US4680044A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of modifying the refractive index of fluoride glass
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1985-11-25
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Granted: 1987-07-14
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Expires: 2005-11-25
Abstract
Abstract The present invention relates to a method of producing a fluoride glass preform and/or fiber having a modified refractive index by heating the fluoride glass preform to a temperature that is above its glass transition temperature, but below its devitrification temperature; inserting a first electrode into the inner core of the preform and surrounding the outer perimeter of the preform with a second electrode of opposite polarity; means for generating an electromotive force; and applying an electromotive force through the first electrode and the second electrode which causes a movement of positive ions toward the electrode of opposite charge while simultaneously causing a movement of negative ions toward its electrode of opposite charge such that the movement of these ions results in a modification of the refractive index of the preform.
Inventors
- 👤 Ricardo C. Pastor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 05:48
CPC Classifications
C; C03; C03C; C03C25/00; C03B; C03B37/00; C03B37/01; C03B37/02; C03B37/025; C03B37/027; C03C23/00; C03C25/62; C03C25/6206; C03C25/6208; C03B2201/00; C03B2201/80; C03B2201/82; C03B2205/00; C03B2205/02; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S65/00; Y10S65/15; Y10S65/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of modifying the refractive index of a fluoride glass preform having an outer periphery and an inner core comprising: (a) heating the fluoride glass preform to a temperature that is above its glass transition temperature, but below its devitrification temperatue; (b) inserting a first electrode into the inner core of the preform and surrounding the outer perimeter of the preform with a second electrode of opposite polarity; (c) generating an electromotive force using a generating means; and (d) applying an electromotive force through the first electrode and the second electrode which causes a movement of positive ions toward the electrode of opposite charge while simultaneously causing a movement of negative ions toward its electrode of opposite charge such that the movement of these ions results in a modification of the refractive index of the preform.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
137 words
A method of modifying the refractive index of a fluoride glass preform having an outer periphery and an inner core comprising: (a) heating the fluoride glass preform to a temperature that is above its glass transition temperature, but below its devitrification temperatue; (b) inserting a first electrode into the inner core of the preform and surrounding the outer perimeter of the preform with a second electrode of opposite polarity; (c) generating an electromotive force using a generating means; and (d) applying an electromotive force through the first electrode and the second electrode which causes a movement of positive ions toward the electrode of opposite charge while simultaneously causing a movement of negative ions toward its electrode of opposite charge such that the movement of these ions results in a modification of the refractive index of the preform.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising a second electrode which surrounds the outer perimeter of the preform having an aperture, such that a laser beam directed through the aperture will provide irradiation, resulting in photoactivation of ions within the preform.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising a first electrode and a second electrode such that the symmetry and configuration of such first and second electrode is modified to a predetermined arrangement in order to modify the refractive index of the preform to a desired level.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the electromotive force generated is pulsed.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
144 words
A method of modifying the refractive index of a fluoride glass preform having an outer periphery and an inner core comprising: (a) heating the fluoride glass preform to a temperature that is above its glass transition temperature, but below its devitrification temperatue; (b) inserting a cathode into the inner core of the preform and surrounding the outer perimeter of the preform with an anode; (c) generating an electromotive force using a generating means; (d) applying an electromotive force through the cathode and the anode which causes a movement of positive ions from the outer periphery of the preform toward the cathode at the inner core while simultaneously causing a movement of negative ions toward the anode at the outer periphery of the preform, such that a higher refractive index is thereby induced at the inner core of the preform than at its outer periphery.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
144 words
A method of modifying the refractive index of a fluoride glass preform having an outer periphery and an inner core comprising: (a) heating the fluoride glass preform to a temperature that is above its glass transition temperature, but below its devitrification temperatue; (b) inserting a cathode into the inner core of the preform and surrounding the outer perimeter of the preform with an anode; (c) generating an electromotive force using a generating means; (d) applying an electromotive force through the cathode and the anode which causes a movement of positive ions from the outer periphery of the preform toward the cathode at the inner core while simultaneously causing a movement of negative ions toward the anode at the outer periphery of the preform, such that a higher refractive index is thereby induced at the inner core of the preform than at its outer periphery.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 5 further comprising an anode which surrounds the outer perimeter of the preform having an aperture, such that a laser beam directed through the aperture will provide irradiation, resulting in photoactivation of ions within the preform.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of claim 5 further comprising an anode and a cathode such that the symmetry and configuration of such anode and cathode is modified to a predetermined arrangement in order to modify the refractive index of the preform to a desired level.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the electromotive force generated is pulsed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the anode and the cathode of a square configuration, thereby assisting in the production of a ribbon or flat fiber.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1990-07-13 | 1991-01-12 | 1991-07-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-07-13 | 1995-01-12 | 1995-07-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-07-13 | 1999-01-12 | 1999-07-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |