Abstract: A method for applying a flame for depositing a doped layer to a wafer and chuck particularly adapted for suspending the wafer over the flame. The chuck includes a frame having an opening defined by an inner wall for receiving a wafer and a ledge surrounding at least a portion of a lower end of the opening for retaining a wafer placed into an upper end of the opening, and a suspension assembly for suspending the frame over a dopant-depositing flame such that the ledge is disposed between the flame and peripheral portions of the wafer. The inner wall and the ledge may be formed from a material having substantially the same thermal conduction and expansion characteristics as the wafer. The suspension assembly may be rotatable with respect to a dopant-depositing flame. The frame may have a plurality of openings, each for receiving a wafer. The suspension assembly may include a suspension member, and a support post connecting the suspension member to the frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the flame hydrolysis deposition (FHD) of a core material on a substrate provides a holder for a substrate which is heated to a predetermined temperature selected to maintain the substrate temperature relatively constant during the FHD process. As a result, the thickness of a thin film applied to the substrate is relatively uniform as is the index of refraction of the core material deposited on the substrate. In one embodiment, a chuck for receiving a disk-shaped substrate wafer is supplied with an embedded electrical heater for maintaining the chuck temperature at from about 700° C. to about 900° C. In another embodiment, a gas heater positioned on a side of the chuck opposite the wafer mounting is provided to heat the chuck at substantially the same temperature.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for making a soda lime glass article having at least one surface which is essentially defect free and having a smoothness at least equivalent to that of a polished surface. The method generally comprises the steps of:(a) bringing together a body of a soda lime glass and a body of a glass consisting essentially, by weight, of 0.75-7.5% Li.sub.2 O and/or 18-27% PbO, the total Li.sub.2 O+PbO not exceeding 32%, 35-50% BaO, 0-5% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 30-50% B.sub.2 O.sub.3, and 5-10% SiO.sub.2, said glass having a softening point between 575.degree.-650.degree. C.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of producing an elongated, fiber-reinforced composite having a glass or glass-ceramic matrix and an elongated axial form. A continuous length of fibers is impregnated with glass and the impregnated fiber body consolidated by being pultruded through a die. A combination of axial tension to pultrude the fiber body and sintering pressures exerted by the die result in a composite body of continuous length.