Abstract: The present invention relates to a multicore plastic optical fiber for light signal transmission comprising 7 or more cores having a diameter of 50 to 200 .mu.m which are covered with a cladding resin having a refractive index lower than that of the core resin by 0.005 to 0.04. The multicore plastic optical fiber of the present invention has low transmission loss in a broad transmission bandwidth and exhibits excellent bending characteristics. Therefore, it is suitable for transmission at a high speed in short and medium distances.

Abstract: A light reflective sheet is here disclosed which comprises a porous resin sheet and a protective layer laminated on at least one surface of the porous resin sheet; the porous resin sheet comprises a polyolefin resin and 100 to 300 parts by weight of a finely powdery inorganic filler with respect to 100 parts by weight of a polyolefin resin; the porous resin sheet is stretched at an area stretch magnification of 1.5 to 20 times; the light reflectance of the porous resin sheet at a wave length of 550 nm is 95% or more; and the stiffness of the light reflective sheet is at least 50 mm. A light reflector using the light reflective sheet is also disclosed. Preferably, the protective layer has a function as a UV light protective layer and/or a light leakage preventing auxiliary layer.

Abstract: An optical tapered waveguide for use as a single device or in optical arrays is described. The optical waveguide contains at least one inclusive structure. The inclusion may possess an abrupt refractive index interface within the body of the tapered optical waveguide or it may consist of a graded refractive index region within the tapered optical waveguide. Light travels through the entire waveguide structure via total internal reflection. The inclusion provides for a more uniform light distribution output and increases the definition of the image plane by altering the direction of the light rays passing through the waveguide.

Abstract: Curable optical fiber cladding compositions that exhibit improved optical, mechanical, adhesive and moisture barrier properties are prepared from a 100% reactive composition of monofunctional and multi-functional monomers. The preferred components of these compositions are low molecular weight polymers of fluorine-containing monofunctional acrylate or methacrylate monomer(s), such polymers being soluble and dissolved in a fluorocarbon acrylate or methacrylate monomer or monomers, but not necessarily those of the base polymer. The preferred cladding compositions may be prepared with or without a cross-linking monomer such as a di-functional or poly-functional acrylate of methacrylate. The claddings may also use a thermal or photoinitiator or other known polymerization initiating system and an adhesion promoter or promoters, such as acrylic or methacrylic acid, a silanol acrylate, methacrylate, alkoxysilane acrylate or methacrylate, or an alkoxy vinyl silane, aryl acrylate or methacrylate.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a non-linear optically active (NLO) side chain polycarbonate and to NLO active waveguides containing said polycarbonate. Waveguides containing this NLO polycarbonate have a low loss of signal. Polycarbonates based on bischloroformates of hexafluorobisphenol A, hexafluorotetrabromobisphenol A and bisphenol S or deuterated bisphenol A or sulphonylbiphenol are especially preferred within the framework of the invention: they were found to give an exceptionally low loss of signal. The invention further pertains to cross-linkable and already cross-linked polycarbonates. Especially preferred polycarbonates according to the invention are those where the diol comprises a rigid donor group. These polycarbonates have a high Tg, which renders them thermally stable.

Abstract: A molecularly oriented synthetic resin composition whose coefficient of linear thermal expansion in two mutually perpendicular directions, below the glass-transition temperature, is at least a factor of 3 smaller than in a third direction extending perpendicularly to the first two directions, is manufactured by curing a liquid-crystalline composition having a helicoidal order of molecules, so as to form a polymer network. The resins thus obtained are suitable for use as claddings on materials having a coefficient of thermal expansion which is smaller than that of most synthetic resins.

Abstract: A polymeric optical material which is a mixture of a polysiloxane and at least one compound selected from the group consisting of polyisocyanate, silane, alkoxide and chelate, and an optical waveguide fabricated from the polymeric optical material having high thermal stability and low propagation loss over wide range. The polysiloxane may have, for example, a repeating unit of following formula (I): ##STR1## wherein each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is independently an alkyl, deuterated alkyl or halogenated alkyl group, or a phenyl, deuterated phenyl or halogenated phenyl group. The optical waveguide includes a substrate, a clad layer provided on the substrate and a core layer surrounded by the clad layer. The clad layer is composed of a lower clad layer which is overlaid onto the substrate and an upper clad layer which surrounds the core layer.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved coating composition for glass substrates that comprises a tetrasubstituted compound. The introduction of a tetrasubstituted compound in a coating composition for a glass substrate, and in particular an optical fiber, acts to delay the rate of deterioration of the glass or optical fiber due to moisture, and improves adhesion between the glass substrate and the coating composition. The introduction of a tetrasubstituted compound into a polymeric coating composition also improves the interlayer adhesion when more than one coating is applied to a glass substrate. This invention further relates to an outer primary coating composition or matrix material that comprises an acid functional ethylenically unsaturated monomer.

