C03C 3/32 - Non-oxide glass compositions, e.g. binary or ternary halides, sulfides, or nitrides of germanium, selenium or tellurium
C03C 13/04 - Fibre optics, e.g. core and clad fibre compositions
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
An image-conducting optical fiber bundle extends along a central bundle axis between image input and image output ends. The bundle is twisted along a portion of its length such that an image inputted into the image input end is angularly displaced about the central bundle axis before being outputted through the image output end. Each constituent optical fiber includes a cladding with a cladding diameter corresponding with the fiber diameter of that fiber and a core with a core diameter. The ratio of the core diameter to the cladding diameter defines a core-to-clad diameter ratio relative to each fiber. In various embodiments, at least one of fiber diameter and core-to-clad diameter ratio varies as a function of a fiber's radial displacement from the central bundle axis.
G02B 6/06 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres the relative position of the fibres being the same at both ends, e.g. for transporting images
G02B 6/44 - Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
The present disclosure relates to structured protective windows that have high transmission efficiency and can isolate light between different sections of the window. The structured protective windows are less prone to glass breakage compared to conventional protective windows that are typically used to protect and isolate light transmitting and light receiving components in LiDAR exterior automotive applications.
The current disclosure relates to highly homogeneous glass sputter targets with a large aspect ratio and a high relative density. The glass sputter targets have properties that are desirable for forming thin films by physical vapor deposition processes such as sputtering.
The invention relates to a method for cooling at least one sputter target (1), wherein a sputter target (1) is retained on a target carrier (3), heat is removed from the target carrier (3) and the target by means of a heat sink (2), and the target carrier (3) and in particular also the sputter target (1) are cooled in particular by a heat pump (4) to a temperature that is lower than the temperature of the heat sink (2). The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.
The current disclosure relates to highly homogeneous glass sputter targets with a large aspect ratio and a high relative density. The glass sputter targets have properties that are desirable for forming thin films by physical vapor deposition processes such as sputtering. Methods for producing chalcogenide glass sputter targets are included.
C03B 23/025 - Re-forming glass sheets by bending by gravity
C23C 14/22 - Coating by vacuum evaporation, by sputtering or by ion implantation of the coating forming material characterised by the process of coating
The present disclosure relates to structured protective windows that have high transmission efficiency and can isolate light between different sections of the window. The structured protective windows are less prone to glass breakage compared to conventional protective windows that are typically used to protect and isolate light transmitting and light receiving components in LiDAR exterior automotive applications.
The present disclosure relates to light isolating arrays (can also be called "light pipes" or "light pipe arrays") that enable high transmission efficiency and isolation of light from one location, for example a lens, to another location, for example an array of photodetector diodes (each a "PD"). The light isolating arrays can provide optical isolation of the input light and can eliminate cross talk thus enhancing the resolution via increased contrast of the incoming signal. The light isolating arrays can also protect the PD's from contamination when used in outdoor devices.
G02B 6/00 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
G02B 6/10 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings of the optical waveguide type
An ordered emitter array includes a plurality of micro-emitters configured to emit light. A light combiner configured as a partially fused optical fiber bundle has opposed bundle input and outputs ends between which there extends a plurality of constituent optical fibers. Each optical fiber has opposed light-input and light-output ends coinciding with, respectively, the bundle input and output ends. The light-input end of each optical fiber is aligned with a micro-emitter. Collectively, the light-input ends define a combiner input array having an input-array density indicative of the quantity of light-input ends per unit area, while the light-output ends define a combiner output array having an output-array density indicative of the quantity of light-output ends per unit area. While the diameter of each optical fiber remains constant, the optical fibers collectively taper such that the output-array density is higher than the input-array density.
G02B 6/42 - Coupling light guides with opto-electronic elements
G02B 6/04 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
H01S 5/40 - Arrangement of two or more semiconductor lasers, not provided for in groups
10.
SPILL RETENTION MECHANISMS FOR COOKTOPS AND OTHER SUBSTRATES
The present disclosure describes spill retention mechanisms for cooktops and other substrates. The spill retention mechanisms can hinder the movement of liquids primarily due to the physical attributes of the mechanisms, unlike hydrophobic mechanisms which hinder movement primarily due to the chemical attributes of the hydrophobic material.
C03C 3/32 - Non-oxide glass compositions, e.g. binary or ternary halides, sulfides, or nitrides of germanium, selenium or tellurium
C03C 13/04 - Fibre optics, e.g. core and clad fibre compositions
G01L 1/24 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations of optical properties of material when it is stressed, e.g. by photoelastic stress analysis
G21K 4/00 - Conversion screens for the conversion of the spatial distribution of particles or ionising radiation into visible images, e.g. fluoroscopic screens
C03C 3/32 - Non-oxide glass compositions, e.g. binary or ternary halides, sulfides, or nitrides of germanium, selenium or tellurium
C03C 4/12 - Compositions for glass with special properties for luminescent glassCompositions for glass with special properties for fluorescent glass
The present disclosure describes optically enhanced high resolution image guides having a high core to cladding area ratio with reduced spectral transmission loss and reduced cross talk while maintaining high resolution and high transmission.
