Method for fabricating gradient-index rods and rod arrays
US6598429B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 17, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 29, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03B25/02
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for fabricating gradient-index rods and rod arrays. A central rod of optical glass having predetermined properties and predetermined outside dimensions is placed inside a tube of optical glass having predetermined properties and predetermined outside dimensions, to form an assembly. The inside dimensions of the tube are substantially equal to the outside dimensions of the rod. The tube is formed of a plurality of coaxial sleeves, the outside dimensions of each interior sleeve being substantially equal to the inside dimensions of the next adjacent sleeve, each sleeve having a selected refractive index so that, together with the tube, the refractive indices from the central rod through the outermost sleeve approximate the refractive index profile of the gradient-index rod to be fabricated. The central rod and sleeve material is selected so that their respective thermal indices of expansion are substantially equal. The central rod and tube assembly is placed in a mold having inside dimensions substantially equal to the outside dimensions of the tube. The mold is oriented vertically so as to ensure that there is no net lateral gravitational force on the assembly. The mold is t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.