Abstract: A plastic-clad optical fiber having a cladding material formed from a cured material of a resin composition containing a urethane di(meth)acrylate represented by the general formula: ##STR1## and a diluent can efficiently introduce light from a light source without sacrificing a band.

Abstract: Polyimide optical waveguide structures comprising a core within a cladding wherein at least one of the core and the cladding is a polyimide containing 6FDA; and the complementary portion of the waveguide structure is a polyimide having partial replacement of the 6FDA of the core or cladding composition by BPDA, and wherein the difference in the birefringence of the core and cladding are less than the difference in the refractive index. Copolyimides containing 6FDA and BPDA moieties, and at least one diamine, which have properties useful in optical applications including adjustable refractive index and controllable birefringence, low optical losses, low optical absorbance, increased solvent resistance, and high thermal stability. A method for adjusting the refractive index to make useful copolyimide core/cladding waveguide structures by controlling the 6FDA/BPDA ratio.

Abstract: This invention discloses broad bandwidth optical fibers which have a broad bandwidth suitable for data-communication, are free from fiber cracking or chipping if a crimp-type connector is attached with sufficient pulling resistant force to hold the fiber firmly, minimize the connection loss through a small crimping optical loss and a accurate axial alignment, facilitate connection with existing GI quartz optical fibers, which have a fiber diameter of 125 .mu.m, and offer excellent compatibility with such existing GI quartz optical fibers. Broad bandwidth optical fibers pertaining to this invention are graded index broad bandwidth optical fibers fabricated from a core made of quartz-based glass with a graded refractive index profile, a quartz glass cladding provided over said core, and polymer covering layer provided over said cladding, with said polymer covering layer made of a UV-cured hard polymer with a Shore hardness of D 55 or more and a thickness of 5 .mu.m or more.

Abstract: Flexible composites, such as those useful as light pipes, may be effectively cured by reactions upon copolymerized alkoxysilane functionality. Improvements in the optical properties of the uncured and cured systems are found when the alkoxysilane monomer is stabilized during preparation, storage, and copolymerization with low levels of non-aromatic stable free radicals or stable free-radical precursors, such as nitroxides.

Abstract: Provided is a radiation curable coating composition suitable for coating optical glass fiber, having a viscosity in the range of about 10 mPas to 10,000 mPas made of about 20 to about 99.9 weight % of at least one of a thermoplastic non-crosslinking polymer and an ethylenically-unsaturated oligomeric compound; optionally, from 0 to about 60 weight % of an ethylenically-unsaturated diluent, optionally, from 0 to about 60 weight % of a multifunctional ethylenically-unsaturated compound, and optionally, from 0 to about 10 weight % of a photoinitiator, provided that if the thermoplastic non-crosslinking polymer is present and no ethylenically-unsaturated oligomeric compound is present, then the ethylenically-unsaturated diluent is present in an amount up to about 60 weight % and the multifunctional ethylenically-unsaturated compound is present in an amount up to about 60 weight %. The composition provides a tack-free handeable fiber after radiation cure and is fugitive upon thermolysis.

Abstract: Scintillating fibers are provided comprising an outer layer, an inner layer, a fiber center and an interface between the inner and outer layers. The distance between the fiber center and any point of the interface in a fiber cross section defines a radius and the distance between the fiber center and any point located along the radius defines a fractional radius. The outer layer has an index of refraction lower than that of the inner layer. The inner layer contains a dopant non-uniformly distributed within the inner layer. Processes for the preparation of such scintillating fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation-curable primary coating compositions for optical fibers are disclosed. The primary coatings comprise a polyether polyol-based reactively terminated aliphatic urethane oligomer; one or more diluent monomers terminated with at least one end group capable of reacting with the reactive terminus of the oligomer; an organofunctional silane adhesion promoter; and an optional photoinitiator. Also disclosed are optical fibers coated with the coatings of the invention, and processes for preparing same.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a non-linear optically active (NLO) side chain polycarbonate and to NLO active waveguides containing said polycarbonate. Waveguides containing this NLO polycarbonate have a low loss of signal. Polycarbonates based on bischloroformates of hexafluorobisphenol A, hexafluorotetrabromobisphenol A and bisphenol S or deuterated bisphenol A or sulphonylbiphenol are especially preferred within the framework of the invention: they were found to give an exceptionally low loss of signal. The invention further pertains to cross-linkable and already cross-linked polycarbonates. Especially preferred polycarbonates according to the invention are those where the diol comprises a rigid donor group. These polycarbonates have a high Tg, which renders them thermally stable.