G02B 6/06 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres the relative position of the fibres being the same at both ends, e.g. for transporting images
The present disclosure relates to compositions that can be used for optical fibers and other systems that transmit light in the near-, mid- and/or far-ranges of the infrared spectrum, such as for example in the wavelength range of 1.5 μm to 14 μm. The optical fibers may comprise a light-transmitting chalcogenide core composition and a cladding composition. In some embodiments, the light-transmitting chalcogenide core composition has a refractive index n(core) and a coefficient of thermal expansion CTE(core), and the cladding composition has a refractive index n(cladding) and a coefficient of thermal expansion CTE(cladding), wherein n(cladding) is less than n(core) and in some embodiments wherein CTE(cladding) is less than CTE(core). In some embodiments, the chalcogenide glass core composition comprises a) sulfur and/or selenium, b) germanium, and c) gallium, indium, tin and/or one or more metal halides.
C03C 17/34 - Surface treatment of glass, e.g. of devitrified glass, not in the form of fibres or filaments, by coating with at least two coatings having different compositions
The present disclosure relates to non-metallic articles that can be burner shields having grease flow control and/or chemical resistance. The present disclosure also relates to glass-ceramic burner shields that can have grease flow control and/or chemical resistance, and preferably both.
The invention relates to a polycrystalline IR transparent material produced by sintering chalcogenide powder, e.g., ZnS powder, using hot uniaxial pressing followed by hot isostatic pressing. The microstructure of the material described in this disclosure is much finer than that found in material produced using the state of the art process. By using a powder with a particle size fine enough to improve sintering behavior but coarse enough to prevent a lowering of the wurtzite-sphalerite transition temperature, a highly transparent material with improved strength is created without degrading the optical properties. A high degree of transparency is achieved during hot pressing by applying pressure after the part has reached a desired temperature. This allows some degree of plastic deformation and prevents rapid grain growth which can entrap porosity. The crystallographic twins created during this process further inhibit grain growth during hot isostatic pressing.
C04B 35/547 - Shaped ceramic products characterised by their compositionCeramic compositionsProcessing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on non-oxides based on sulfides or selenides
G02B 1/02 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements made of crystals, e.g. rock-salt, semiconductors
The present disclosure relates to compositions that can be used for optical fibers and other systems that transmit light in the near-, mid- and/or far-ranges of the infrared spectrum, such as for example in the wavelength range of 1.5 μm to 14 μm. The optical fibers may comprise a light-transmitting chalcogenide core composition and a cladding composition. In some embodiments, the light-transmitting chalcogenide core composition has a refractive index n(core) and a coefficient of thermal expansion CTE(core), and the cladding composition has a refractive index n(cladding) and a coefficient of thermal expansion CTE(cladding), wherein n(cladding) is less than n(core) and in some embodiments wherein CTE(cladding) is less than CTE(core), in some embodiments, the chalcogenide glass core composition comprises a) sulfur and/or selenium, b) germanium, and c) gallium, indium, tin and/or one or more metal halides.
The invention relates to phosphate-based glasses suitable for use as a solid laser medium, doped with Er3+ and sensitized with Yb, in “eye-safe” applications. In particular, the invention relates to improving the physical properties of such phosphate-based laser glass composition, particularly with regards to strength of the glass structure and improved thermal shock resistance.
C03C 4/12 - Compositions for glass with special properties for luminescent glassCompositions for glass with special properties for fluorescent glass
C03C 4/14 - Compositions for glass with special properties for electro-conductive glass
C03C 3/062 - Glass compositions containing silica with less than 40% silica by weight
H01S 3/06 - Construction or shape of active medium
H01S 3/092 - Processes or apparatus for excitation, e.g. pumping using optical pumping by incoherent light of flash lamp
H01S 3/0941 - Processes or apparatus for excitation, e.g. pumping using optical pumping by coherent light of a semiconductor laser, e.g. of a laser diode
H01S 3/0933 - Processes or apparatus for excitation, e.g. pumping using optical pumping by incoherent light of a semiconductor, e.g. light emitting diode
An image-conducting optical fiber bundle extends along a central bundle axis between image input and image output ends. The bundle is twisted along a portion of its length such that an image inputted into the image input end is angularly displaced about the central bundle axis before being outputted through the image output end. Each constituent optical fiber includes a cladding with a cladding diameter corresponding with the fiber diameter of that fiber and a core with a core diameter. The ratio of the core diameter to the cladding diameter defines a core-to-clad diameter ratio relative to each fiber. In various embodiments, at least one of fiber diameter and core-to-clad diameter ratio varies as a function of a fiber's radial displacement from the central bundle axis.
