Method of metallization of an optical waveguide
US6753034B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC03C2218/31
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method of applying a metal coating to optical element, such as an optical waveguide, comprising the steps of partially depleting stabilizers in an electroless metallic solution and immersing an optical waveguide in the electroless metallic solution to deposit the metal coating to the optical waveguide. The step of partially depleting may include creating an electroless metallic solution having a sodium hypophoshite concentration of about 25 grams per liter. The electroless metallic solution may comprise a Fidelity solution 4865A, a Fidelity solution 4865B and de-ionized water in a ratio of 1:1:18; and sodium hypophosphite crystals. Alternatively, the step of partially depleting may include placing a dummy load into the electroless metallic solution. The dummy load may be a rectangular block of metal, formed of a low carbon steel, and may have a threaded cylindrical passage therein. After depleting the stabilizers, the optical waveguide is immersed in the electroless metallic solution for a predetermined length of time depending on a desired deposition thickness.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.