Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multimode optical transmission medium from a synthetic resin having the distribution of refractive index varying continuously in a fixed direction. In the method, the polymerization is caused to proceed utilizing the effect of diffusion or exclusion of a monomer in the gel formed at the polymerization initiating terminal. Therefore, this method is free from the defects of methods using conventional polymerization reactions, and has an extremely high productivity.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic sensor, sensing apparatus, and methods for making optical detections are provided. The fiber optic sensor employs a fiber optic strand to convey light energy, an immobilized polymeric reaction matrix, and at least one controlled release polymeric carrier within said reaction matrix comprising a controlled release polymer material and a releasable reagent formulation able to react with the analyte of interest. The optic sensors and sensor construction have been demonstrated to be both functionally useful and long serving in duration.

Abstract: A light source unit for receiving and transmitting information to and from an optical disk or the like, which reshapes an elliptical in cross-section beam of laser light into a circular in cross-section beam of laser light by a beam shaping assembly composed of at least one lens having a cylindrical surface and an optical axis, the cylindrical surface having generatrix lines that are perpendicular to the optical axis of the lens, where the circularly shaped beam of laser light then enters a wavelength converter for generation of a second harmonic (half wavelength of the fundamental).

Abstract: An optical article is disclosed comprised of a support including a portion adjacent one major surface which is transparent to the electromagnetic radiation sought to be propagated, an organic layer unit capable of converting a portion of polarized electromagnetic radiation of a selected wavelength to its second harmonic wavelength, means for optically coupling into said organic layer unit polarized electromagnetic radiation of a selected wavelength in its zero order transverse magnetic mode, and means for receiving from the layer unit a portion of the electromagnetic radiation in the form of a first order transverse magnetic mode. The organic layer unit has a thickness which is at least 70 percent cf the wavelength of the zero order transverse magnetic mode and differs by less than 100 .ANG. from the thickness required for identical propagation constants of the zero and first order transverse magnetic modes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a curable coating composition comprising at least one fluorinated monoacrylate monomer, at least one polyethylenically unsaturated fluorinated crosslinking monomer different from the acrylate monomer, and at least one adhesion promoting monomer different from any other monomer in the composition of matter, which preferably is a fluorinated acrylamide silane. Optionally, fluorinated acrylamide silane monomers, non-fluorinated mono- or polyethylenically unsaturated monomers, or non-fluorinated silane adhesion promoting monomers may be added.The free radical polymerization product of the aforementioned coating composition provides a novel cladding material for optical fibers. The optical fibers of the invention can be used as waveguides in communications and laser delivery systems.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a multi-layer polymer optical fiber having a graded optical refractive index profile. This fiber is comprised of an inner core layer, one or more intermediate layers and an outer clad layer, each layer being extruded from a polymer material. All layers are arranged in a concentric configuration, with the outer clad layer enclosing all other layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resin molded body for optical parts, and comprises a solid solution of a polycarbonate and a polyester carbonate.In the resin molded body of the present invention, when the amount incorporated of the polyester carbonate is increased, the light transmission loss is increased, but the distortion temperature is considerably raised and a high heat resistance is obtained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a polymer-clad silica (PCS) optical fiber comprising a core of a transparent inorganic glass and a cladding of a transparent organic polymer characterized in that the amount of volatile components in its cladding is not more than 1 wt %, which method and apparatus comprise forming the core fiber, forming the cladding around the core fiber, and treating the cladding with a far infrared heater.

Abstract: Optical fibres, and a process for their production, are described which comprise tubular plastic cladding and a core of a polymer whose refractive index is at least 1% greater than that of the cladding material. The core is obtained from a polymerisable mixture which comprises compounds containing epoxy groups, of which at least 10% by weight are siloxanes containing epoxy groups.

Abstract: Esters of .alpha.-fluoroacrylic acid are accessible by hydrolysis of an .alpha.-hydroxymethyl-.alpha.-fluoromalonic acid ester, decarboxylation and dehydration of the hydrolysis product and subsequent esterification of the resulting .alpha.-fluoroacrylic acid with an alcohol. The esters are polymerizable and are suitable for use as a starting material for preparing fluoropolymers which in turn are usable as materials for manufacturing transparent articles. The polymers are high-molecular and non-crystalline and have softening temperatures of above 100.degree. C.