Abstract: A probe for monitoring a fluid medium employing at least one fiber optic emitting a wave into the fluid medium. The fluid medium scatters or causes luminescence of the emitted wave which is then collected by at least one fiber optic. The probe includes a base having a hole and a window covering the hole of the base, wherein the window transmits electromagnetic waves. The probe collects scattered and luminescence of waves through one or more fiber optics placed behind the window and transmits the waves to a spectrometer connected to a computer which can analyze the fluid medium on a real-time on-line basis. Piezoresistive and temperature sensing elements are deposited on the window which can also serve as a force collector diaphragm. The elements are located primarily on the periphery of the diaphragm leaving a part of the diaphragm open for transmission and collection of the waves.

Abstract: A polyimide optical waveguide comprising a core made of polyimide whose refractive index is controlled to a predetermined value by electron beam irradiation, and a cladding set in contact with the core and having a refractive index lower than that of the core.

Abstract: A curable thiol-ene composition specially adapted for use as a primary coating on optical fibers comprises a polythiol and a compound having a plurality of norbornene groups thereon, are characterized in that one of either the compound having the plurality of norbornene groups or the polythiol has a backbone of a poly(tetramethylene oxide), or is an oligomer thereof, and the poly(tetramethylene oxide) has a molecular weight of between 250 and 5,000. The formulations are relatively low viscosity liquids at practical application temperatures and cure substantially completely with very low irradiation fluence. The formulations cure in ambient air. There is no need to exclude oxygen or to control humidity. The formulations of the invention can be cured using low intensity UV lamps which do not generate significant amounts of heat. The cured products have excellent low temperature flexibility, good humidity and water absorbtion resistance and good thermal oxidative stability.

Abstract: A light guide includes a hollow tubular cladding of a fluorocarbon resin having a methacrylic or acrylic monomer graft polymerized inner surface. The cladding is integrally filled with a core of a methacrylic or acrylic resin which is polymerized to the graft polymerized surface.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention is an optical waveguide circuit comprising a substrate 30, a non-organic waveguide channel 34 disposed within one or more cladding layers 32, 36 upon the substrate and an active cladding region comprising electro-optic 40, 43 or optically non-linear polymer material 46 adjacent to the waveguide channel wherein the phase of an optical signal within the waveguide channel may be modulated by controlling the index of refraction of the active cladding region. An embodiment of the present invention uses an inorganic optical waveguide 34 with a region of active organic cladding to provide a phase modulator for a Mach-Zender interferometer which can be used to implement high speed low loss switching of optical signals.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation-curable primary coating compositions for optical fibers are disclosed. The primary coatings comprise a polyether polyol-based reactively terminated aliphatic urethane oligomer; one or more diluent monomers terminated with at least one end group capable of reacting with the reactive terminus of the oligomer; an organofunctional silane adhesion promoter; and an optional photoinitiator. Also disclosed are optical fibers coated with the coatings of the invention, and processes for preparing same.

Abstract: An optical glass fiber coated with a protective layer of photocurable polyimide coating which can be prepared from the polymeric condensation product of 6FDA, DMDE, and a photosensitizing moiety. More particularly, the present invention relates to a photocurable polyimide coated glass fiber useful for optic applications.

Abstract: A curable liquid resin composition comprising a urethane (meth)acrylate polymer obtained by reacting:(A) a polyol compound containing as structural units groups which are represented by formulae--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O-- or--CH.sub.2 CH(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.3)O--;(B) a polyisocyanate compound; and(C) at least one (meth)acrylate compound containing a hydroxyl group and coated articles produced therefrom.

Abstract: A copolymer for optical fiber applications is the polymerization product of a mixture comprising a fluorinated itaconate and an alkyl (meth)acrylate.