G02B 6/06 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres the relative position of the fibres being the same at both ends, e.g. for transporting images
G02B 23/26 - Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies, e.g. fibrescopes using light guides
H01B 3/08 - Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances quartzInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances glassInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances glass woolInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances slag woolInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances vitreous enamels
H01B 3/12 - Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances ceramics
H01B 17/58 - Tubes, sleeves, beads or bobbins through which the conductor passes
H01B 19/00 - Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing insulators or insulating bodies
C03C 3/068 - Glass compositions containing silica with less than 40% silica by weight containing boron containing rare earths
C03C 3/064 - Glass compositions containing silica with less than 40% silica by weight containing boron
C03C 10/00 - Devitrified glass ceramics, i.e. glass ceramics having a crystalline phase dispersed in a glassy phase and constituting at least 50% by weight of the total composition
C03C 8/02 - Frit compositions, i.e. in a powdered or comminuted form
H01B 3/08 - Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances quartzInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances glassInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances glass woolInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances slag woolInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances vitreous enamels
C03C 8/24 - Fusion seal compositions being frit compositions having non-frit additions, i.e. for use as seals between dissimilar materials, e.g. glass and metalGlass solders
C03C 8/02 - Frit compositions, i.e. in a powdered or comminuted form
C03C 3/064 - Glass compositions containing silica with less than 40% silica by weight containing boron
C03C 10/00 - Devitrified glass ceramics, i.e. glass ceramics having a crystalline phase dispersed in a glassy phase and constituting at least 50% by weight of the total composition
E21B 33/038 - Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser
27.
Optical bonding through the use of low-softening point optical glass for IR optical applications and products formed
The invention relates to infrared devices, which contain at least two optical elements that are bonded together by a low-temperature melting glass which possesses transparency in the infrared spectrum, and methods of preparation and use of said infrared devices.
B32B 37/04 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the partial melting of at least one layer
B32B 17/06 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
G02B 1/10 - Optical coatings produced by application to, or surface treatment of, optical elements
C03C 3/23 - Silica-free oxide glass compositions containing halogen and at least one oxide, e.g. oxide of boron
C03C 3/32 - Non-oxide glass compositions, e.g. binary or ternary halides, sulfides, or nitrides of germanium, selenium or tellurium
C03C 4/10 - Compositions for glass with special properties for infrared transmitting glass
C03C 8/24 - Fusion seal compositions being frit compositions having non-frit additions, i.e. for use as seals between dissimilar materials, e.g. glass and metalGlass solders
C03C 8/02 - Frit compositions, i.e. in a powdered or comminuted form
A glass composition and a method for producing the glass composition having an improved infrared transmission are provided. The composition includes indium and or cadmium; germanium; phosphorus, arsenic, and/or antimony; silver; lead; and sulfur, selenium, and/or tellurium. The method is performed by melting a mixture for a time period of between about 5 to about 48 hours and mixing the mixture at a temperature range that is between about 600-1000° C.
The invention relates to chalcogenide glass compositions for use in a lens system to balance thermal effects and chromatic effects and thereby provide an achromatic and athermal optical element that efficiently maintains achromatic performance across a broad temperature range. The glass composition is based on sulfur compounded with germanium, arsenic and/or gallium, and may further comprise halides of, for example, silver, zinc, or alkali metals. Alternatively, is based on selenium compounded with gallium, and preferably germanium, and contains chlorides and/or bromides of, for example, zinc, lead or alkali metals.
11, to reduce the effect of stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS). The invention further relates to a compensation fiber segment for connection to a silica optical fiber, the compensation fiber segment being made of a glass composition having an electrostrictive coefficient that opposes that of the silica optical fiber so that an acoustic wave transmitted to compensation fiber segment from the silica optical fiber will generate an acoustic wave within the compensation fiber segment that is about 180 degrees out of phase with the that acoustic wave transmitted from the silica optical fiber, thereby minimizing the effect of stimulated Brillouin Scattering.
The invention relates to a polycrystalline IR transparent material produced by sintering chalcogenide powder, e.g., ZnS powder, using hot uniaxial pressing followed by hot isostatic pressing. The microstructure of the material described in this disclosure is much finer than that found in material produced using the state of the art process. By using a powder with a particle size fine enough to improve sintering behavior but coarse enough to prevent a lowering of the wurtzite-sphalerite transition temperature, a highly transparent material with improved strength is created without degrading the optical properties. A high degree of transparency is achieved during hot pressing by applying pressure after the part has reached a desired temperature. This allows some degree of plastic deformation and prevents rapid grain growth which can entrap porosity. The crystallographic twins created during this process further inhibit grain growth during hot isostatic pressing.