Abstract: Moisture-resistant UV-curable acrylate resin coated optical fibers are described, the coating compositions comprising a phosphite stabilizing agent in combination with an acrylate-terminated polyurethane oligomer wherein the urethane groups are the reaction product of an aliphatic isocyanate and a predominantly saturated, predominantly nonpolar aliphatic diol. The coating compositions offer improved curing speed while maintaining excellent thermal stability.

Abstract: 4'-Dimethylamino-4-methylstilbazolium methanesulfonate is prepared by the reaction of methyl methanesulfonate with 4-picoline followed by condensation with p-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde. Its hydrated form has second harmonic generation optical properties, but this is not true of the anhydrous form. Thus, the hydrated form is useful in the production of optical waveguides, spatial light modulators and the like.

Abstract: An optical fiber which has a cladding made of a cured material of a photosetting resin composition comprising at least one compound which has at least two unsaturated bonds in a molecule and a photopolymerization initiator, no compound which has only one unsaturated bond in a molecule being present in the composition, has excellent mechanical properties.

Abstract: Transparent thermoplastic molding composition of a polymer containinga) 10 to 95% by weight of units which are derived from a compound of the formula (I)R.sub.2.sup.1 C.dbd.CF--COO--C(CF.sub.3).sub.2 R.sup.2 (I)b) 90 to 5% by weight of units which are derived from one or more compounds of the formula (II) ##STR1## and c) 0 to 85% by weight of units which are derived from a compound of the formula (III)R.sub.2.sup.7 C.dbd.CF--COO--CR.sub.3.sup.8 (III)The molding composition is used for the production of optical objects, in particular for the production of optical fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a monomode cylindrical optical waveguide made of a polymer and endowed with electrooptic properties.According to the invention, the manufacturing process comprises the following steps:producing a cylindrical core rod (11) by polymerization of a mixture comprising a core polymer and an electrooptically active organic substance,forming a first preform (10 ) by coating the core rod (11) by means of an optical cladding (12) formed by a cladding polymer,fitting said first preform (10) into a first jacket (20) constituted by a jacket polymer,producing a second preform (30) by drawing the first jacket (20),fitting the second preform (30) into a second jacket (40) made of a jacket polymer,producing means (41, 42, 43, 44) for positioning electrodes for excitation of the active substance,fiber drawing the second jacket (40) until the core diameter (d.sub.

Abstract: Transparent thermoplastic molding compound made of 2,3-difluoroacrylic acid esters. A thermoplastic molding compound consisting of units of 2,3-difluoroacrylic acid esters or their deuterated derivatives, or containing units of these esters, is distinguished by a high glass transition temperature and a high transparency. It is therefore suitable for the manufacture of beam waveguides for long transmission distances and high continuous use temperatures.

Abstract: This invention provides superior electrooptic devices containing an organic polymeric waveguiding medium, and a process of fabricating such devices. The fabrication process utilizes a substantially stress-free organic polymeric substrate on top of which the necessary organic layers are successively deposited. The substrate is so selected that its thermal expansion coefficient is substantially close to that of the cladding layers and of the waveguiding layer.

Abstract: An optical waveguide array includes a two-dimensionally refractive index profile lens for focusing light beams in a scanning direction. The two-dimensionally refractive index profile lens is bonded to or integrally formed with the optical waveguide array. The refractive index is distributed in the two-dimensionally refractive index profile lens by changing the irradiation energy of ultraviolet ray during the manufacture. As a member for focusing the light beams in the irradiation direction which is perpendicular to the scanning direction, another two-dimensionally refractive index profile lens or a cylindrical lens is used. The optical waveguide array with such an inexpensive structure can focus the light beams both in the scanning direction and the irradiation direction. The resolution of the latent image formed on a photosensitive member can thus be improved.