Abstract: A photocurable resin composition useful for producing plastic optical materials, comprises at least one compound of formula (I) represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 is H or --CH.sub.3 ; R.sub.2 is --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --; --CH.sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.3)--; --CH.sub.2 --CH(CH.sub.2 Cl)--; n.sub.1 is 1 to 6R.sub.3 is --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --; --(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --; --(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --; --(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --O--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 --;R.sub.4 is ##STR2## n.sub.2 is 1 to 2 n.sub.3 is 0 to 3and a photoinitiator. Also a polymeric material, an optical material, a lens, a protective coating for optical fibers and an adhesive for multilayer glass with the inventive photocurable resin composition are proposed.

Abstract: An organic functional thin film is comprised of a polymer of a molecule having two or more identical or different groups selected from the group consisting of a carbonyloxycarbonyl group, a carboxylic acid group, a carboxylic acid halide group, a carboxyl group, a --COCl group, an --NCO group, a --CHO group and an epoxy group and a molecule having two or more identical or different groups selected from the group consisting of an amino group, groups containing at least one amino proton, an alkylamino group, a silylated alkylamino group, a carboxylic acid group and a hydroxyl group, formed by vapor-phase deposition, the polymer-forming molecules having at least partially one or more donor and/or acceptor groups. Similar organic thin films are also disclosed. These organic thin films are useful for various electronic applications.

Abstract: A light transmitting optical fiber having at least one coating layer of an ultraviolet curing resin on an outer surface of the fiber, in which the ultraviolet curing resin used in an outermost layer has a Young's modulus of at least 100 kg/mm.sup.2 and an elongation of at least 30%.

Abstract: A new scintillating optical fiber is used in an array as a scintillator plate for imaging with high energy radiation, particles and the like. The scintillating optical fiber has an inner plastic core fiber which is transparent to visible radiation and has an index of refraction of about 1.45 or greater. The inner plastic core fiber has a plastic cladding material which has an index of refraction less than that of the inner plastic core fiber. The inner plastic core fiber contains a polymeric matrix material; a metal moiety; and an organic fluorescent material. The scintillator plates are useful in producing high efficiency and high resolution radiographic systems for x-ray medical diagnosis or non-destructive inspection as well as non-destructive inspection with thermal neutrons.

Abstract: Optical fiber and cable performance are assured by a category of UV-cured polyurethane acrylates. Low cost is the consequence of use of the polycarbonate oligomer. Good performance and long life are ascribed to other ingredients of the coatings. Dependence on the hindered phenols for antioxidant protection assures sufficient protection for these inherently stable materials without incurring fiber damage found to result from use of hindered amine antioxidants.

Abstract: Optical waveguide devices for interconnecting optical fibers and use in integrated optical systems. The invention includes a substantially dry method for making the devices and intermediate elements.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded waveguide (50) is provided. A first cladding layer (20) is provided. Channels (21) are formed in the first cladding layer (20). A second cladding layer (40) is subsequently provided. The channels (21) in the first cladding layer (20) are then filled with an optically transparent polymer. The second cladding layer (40) is subsequently affixed over the channels (21) of the first cladding layer (20), thereby enclosing the channels (21).

Abstract: A coating system for individual glass fibers of a lightwave communications system has improved strippability, particularly in situations where a group of such fibers are arrayed together in what is known as a ribbon. A preferred embodiment includes two layers (primary and secondary) of polymeric materials surrounding the glass fiber. The primary layer comprises an oligomer (50-80% by weight), a diluent (15-40% by weight), and additives (5-35% by weight). The oligomer comprises polyol "A," diisocyanate "B," and a hydroxy-terminated alkyl acrylate "C" having the structure C-B-A-B-C. At least one of the additives contains a non-crosslinked hydrocarbon component (1-20% by weight) having a structure R.sub.1 --(R).sub.n --R.sub.2 ; where R.sub.1, R.sub.2 comprises an alkyl group or an OH group, and R is a combination of C, H or C, H, O.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fiber optic rod having good mechanical properties (such as tensile strength and tensile modulus) and good water resistance and a process for producing the same. The fiber optic rod is formed by impregnating, followed by curing, a fibrous reinforcement with a resin composition composed of epoxy (meth)acrylate oligomer and xylene-formaldehyde resin, or epoxy (meth)acrylate oligomer and acid anhydride-modified epoxy (meth)acrylate (which is obtained by modifying epoxy (meth)acrylate oligomer with an organic acid intramolecular anhydride) as curable components and a reactive diluent of monofunctional and/or multifunctional (meth)acrylate and ultraviolet-sensitive polymerization initiator as essential components.

