Abstract: An electronic article includes an optoelectronic semiconductor having a refractive index of 3.7±2 and a dielectric layer disposed on the optoelectronic semiconductor. The dielectric layer has a thickness of at least 50 ?m and a refractive index of 1.4±0.1. The electronic article includes a gradient refractive index coating (GRIC) that is disposed on the optoelectronic semiconductor and that has a thickness of from 50 to 400 nm. The refractive index of the GRIC varies along the thickness from 2.7±0.7 to 1.5±0.1. The GRIC also includes a gradient of a carbide and an oxycarbide along the thickness. The carbide and the oxycarbide each independently include at least one silicon or germanium atom. The article is formed by continuously depositing the GRIC using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition in a dual frequency configuration and subsequently disposing the dielectric layer on the GRIC.

Abstract: An impact resistant waveguide includes a clad surrounding a core. A reinforcing filler is incorporated in a curable silicone composition used to prepare the core, thereby imparting impact resistance to the core. A method of manufacture of the waveguide includes injecting the curable silicone composition into a clad made of silicone elastomeric tubing and thereafter curing the curable silicone composition.

Abstract: An impact resistant waveguide includes a clad surrounding a core. A reinforcing filler is incorporated in a curable silicone composition used to prepare the core, thereby imparting impact resistance to the core. A method of manufacture of the waveguide includes injecting the curable silicone composition into a clad made of silicone elastomeric tubing and thereafter curing the curable silicone composition.

Abstract: A method of metallizing a silicone rubber substrate, the method comprising the steps of (i) depositing a primer layer of aluminum on a surface of a silicone rubber substrate, and (ii) depositing a layer of a ductile metal on the primer layer of aluminum, wherein the ductile metal is selected from gold, platinum, palladium, copper, silver, aluminum, and indium.

Abstract: A method of preparing a metal-silicone rubber composite, the method comprising the steps of (i) depositing a layer of gold on a surface of a mold; (ii) depositing a primer layer of a metal on the layer of gold, wherein the metal is selected from aluminum, chromium, titanium, and copper, (iii) applying a radiation-curable silicone composition on the primer layer, (iv) curing the silicone composition with radiation to form a silicone rubber, and (v) removing the silicone rubber from the mold, whereby the layer of gold and the primer layer are transferred to the silicone rubber.