C04B 35/547 - Shaped ceramic products characterised by their compositionCeramic compositionsProcessing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on non-oxides based on sulfides or selenides
G02B 1/02 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements made of crystals, e.g. rock-salt, semiconductors
H01B 3/08 - Insulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances quartzInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances glassInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances glass woolInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances slag woolInsulators or insulating bodies characterised by the insulating materialsSelection of materials for their insulating or dielectric properties mainly consisting of inorganic substances vitreous enamels
C03C 3/091 - Glass compositions containing silica with 40% to 90% silica by weight containing boron containing aluminium
C03C 3/093 - Glass compositions containing silica with 40% to 90% silica by weight containing boron containing aluminium containing zinc or zirconium
C03C 4/16 - Compositions for glass with special properties for dielectric glass
C03C 8/24 - Fusion seal compositions being frit compositions having non-frit additions, i.e. for use as seals between dissimilar materials, e.g. glass and metalGlass solders
C03C 10/00 - Devitrified glass ceramics, i.e. glass ceramics having a crystalline phase dispersed in a glassy phase and constituting at least 50% by weight of the total composition
G21C 17/116 - Passages or insulators, e.g. for electric cables
E21B 33/038 - Connectors used on well heads, e.g. for connecting blow-out preventer and riser
G21C 13/036 - Joints between tubes and vessel walls, e.g. taking into account thermal stresses the tube passing through the vessel wall, i.e. continuing on both sides of the wall
33.
PIEZOELECTRIC GLASS CERAMIC COMPOSITIONS AND PIEZOELECTRIC DEVICES MADE THEREFROM
(M1Ox) - (M2Oy) - SiO2 wherein Mi is one or more metals and/or metalloids, M2 is one or more metals and/or metalloids, x is a value equal to the valence of M1, and y is a value equal to the valence of M2. The piezoelectric glass ceramic has a total alkali metal concentration of less than about 1000 parts per million by weight (ppmw). A process of preparing a piezoelectric glass ceramic and a piezoelectric glass ceramic body prepared therefrom.
C04B 35/495 - Shaped ceramic products characterised by their compositionCeramic compositionsProcessing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on oxides based on vanadium, niobium, tantalum, molybdenum or tungsten oxides or solid solutions thereof with other oxides, e.g. vanadates, niobates, tantalates, molybdates or tungstates
34.
Piezoelectric glass ceramic compositions and piezoelectric devices made therefrom
2. The piezoelectric glass ceramic has a total alkali metal concentration of less than about 1000 parts per million by weight (ppmw). A process of preparing a piezoelectric glass ceramic and a piezoelectric glass ceramic body prepared therefrom.
C04B 35/14 - Shaped ceramic products characterised by their compositionCeramic compositionsProcessing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on oxides based on silica
C03C 10/00 - Devitrified glass ceramics, i.e. glass ceramics having a crystalline phase dispersed in a glassy phase and constituting at least 50% by weight of the total composition
C03C 3/078 - Glass compositions containing silica with 40% to 90% silica by weight containing an oxide of a divalent metal, e.g. an oxide of zinc
C03B 32/02 - Thermal crystallisation, e.g. for crystallising glass bodies into glass-ceramic articles
H01L 41/18 - Selection of materials for piezo-electric or electrostrictive elements
The shaped composites of the present disclosure have metal powder bonded with glass powder. This feature provides the advantages of metal, metal powder, or glass composite materials, without suffering from the disadvantages. The composite is prepared with simple sintering methods, and can easily be formed into any number of desired shapes with dimensional characteristics and ingredients suited to a particular application.
The shaped composites of the present disclosure have metal powder bonded with glass powder. This feature provides the advantages of metal, metal powder, or glass composite materials, without suffering from the disadvantages. The composite is prepared with simple sintering methods, and can easily be formed into any number of desired shapes with dimensional characteristics and ingredients suited to a particular application.
B22F 3/22 - Manufacture of workpieces or articles from metallic powder characterised by the manner of compacting or sinteringApparatus specially adapted therefor for producing castings from a slip
C22C 32/00 - Non-ferrous alloys containing at least 5% by weight but less than 50% by weight of oxides, carbides, borides, nitrides, silicides or other metal compounds, e.g. oxynitrides, sulfides, whether added as such or formed in situ
37.
OPTICAL ELEMENT FOR MIE SCATTERING LIGHT FROM AN OPTICAL FIBER
The invention relates to an optical scattering element suitable for dispersing or scattering light transmitted by optical device by Mie scattering. The optical scattering element comprises a phase-separated or porous borosilicate glass having dispersed phase particles with a particle size of 200 to 500 nanometers or pores with a size of 200 to 500 nanometers, at a number density of 108 to 1012 mm-3. The optical scattering element can be prepared by subjecting a borosilicate glass to a controlled heat treatment to induce phase separation, and then optionally leaching out one of the phases with an acid leach. The optical scattering element can be, for example, attached to an end of an optical fiber or bundle of optical fibers. The invention also relates to a method of dispersing or scattering light by transmitting the light through the optical scattering element.
A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor
C03C 3/108 - Glass compositions containing silica with 40% to 90% silica by weight containing lead containing boron
F21V 8/00 - Use of light guides, e.g. fibre optic devices, in lighting devices or systems
−3. The optical scattering element can be prepared by subjecting a borosilicate glass to a controlled heat treatment to induce phase separation, and then optionally leaching out one of the phases with an acid leach. The optical scattering element can be, for example, attached to an end of an optical fiber or bundle of optical fibers. The invention also relates to a method of dispersing or scattering light by transmitting the light through the optical scattering element.