Abstract: A novel all-plastic optical fiber comprising core and clad components which is tough, flexible, and which has a low transmission loss, wherein the core component is composed of a homopolymer or copolymer of a monomer selected from one or more monomers represented by the general formula (I), or a copolymer of the at least one monomer represented by the general formula (I) and other copolymerizable comonomers and which has a glass transition temperature Tg.sub.1 .degree. C.; and wherein the clad component is composed of a copolymer of perfluoro[2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxol] and one other ethylenically unsaturated monomer, and which has a glass transition temperature Tg.sub.2 .degree. C.; and which meets the relationship wherein that the absolute difference of .vertline.Tg.sub.1 -Tg.sub.2 .vertline. is not greater than 30.degree. C. ##STR1## (wherein X is CH.sub.3, H, D, F, Cl, or CF.sub.3 ; Y is H or D; and Rf is a fluoroalkyl group having a linear or branched chain).

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical component for applications in integrated optics, including a substrate that supports a stack of three polymer layers: a lower layer deposited on the substrate, a central layer and an upper layer, the lower and upper layers having optical indices smaller than that of the central layer which is electrooptical and designed to convey a light beam, the lower layer or the upper layer possessing zones having indices of different values to create a zone of confinement of the light beam in the central layer.

Abstract: A cladding composition comprising a fluorine-containing methacrylic monomer or a mixture of such monomers, and methyl methacrylate, such that the cladding composition is polymerized and then extruded or solution coated onto an optical fiber core, and an optical fiber comprising a core coated with such cladding composition, having a lower refractive index than the optical fiber core.

Abstract: Ultraviolet radiation-curable primary and secondary coating compositions for optical fibers are disclosed. The primary coatings comprise a hydrocarbon polyol-based acrylated or methacrylated aliphatic urethane oligomer; an alkyl acrylate or methacrylate monomer; a refractive index modifying monomer or oligomer; a silane adhesion promoter; and a photoinitiator. The secondary coatings comprise a polyester-based aliphatic urethane acrylate or methacrylate oligomer; an acrylated or methacrylated compound; and a photoinitiator. Also disclosed are optical fibers coated with the secondary coating alone or with the primary and secondary coatings of the invention.

Abstract: A light-transmitting plastic fiber comprising, as a core component, a methacrylimide group-containing polymer prepared by polymerizing methyl methacrylate in the absence of a chain transfer agent and then imidizing the methyl methacrylate polymer thus prepared, and another polymer as a sheath component.

Abstract: This invention provides process embodiments for fabricating polymeric channel or rib optical waveguides.An invention optical waveguide has a channel or rib structure which has a polymer thin film smooth-wall lining on its surfaces to minimize optical loss by scattering of propagating wave energy.The smooth-wall channel waveguide polymeric medium is in combination with polymeric cladding thin films to form a laminated matrix. The polymers in the waveguiding medium and the lining and cladding thin films of the laminated matrix preferably have side chains which exhibit second order nonlinear optical susceptibility, and which can be molecularly oriented by an electric field.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical glass fibre 1 having a synthetic resin coating which consists of at least two layers 2 and 3 in which the first layer 2 is formed from an elastomer forming material which can be cured by exposure to actinic radiation, and in which the optical glass fibre exhibits a great tensile strength, a small risk of static fatigue fracture and a low ageing rate, owing to the fact that the synthetic resin composition comprises between 0.1 and 5% by weight of one or more phosphorus compounds of the following structural formula: ##STR1## wherein n has a value of 1 or 2 and wherein R represents an organic group, preferably an organic group which co-reacts during curing of the elastomer forming material and is built into the polymeric network thus formed.

Abstract: A waveguiding media of polymeric materials is disclosed and claimed. In a preferred embodiment both core and cladding include X.sup.(2) materials poled to a non-centrosymmetric structure. Materials are selected so that the index difference between core and cladding remains relatively constant before and after poling so as to allow for efficient fabrication.

Abstract: Optical waveguides of very good heat resistance and good light conductivity are composed of polymers which are derived from halogenated phenyl acrylates or phenyl methacrylates.