Abstract: An optical fiber cladding made of copolymers of perfluoro( 1,3 -dimethyl-2,2-dioxole) with perfluoro(butenyl vinyl ether) and, optionally, with a third comonmer are amorphous in all monomer proportions, and soluble in perfluoro(2-butyl tetrahydrofuran). Dipolymers of the present invention have lower glass transition temperatures than dipolymers of perfluoro(1,3-dimethyl-2,2-dioxole) with tetrafluoroethylene having the same monomer proportions.

Abstract: A chemically sensitive sensor capable of detecting changes in concentrations of ions, atoms, or molecules in a fluid environment in which the sensor is immersed or embedded comprises a thin clad optical fiber, which is coated with a polymer which is permeable to liquids and which contains a chemically sensitive material, and a light carrying fiber. The polymeric material has the ability to change color and/or absorbance when the concentration of the ion, atom, or molecule in the surrounding environment changes. The polymer will return to its original color and/or absorbance state once the concentration goes back to the original value. The color change or absorbance is detected through the core of the optical fiber which is connected to a photodetector. The coupling of the light into the sensing structure is obtained by using a core-only optical fiber, surrounded by a clad material, in addition to an external light source.

Abstract: An optical frequency conversion element has a wave-guiding layer which consists of a .chi..sup.(2) -active ferroelectric liquid crystal. The monomeric or polymeric liquid crystal material has a periodic structure which permits the so-called quasi phase matching of a guided laser beam. The period length of the structure is equal to twice the coherence length l.sub.c =.pi./.DELTA..beta. of the material, whereby .DELTA..beta.=.beta..sub.o (2.omega.)-2.beta..sub.o (.omega.), with .omega.=angular frequency of the fundamental wave, 0=zero-order mode and .beta.=propagation constant of the mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a curable composition for use in optical fiber cladding comprising 48.8.about.92.9 wt % of 2-(perfluorooctyl) ethyl acrylate (I), 1.3.about.23.8 wt % of 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoroproprylacrylate (II), 5.0.about.30.0 wt % of trimethylolpropane triacrylate (III), and 0.1.about.5.0 wt % of photopolymerization initiator (IV), wherein the weight ratio [(I)/(II)] of monomer (I) and monomer (II) is within a range of from 75/25 to 98/2, and an optical fiber having cladding formed by the hardening of this curable composition and a core comprising quartz.

Abstract: The method for making an optical fiber microsensor involves applying an uncured analyte sensing matrix to an optical fiber and crosslinking the sensing matrix in situ on the optical fiber to yield an ion permeable microsensor which can be used intravascularly to monitor pH, or partial pressures of oxygen or carbon dioxide in blood. The liquid form of the sensing matrix contains a crosslinking agent and a crosslinking inhibitor which can be removed by exposure to elevated temperatures to allow the sensing matrix to crosslink and cure as desired, in situ, on the surface of the optical fiber. A liquid crosslinking overcoat layer containing a crosslinking agent and a crosslinking inhibitor which can be removed by exposure to heat can also be applied over the cured sensing matrix.

Abstract: A waveguide structure is directly extruded onto a surface from a nozzle placed a predetermined distance above the surface and which is moved relative to the surface, preferably by means of a translation table. The predetermined distance is preferably maintained constant and the speed of relative motion regulated to achieve a uniform degree of molecular orientation within the extruded material, thus maintaining a sufficiently uniform refractive index along the axis of the waveguide. Partitions within the nozzle allow the formation of a layered waveguide or the simultaneous formation of concentric cladding or protective layers. The waveguides are advantageously formed as a curtain which is later patterned, by direct writing on the surface or between chips mounted on an electronic module.

Abstract: Polyimide optical waveguide structures comprising a core within a cladding wherein at least one of the core and the cladding is a polyimide containing 6FDA, BTDA, an aromatic diamine having bulky methyl groups ortho to the amine, and a co-diamine wherein the polyimides have the properties of low optical loss, low optical absorbance, controllable refractive index, and high thermal stability, and wherein the polyimides are photosensitive and solvent resistant.