G02B 6/00 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
A61B 1/00 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor
F21V 8/00 - Use of light guides, e.g. fibre optic devices, in lighting devices or systems
C03C 3/089 - Glass compositions containing silica with 40% to 90% silica by weight containing boron
C03C 3/093 - Glass compositions containing silica with 40% to 90% silica by weight containing boron containing aluminium containing zinc or zirconium
The invention relates to an optical fiber comprising a core and a cladding, wherein the core is made of a glass composition having a near-zero electrostrictive coefficient M11, to reduce the effect of stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS). The invention further relates to a compensation fiber segment for connection to a silica optical fiber, the compensation fiber segment being made of a glass composition having an electrostrictive coefficient that opposes that of the silica optical fiber so that an acoustic wave transmitted to compensation fiber segment from the silica optical fiber will generate an acoustic wave within the compensation fiber segment that is about 180 degrees out of phase with the that acoustic wave transmitted from the silica optical fiber, thereby minimizing the effect of stimulated Brillouin Scattering.
Broadening the rare earth ion emission bandwidth, increasing emission cross section, and or shifting peak emission wavelength in nd doped aluminate or silicate glasses
2) is incorporated into a phosphate glass host system, preferably in replacement of lanthanum oxide, to shift the peak emission wavelength to a wavelength shorter than 1054 nm. The invention further relates to a laser system using mixed-glass arrangement and phase compensation, wherein one of the glasses of the mixed glass system is an Nd-doped (and/or Yb-doped and/or Er-doped) phosphate laser glass having a peak emission wavelength that is shorter than 1054 nm, and a method of generating a laser beam pulse using such a laser system.
The invention relates to glasses for use in solid laser applications, particularly short-pulsed, high peak power laser applications. In particular, the invention relates to a method for broadening the emission bandwidth of rare earth ions used as lasing ions in solid laser glass mediums, especially phosphate-based glass compositions, using Nd and Yb as co-dopants. The invention further relates to a laser system using a Nd-doped and Yb-doped phosphate laser glass, and a method of generating a laser beam pulse using such a laser system.
The invention relates to a polycrystalline IR transparent material produced by sintering chalcogenide powder, e.g., ZnS powder, using hot uniaxial pressing followed by hot isostatic pressing. The microstructure of the material described in this disclosure is much finer than that found in material produced using the state of the art process. By using a powder with a particle size fine enough to improve sintering behavior but coarse enough to prevent a lowering of the wurtzite-sphalerite transition temperature, a highly transparent material with improved strength is created without degrading the optical properties. A high degree of transparency is achieved during hot pressing by applying pressure after the part has reached a desired temperature. This allows some degree of plastic deformation and prevents rapid grain growth which can entrap porosity. The crystallographic twins created during this process further inhibit grain growth during hot isostatic pressing.
C04B 35/547 - Shaped ceramic products characterised by their compositionCeramic compositionsProcessing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products based on non-oxides based on sulfides or selenides
G02B 1/02 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements made of crystals, e.g. rock-salt, semiconductors
Disclosed are silica and fluoride doped lead-bismuth-gallium heavy metal oxide glasses for visible to mid-wave Infrared Radiation transmitting optics and preparation thereof. The glasses comprise in mol% 20-40 PbO, 5-20 Bi2O3, 10-30 Ga2O3, 30-50 SiO2, 0-20 PbF2, 0-20 ZnF2, 0-20 InF2, and 1-20 PbF2 + ZnF2 + lnF2.
Disclosed are silica and fluoride doped lead-bismuth-gallium heavy metal oxide glasses for visible to mid-wave Infrared Radiation transmitting optics and preparation thereof.
The invention relates to chalcogenide glass compositions for use in a lens system to balance thermal effects and chromatic effects and thereby provide an achromatic and athermal optical element that efficiently maintains achromatic performance across a broad temperature range. The glass composition is based on sulfur compounded with germanium, arsenic and/or gallium, and may further comprise halides of, for example, silver, zinc, or alkali metals. Alternatively, is based on selenium compounded with gallium, and preferably germanium, and contains chlorides and/or bromides of, for example, zinc, lead or alkali metals.
The invention relates to chalcogenide glass compositions for use in a lens system to balance thermal effects and chromatic effects and thereby provide an achromatic and a thermal optical element that efficiently maintains achromatic performance across a broad temperature range. The glass composition is based on sulfur compounded with germanium, arsenic and/or gallium, and may further comprise halides of, for example, silver, zinc, or alkali metals. Alternatively, the glass composition is based on selenium compounded with gallium, and preferably germanium, and contains chlorides and/or bromides of, for example, zinc, lead or alkali metals.
Disclosed are a phase separable glass compositions used to produce chemically durable porous glass, e.g., porous glass powder, and the application of a sol gel coating to the glass to enhance chemical durability of the glass in alkaline solutions, and to the use of the glass, e.g., glass powder, as substrates for separation technology where harsh alkaline environments (pH ≥ 8 e.g., pH 12-14) are routinely prevalent.
A multilayer armor is provided that includes a first rigid layer, a second rigid layer, and an interlayer securing the first and second rigid layers to one another. At least one of the first and second rigid layers can include a plurality of regions with a physical or material property that varies between the regions. The interlayer can have a force- extension ratio of 5,600 psi/in or less. The interlayer can have a physical or material property that varies within the interlayer.
