Optical waveguides formed from multiple layers
US4932749A · kind A · utility
22Cited by
8References
10Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01P11/001
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical waveguide for infrared light includes a series of metal layers. A thick outer layer of nickel is provided for mechanical stiffness to make the structure self-supporting. Thinner inside layers are also provided of metals such as silver, gold and copper which are good heat conductors. Since nickel has a low thermal conductivity, the waveguide can be damaged due to heat build-up. The layers of good conductors spread the heat efficiently to remove this possibility while the nickel continues to provide the necessary strength. A highly-reflective inert inside layer of gold may also be provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.