperature and pressure for a period of time to form a sealed composite body, and cooling the sealed body to solidify the glass-plastic composite.

Abstract: A silver halide photochromic glass hasa. a clear luminous transmittance of about 90%,b. A darkened luminous transmittance at 20.degree. C. below about 25%.c. A fading rate at 20.degree. C. such that, after a five minute fading interval, the glass exhibits a percent faded luminous transmittance that is no more than the darkened luminous transmittance percentage plus 15. The glass has an R.sub.2 O--Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --B.sub.2 O.sub.3 --SiO.sub.2 base composition, contains as additives, in percent by weight, 0.1-0.3% Ag, 0.25-1.0% Cl, 0-0.2% Br, 0.25-1.0% Cl+Br, the ratio of Ag:(Cl+Br) being 0.15-0.65, 0.003-0.015% CuO and 0.1-1.0% PbO and the total R.sub.2 O content is 8-13.5%, wherein R.sub.2 O consists of Li.sub.2 O+Na.sub.2 O +K.sub.2 O.