A transparent laminate structure is provided that includes a front section, a rear section, and a middle section securing the front and rear sections to one another with a gap therebetween. The front section has a strike face formed of an impact resistant layer and a polymer backing layer bonded to the impact resistant layer by an interlayer. The rear section has a forward face comprising at least one polymer layer. The front and middle sections can form an integral subassembly.
A light-emitting wand is configured for selective cooperative coupling with a handset. The wand extends between longitudinally opposed wand-body proximal and distal ends, the distal end being configured to retain a light-emitting element. Extending in mutual parallel alignment between the proximal and distal ends are electrically-conductive first and second core members. Each core member has, at the distal end, a light-source contact configured for electrical contact with a respective pole of the light-emitting element and, at the proximal end, a power-source contact configured for electrical contact with a respective terminal of an electrical-power source. The core members are maintained in mutual electrical isolation and overmolded with an electrically-insulative material through which the power-source contacts are exposed in order to enable selective electrical connection with electrical- power source terminals. In addition to carrying electrical current, the core members serve as heat sinks to dissipate the thermal output of the light-emitting element.
A61B 1/06 - Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopesIlluminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
53.
Automated light-line calibration system and method of calibrating an optical fiber light line assembly
A method of calibrating the intensity with which light is emitted through the light-emission face of an optical fiber light line assembly employs (i) a data processing system with computer memory, (ii) a camera communicatively linked to the data processing system, and (iii) a signal-responsive scoring device communicatively linked to the data processing system. Light is introduced into the assembly, an image of the emitting face is captured, and corresponding image data is stored in computer memory. The image data is segmented into plural image-data segments corresponding to physical sub-regions of the imaged face. The image-data segments are algorithmically analyzed to identify the sub-region that emits inputted light with the lowest intensity, and emission-intensity data associated with that sub-region is identified as reference emission data. Comparative analysis of the image-data segments identifies “non-compliant” sub-regions that emit light with unacceptably high intensity in accordance with a pre-established parameter set. The data processing system issues scoring signals that cause the scoring device to score each non-compliant sub-region until that sub-region emits light with acceptable average intensity.
A transparent laminate structure is provided that includes two transparent layers, a transparent interlayer, and an inorganic barrier layer. The two transparent layers each have an inner face and a side edge. The transparent interlayer is between and laminates the inner faces of the two transparent layers to one another. The transparent interlayer also extends over the side edges of the two transparent layers and laminates the inorganic barrier layer to at least the side edges of the two transparent layers.
B29C 51/28 - Component parts, details or accessoriesAuxiliary operations for applying pressure through the wall of an inflated bag or diaphragm
B29C 51/26 - Component parts, details or accessoriesAuxiliary operations
B32B 17/10 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 17/06 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
Disclosed are the use of phosphate-based glasses as a solid state laser gain medium, in particular, the invention relates to broadening the emission bandwidth of rare earth ions used as lasing ions in a phosphate-based glass composition, where the broadening of the emission bandwidth is believed to be achieved by the hybridization of the glass network.
The present invention relates to a method of bonding a gold surface to a second surface which comprises heating a hybrid organic-inorganic melting gel >50° C., applying the melting gel to either the gold surface or the second surface. The melting gel is heated to above 130° C. until the melting gel has cured sufficiently to bond the surfaces together. The invention also relates to a combination of a gold surface and a second surface that is bonded together with a hybrid organic-inorganic melting gel. In another aspect of the invention the hybrid organic-inorganic melting gel is heated to a workable viscosity and cast into a film, sheet, block or lens. The cast gel is cured or partially cured and then applied between the gold surface and the second surface. Additional uncured melting gel may be applied. The construct is heated to above 130° C. until the melting gel has cured sufficient to bond the surfaces together.
B32B 15/08 - Layered products essentially comprising metal comprising metal as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance of synthetic resin
B32B 17/06 - Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or fibres of glass, slag or the like comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific substance
B32B 37/02 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by a sequence of laminating steps, e.g. by adding new layers at consecutive laminating stations
58.
Optical components with variable electro-chromic extra-mural absorption capability
An optical component includes at least one light-guiding element with a side surface extending between incident and emission faces between which light that is introduced into the incident face can propagate by internal reflection. Disposed over at least a portion of the side surface of at least one of the at least one light-guiding elements is an extramural absorption material that is configured to selectively absorb “stray light” that enters the incident face of the light-guiding element, but which exists through the side surface instead of the emission face. The absorption material is fabricated, at least in part, from an electro-chromic material exhibiting a translucency that is selectively adjustable in response to changes in at least one of (i) electrical current applied through at least a portion of the absorption material and (ii) an electrical potential difference applied between disparate locations within the absorption material.
G02B 6/04 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
59.