Abstract: An optical waveguide sensor for the detection of acid vapors comprises a chemically sensitive reagent coating of bromothymol blue or thymol blue indicator suspended in a Nafion polymer film. The sensor uses a 562-nm light-emitting diode source and a phototransistor detector. The response to HCl and H.sub.2 S vapors is both rapid and reversible, with an estimated detection limit for H.sub.2 S of less than 15 ppmv (parts per million by volume). The sensor exhibits generalized response to protonic acid vapors, but does not produce an indicator response to CO.sub.2, even at large concentrations (60 volume-%) in the presence of water vapor. The sensor exhibits a systematic interference from water vapor which may be corrected by a differential approach, either using a reference sensor (Nafion without an indicator) or by monitoring the sensor responses at two wavelengths.

Abstract: A new scintillating optical fiber is used in an array as a scintillator plate for imaging with high energy radiation, particles and the like. The scintillating optical fiber has an inner plastic core fiber which is transparent to visible radiation and has an index of refraction of about 1.45 or greater. The inner plastic core fiber has a plastic cladding material which has an index of refraction less than that of the inner plastic core fiber. The inner plastic core fiber contains a polymeric matrix material; a metal moiety; and an organic quench-resistant fluorescent material. The scintillator plates are useful in producing high efficiency and high resolution radiographic systems for x-ray medical diagnosis or non-destructive inspection as well as non-destructive inspection with thermal neutrons.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to silver halide fibers. In one embodiment, the fiber has been doped with AgI or a metal compound of the formula MY wherein M is selected from Li, Na, K, Rb, Cr, Mg, Ca, St, Ba, Cd or Hg, and Y is selected from Cl, Br, or I. The fiber has large, elongated grain core structure and decreased infrared transmission losses and a more even/cladding interface in cladded embodiments.

Abstract: A transparent thermoplastic molding compound consisting of 40 to 90% by weight of units derived from tetrafluoroethylene, and 60 to 10% by weight of units derived from compounds of formula I or II:CF.sub.2 .dbd.CF--O--(CF.sub.2 --CF(CF.sub.3)--O).sub.m --(CF.sub.2).sub.n --CF.sub.3 (I)CF.sub.2 .dbd.CF--O--(CF.sub.2 --CF(CF.sub.3)--O).sub.p --(CF.sub.2).sub.q --COO--R (II)is particularly suitable for manufacturing the sheath of beam waveguides whose core has a higher transparency than polymethyl methacrylate.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing a planar optical waveguide based entirely on polymer materials an active polymer is deposited onto a semiconductor substrate between two layers of buffer polymers chosen so that the difference in refractive index on each side of the active polymer is between 0.005 and 0.5 and preferably between 0.01 and 0.4.

Abstract: An optical fiber connecting apparatus includes an optical fiber having a cladding made of a fluoroplastic material, a fixing sleeve made of a fluoroplastic material in which the optical fiber is inserted, an adhesive layer made of a fluoroplastic material provided between an outer circumferential surface of the optical fiber inserted in the fixing sleeve and an inner surface of the fixing sleeve, and a ferrule for fitting the fixing sleeve therein.

Abstract: An integrated optical head has first and second channels forming an interferometer. A electro-optically phase-shiftable waveguide channel is associated with one of the first and second channels of the interferometer for electro-optical phase shifting of one channel with respect to the other channel. The interferometer is formed on a silicon substrate and the phase-shiftable waveguide channel is formed of Langmuir-Blodgett thin-film electro-optic polymers described on the silicon substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a molded waveguide (50) is provided. A first cladding layer (20) is provided. Channels (21) are formed in the first cladding layer (20). A second cladding layer (40) is subsequently provided. The channels (21) in the first cladding layer (20) are then filled with an optically transparent polymer. The second cladding layer (40) is subsequently affixed over the channels (21) of the first cladding layer (20), thereby enclosing the channels (21).

Abstract: The method for making an optical fiber microsensor involves applying an uncured analyte sensing matrix to an optical fiber and crosslinking the sensing matrix in situ on the optical fiber to yield an ion permeable microsensor which can be used intravascularly to monitor pH, or partial pressures of oxygen or carbon dioxide in blood. The liquid form of the sensing matrix contains a crosslinking agent and a crosslinking inhibitor which can be removed by exposure to elevated temperatures to allow the sensing matrix to crosslink and cure as desired, in situ, on the surface of the optical fiber. A liquid crosslinking overcoat layer containing a crosslinking agent and a crosslinking inhibitor which can be removed by exposure to heat can also be applied over the cured sensing matrix.