Abstract: An optical fiber which comprises a core made of a glass material, a thin plastic cladding formed on the peripheral surface of the core and a plastic coating formed on the plastic cladding, and satisfies the conditions (1) a specific refractive index of cladding resin after curing being 0.970 to 0.985 times that of the core periphery at a practical wavelength at ambient temperature, (2) light transmission through the cladding resin after curing being 500 to 4000 dB/km at a practical wavelength, and (3) a coefficient of linear expansion of the cladding resin after curing being not larger than 2.0.times.10.sup.-4 /.degree.C., which optical fiber has a wide band-width and high NA.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer composition comprising (I) 60 to 99.8 wt. % of an amorphous copolymer comprising (a) units derived from perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole and (b) units derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer selected from ethylene, tetrafluoroethylene, chlorotrifluoroethylene, and CF.sub.2 =CFOCF.sub.3, and (II) 0.2 to 40 wt. % of a compound having a hydrocarbon group containing at least one fluorine atom and at least one functional group selected from --OH, --SR, --COOH, --SO--, --SO.sub.2 --, --CONH--, --COO--CO--, --CONHCO--, --COO--, --CN, --NCO, --CO--, --HCOO--, --NH.sub.2 --, --NH--, .dbd.N, --SO.sub.3 H, --NHNH.sub.2, --CONH.sub.2, --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2, --CH.dbd.CH--, (RO).sub.n X.sub.3-n Si--, wherein R is a C.sub.1-5 alkyl group, n is a number of 0 to 3, and X is halogen or a C.sub.1-5 alkyl group. The polymer composition is useful for a plastic cladding of an optical fiber.

Abstract: This invention provides (i) novel hexafluoroneopentyl alcohol, (ii) its derivatives, i.e., hexafluoroneopentyl (meth)acrylate, (iii) fluorinated polymers comprising said acrylate as the monomer component, and (iv) optical materials comprising said fluorinated polymers.

Abstract: A plastic optical fiber comprising a core polymer having a refractive index of n.sub.1, which comprises a polymer of .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid fluoroalkylester represented by the general formula [I] as the main monomer, and a clad copolymer having a refractive index of n.sub.2, which comprises perfluoro(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole) as the main monomer, and which satisfies the relationship of (n.sub.1 -n.sub.2 .gtoreq.0.01): ##STR1## wherein X represents CH.sub.3, H, D, F, Cl, or CF.sub.3, Y represents H or D, and Rf represents a fluoroalkyl group having a linear or branched chain. The optical fiber is prepared by a melt-extrusion method. The optical fiber has excellent light transmitting properties, and it is suitable as an optical fiber for long distance light communication.

Abstract: A fiber optic chemical sensor is made water repellent by attaching a plurality of long, hydrophobic chains, e.g. silane polymers, to the surface. The chains extend from the surface and form a semi-permeable barrier which repels water molecules while selectively passing analyte molecules therethrough. In one configuration, the hydrophobic chains are attached substantially uniformly over the clad. In a second configuration, the clad is a plurality of spaced stripes with the hydrophobic chains attached in the gaps between the stripes. In another configuration, a patterned hydrophobic coating of alternating thick and thin segments is formed on the clad.

Abstract: This invention provides polymeric chanel waveguides which are formed by means of an excimer laser photoablation procedure. The smooth-wall channel waveguides polymeric medium is in combination with polymeric cladding layers to form a laminated matrix. The polymers in the waveguiding medium and the cladding layers of the laminated matrix have side chains which exhibit second order nonlinear optical susceptibility, and which can be molecularly oriented by an electric field.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical fiber comprising a cladding and a core wherein the cladding comprises a terpolymer comprising:(1) about 50 to about 90 mol. % of vinylidene fluoride,(2) about 8 to about 45 mol. % of trifluoroethylene and(3) about 2 to about 15 mol. % of hexafluoropropylene or perfluoro(alkylvinylether).

Abstract: A plastic optical fiber comprising a fluorine-containing core polymer consisting essentially of 1) a group (A) of repeating units having a cyclic structure represented by general formula (I) and/or general formula (II); or 2) the group (A) above and group (B) of repeating units represented by general formula (III) wherein the content of the group (A) in the core polymer is at least 80 wt %; and a clad copolymer of perfluoro(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole) and at least one other ethylenically unsaturated monomer having a refractive index below that of the core polymer. ##STR1## (wherein n is 1 or 2)--CF.sub.2 --CFX (III)(wherein X is F, Cl, O--CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.3, O--CF.sub.2 CF(CF.sub.3)OCF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 SO.sub.2 F, or O--CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 CF.sub.2 COOCH.sub.3)This plastic optical fiber has heat-resistance and very few water-absorbing properties, and can transmit not only visible rays but also rays having wavelengths in the near infrared region.