Method of coating and handling multiple optical components simultaneously
A method of processing a plurality of optical components simultaneously includes providing a plate structure with first and second opposed plate faces and a plurality of the optical components retained within a sacrificial matrix material. Each optical component includes first and second component faces coinciding with, respectively, the first and second plate faces The matrix and optical-component materials are selected such that the former is soluble in a solvent in which the latter is relatively insoluble. A portion of the matrix material is dissolved is order to recess the matrix relative to at least the first component faces. With a remainder of the matrix retaining the components in their initial spatial relationships, a single, continuous substrate is adhered to a plurality of the first component faces protruding relative to the matrix. The remainder of the matrix material is then dissolved such that the substrate to which the first component faces are adhered retains the optical components.
G02B 6/04 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
A hybrid illumination device includes a first illumination source having a broadband spectral output and a second illumination source having a narrowband spectral output that overlaps or lies adjacent a minimum intensity spectral region of the broadband spectrum A halogen source can provide the broadband illumination while a 405 nm LED can provide the narrowband IR illumination The device further includes an optical condenser that collects the broadband illumination and directs it along the optical axis The narrowband source LED can be disposed adjacent the condenser or mounted in the condenser in such a manner that the broadband and narrowband illuminations propagate along coaxial optical paths A waveguide can be provided that collects the hybnd illumination at th device and transmits it to a target scene Target-reflected light may also be collected and transmitted by the waveguide to a receiver/detector
The invention relates to a lightweight transparent armor laminate comprising layers of borosilicate glass, layers of transparent glass-ceramics and a polymer spall layer of polycarbonate and/or polymethyl methacrylate. The layers are bound by polyurethane and/or polyvinylbutyral interlayer films.
An imaging module includes an optical fiber faceplate with an image-input face, a planar image-output face, and a plurality of adjacently fused, internally reflecting imaging conduits extending between the image-input and image-output faces. The constituent imaging conduits extend along conduit axes that mutually converge in a direction that such that an image inputted through the image-input face is reduced in size along at least one dimension for outputting through the image-output face. The imaging module further includes an imaging detector array including a plurality of photosensitive detector elements arranged in accordance with a predetermined array format. The faceplate is situated in front of the detector array such that light incident upon the image-input face is transmitted through the faceplate and optically communicated to the detector elements through the image-output face. Multiple imaging modules can be tiled in tight formations in order to form a larger format imaging array.
G02B 6/04 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
63.
LIGHT CONDUITS HAVING PERIPHERAL, SHAPE-DEFINING POLYMER OVERMOLDS
An elongated light-guiding element includes opposed incident and emission ends between which light propagates by total internal reflection. The light-guiding element includes a glass core with first and second glass core ends and a glass-core outer surface. A non-glass polymeric optical layer extends over at least a portion of the length of the glass core and is disposed peripherally thereabout. The optical layer has first and second optical-layer ends and an optical-layer exterior surface extending between the first and second optical-layer ends. The glass core and the polymeric optical layer exhibit indices of refraction that are matched to one another as closely as practicable such that the combination of the glass core and the optical layer exhibits optical properties similar to those that would be exhibited by an optical element of similar shape and dimensions fabricated from a single, continuous mass of optical material having a refractive index equal to the that of the glass core material.
An elongated light-guiding element includes opposed incident and emission ends between which light propagates by total internal reflection. The light-guiding element includes a glass core with first and second glass core ends and a glass-core outer surface. A non-glass polymeric optical layer extends over at least a portion of the length of the glass core and is disposed peripherally thereabout. The optical layer has first and second optical-layer ends and an optical-layer exterior surface extending between the first and second optical-layer ends. The glass core and the polymeric optical layer exhibit indices of refraction that are matched to one another as closely as practicable such that the combination of the glass core and the optical layer exhibits optical properties similar to those that would be exhibited by an optical element of similar shape and dimensions fabricated from a single, continuous mass of optical material having a refractive index equal to the that of the glass core material.
An illuminable image-conducting optical assembly includes an illuminable image-transporting optical fiber bundle having (i) an inner image-conducting bundle with opposed image-input and image-output faces and (ii) a plurality of illumination conduits disposed peripherally about the image-conducting bundle. The illumination conduits include light-emission ends that combine to define a light-output face. A translucent optics housing includes light-entrance and light-exit ends and an inside surface defining an optics channel for housing at least one optical element. The optical fiber bundle and the optics housing cooperatively couple such that (a) at least one housed optical element is in optical communication with the image-input face in order to facilitate the projection of an image of an object of interest onto the image-input face and (b) the light-output face of the fiber bundle is in optical communication with the light-entrance end of the optics housing such that light introduced into the light-collection end of an illumination conduit enters the light-entrance end, and emits from the light-exit end, of the optics housing so as to facilitate illumination of the object to be imaged onto the image-input face.
G02B 6/06 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres the relative position of the fibres being the same at both ends, e.g. for transporting images
66.
IMAGE-CONDUCTING OPTICAL ASSEMBLY INCLUDING LIGHT-CONDUCTIVE OPTICS HOUSING
An illuminable image-conducting optical assembly includes an illuminable image-transporting optical fiber bundle having (i) an inner image-conducting bundle with opposed image-input and image- output faces and (ii) a plurality of illumination conduits disposed peripherally about the image-conducting bundle. The illumination conduits include light-emission ends that combine to define a light-output face. A translucent optics housing includes light-entrance and light-exit ends and an inside surface defining an optics channel for housing at least one optical element. The optical fiber bundle and the optics housing cooperatively couple such that (a) at least one housed optical element is in optical communication with the image-input face in order to facilitate the projection of an image of an object of interest onto the image-input face and (b) the light-output face of the fiber bundle is in optical communication with the light- entrance end of the optics housing such that light introduced into the light-collection end of an illumination conduit enters the light-entrance end, and emits from the light-exit end, of the optics housing so as to facilitate illumination of the object to be imaged onto the image-input face.
G02B 6/04 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
67.
Partially flexible wound optical fiber bundle having intermediate rigid regions and methods of fabricating the same
A of fabricating a partially flexible optical fiber bundle includes forming plural helical fiber ribbons, each helical ribbon being formed by winding a fiber about a mandrel and adjacently fusing a first selected set of fiber portions within each ribbon to define and ends region. The ends regions of multiple fiber helixes are stacked and bonded to form a fiber bundle with and ends section. The ends section is cut through to yield opposed input and output ends of the fiber bundle. Intermediate rigid sections are formed along the length of the bundle by various alternative methods of adjacently bonding selected portions of the constituent ribbon and bundle fibers.
G02B 6/06 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres the relative position of the fibres being the same at both ends, e.g. for transporting images
G02B 6/04 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
68.
CONDUIT BUNDLES INCLUDING FIRST-TYPE AND SECOND-TYPE CONDUITS WITH DISPARATE PROPERTIES
A conduit bundle includes an inner bundle of first-type conduits extending between inner-bundle first and second ends. The first-type conduits are mutually and adjacently bonded along coinciding portions of their lengths in order to define an inner-bundle rigid region that, as view into a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the inner-bundle rigid region, exhibits an inner-bundle periphery. A separation structure including a structure wall having structure-wall inside and outside surfaces is provided and the inside surface thereof is bonded to the periphery of the inner-bundle rigid region. The conduit bundle further includes a plurality of second-type conduits. Each second-type conduit includes a rigidly bonded region along at least a portion of the length thereof that is bonded to at least one of (i) the structure-wall outside surface and (ii) the bonded region of another second-type conduit of the plurality of second-type conduits.
G02B 6/06 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres the relative position of the fibres being the same at both ends, e.g. for transporting images
G02B 6/04 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
G02B 6/44 - Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
69.
Conduit bundles including first-type and second-type conduits with disparate properties
A conduit bundle includes an inner bundle of first-type conduits extending between inner-bundle first and second ends. The first-type conduits are mutually and adjacently bonded along coinciding portions of their lengths in order to define an inner-bundle rigid region that, as view into a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the inner-bundle rigid region, exhibits an inner-bundle periphery. A separation structure including a structure wall having structure-wall inside and outside surfaces is provided and the inside surface thereof is bonded to the periphery of the inner-bundle rigid region. The conduit bundle further includes a plurality of second-type conduits. Each second-type conduit includes a rigidly bonded region along at least a portion of the length thereof that is bonded to at least one of (i) the structure-wall outside surface and (ii) the bonded region of another second-type conduit of the plurality of second-type conduits.
G02B 6/06 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres the relative position of the fibres being the same at both ends, e.g. for transporting images
G02B 6/04 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
G02B 6/44 - Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
70.
Ion-reduction-blackened extra-mural absorbing media adapted for inclusion in image-conducting optical fiber arrays and methods of fabricating the same
Methods of fabricating extra-mural absorption elements adapted for incorporation in an image-conducting optical fiber array include fabricating various constituent components to be included in an optical fiber bundle from one or more reducible-ion-containing glasses. Various components fabricated from a reducible-ion-containing glass are selectively exposed to a reducing atmosphere such that they are reduction-blackened prior to at least one heating and drawing step relative to the bundle into which they are to be fusedly incorporated. Such “pre-blackened” components function as extra-mural absorption media throughout the length of an image-conducting optical fiber array and alternatively include fiber claddings and substitutional and interstitial extra-mural absorption elements.
G02B 6/06 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres the relative position of the fibres being the same at both ends, e.g. for transporting images
G02B 6/04 - Light guidesStructural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings formed by bundles of fibres
An illumination assembly includes a light-emitting element that emits light over a light-source numerical aperture and an elongated light-guiding element including opposed incident and emission ends between which ends light propagates by total internal reflection. The light-guiding element includes along a portion of its length a numerical-aperture alteration taper having opposed small and large ends exhibiting, respectively, a small-end numerical aperture and a large-end numerical aperture lower in magnitude than the small-end numerical aperture. The alteration taper is oriented such that the small end is more proximate the incident end than the large end. The incident end is in light-collecting proximity and alignment with the light-emitting element such that light emitted from the light-emitting element over the small-end numerical aperture and received into the small end of the alteration taper is emitted from the emission end of the light-guiding element at an emission numerical aperture lower in magnitude than the small-end numerical aperture.