Abstract: Melt-processible copolymers of at least two halogenated comonomers from a defined class, especially perhalogenated comonomers, and particularly perfluorinated comonomers, of improved thermal stability are obtained by first contacting the copolymers with a stabilizing agent selected from bases (ammonia or amines) having a boiling point at normal pressure of at most 130.degree. C. and tertiary alcohols having up to 8 carbon atoms, to form an intermediate, drying the intermediate at about 70.degree.-150.degree. C., and fluorinating the intermediate at a temperature between 20.degree. C. and the lowest temperature at which the copolymer exhibits a solid state transistion, then removing excess fluorine and by-products and recovering the stabilized copolymer. Such stabilized copolymers are useful for a variety of technically important applications, including as cladding for optical fibers, substrates for electronic components, thermal laminates, pipes, tubes, and fittings, etc.

Abstract: A plate plastics optical waveguide includes a core portion composed of a polymer containing a deuterium atom or a halogen atom, and a clad portion which surrounds the core portion and is composed of a polymer having a refractive index lower than that of the core portion. A plastics optical waveguide having a core portion comprising a deuterated or halogenated polyacrylate or polysiloxane shows an optical loss of 0.1 dB/cm or less for light having a wavelength of 1.3 .mu.m.

Abstract: This invention provides process embodiments for fabrication of organic optical waveguides. A preferred invention optical waveguide consists of a thin film matrix of three electrodes, one of which has a spatial periodic structure, and a side chain polymeric waveguiding medium positioned between two side chain polymeric cladding layers. The electrodes are adapted to apply electric fields of opposite polarity and to pole the polymer side chains bidirectionally in a noncentrosymmetric orientation of periodic reverse polarity. The waveguiding medium and cladding thin films exhibit second order nonlinear optical susceptibility .chi..sup.(2), and are adapted to phase-match propagating radiation waves.

Abstract: A structure comprising a layer of polymeric material containing epoxy groups having preselected regions of different degrees of polymerization and different refractive indices; and a method for forming a structure comprising a layer of polymeric material containing epoxy groups having preselected regions of differing degrees of polymerization and differing refractive indices which comprises providing a polymeric material containing epoxy groups on a support and selectively modifying the refractive index in said material.

Abstract: Novel coating compositions for coating optical fibers are provided which utilize ultraviolet radiation-curable epoxy-functional or vinyl-functional diorganopolysiloxanes to form flexible, loosely adherent, and environmentally stable primary coatings. Such coatings assist in preventing attenuation of light impulses transmitted through the core fiber or reduce the level of signal "noise". Use of the particular coating compositions allows high-speed production of such optical fibers.

Abstract: A polymer clad optical fiber comprising a core made of glass selected from the group consisting of quartz glass and optical glass, a cladding made of a cured material of a polymer composition comprising a ladder type polymethylsiloxane, a linear polymethylsiloxane having hydroxyl groups and optionally a solvent, and optionally a protecting layer made of a polymer material comprising a ladder type polysiloxane having phenyl side groups, which has low light transmission loss and increased mechanical strength.

Abstract: Disclosed is a resin composition comprising a copolymer [I] having a number average molecular weight of at least 15,000, which comprises at least 30 mole % of the following recurring units [A]: ##STR1## and a compound [II] having a number average molecular weight of at least 1,000, which is comprised of perfluoroalkylether recurring units [D]. This resin composition is used as a cladding of a core-clad optical fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a planar optical waveguide that is manufacturable by the compression molding or embossing of a multilayer film of polymeric material. In one embodiment, the waveguide comprises a core layer of relatively high refractive index included between cladding layers of lower refractive index. The waveguiding channels are bounded by regions where the cladding layers are in contact and from which core material has been excluded.