Ceramoptec Industries, Inc.

Ensign-bickford Industries, Inc.

Ensign-bickford Optics Company

Bolesh J Skutnik

Harry L Brielmann, Jr

Wolfgang Neuberger

Michael Quade

Sergej G Krivoshlykov

The present invention provides improved diffusion tips for optical fibers and methods of making the same. Nanoporous silica clad optical fibers are used to make fibers having integrally formed diffusion tips and diffusion tips that can be fused to other fibers. The disclosed diffusers can be fabricated to be cylindrical with light diffusing along its length, spherical with light radiating outwardly in a spherical pattern, or custom shaped to illuminate irregular surfaces or volumes. Gradient and step index properties can also be achieved. Several fabrication methods to achieve the desired effects are described. The problems in the prior art methods associated with epoxy, such as curing, bond strength, embrittlement, power handling limitations, and refractive index matching are avoided.

Device and method to scatter optical fiber output

In the present invention a laser treatment system is provided that can be used in any clinical environment without the necessity of personal safety equipment. Furthermore, the present invention provides a large amount of control to the operator/technician and the patient. The present invention combines mechanical and optical methods to protect operators and patients from undesired exposure to laser radiation. According to this approach, safe, portable and fixed embodiments that are useful in a large variety of applications, which are now possible. Several examples are described.

Laser safe treatment system

A method for efficiently coupling beams from semiconductor lasers into optical fibers is presented which provides optical fibers with a modified end surface for efficient coupling. The method comprises a combination of shaping of the fiber end face and of axially varying the refractive index of the fiber end face material as a function of the distance from fiber end face surface. One preferred embodiment employs an axial gradient-index lens (AGRIN lens) fabricated directly on the fiber end face to improve coupling a laser beam into the fiber. The method can also be used in other applications where optical fibers having spherical or more complicated surfaces of their end faces need to be fabricated.

Method for coupling of semiconductor lasers into optical fibers

Coated glass containers having a surface cured composition which is the reaction product of at least one ethylenically unsaturated monoene, a polyene and a curing initiator. The coating is bonded to the exterior or interior surface of a glass container to increase hardness and strength.

Coating composition for glass containers

Coating compositions for glass containers

Curable compositions having at least one ethylenically unsaturated monoene, a polyene and a curing initiator are disclosed for use with optical fibers. The monoene and polyene components may be substituted with organo functional compounds to selectively vary the properties of the cured compositions.

Coating compositions for optical fibers

Compositions with improved optical qualities, based on highly fluorinated monofunctional acrylates, are cured for use in a wide range of optical articles. The preferred components of the composition are (1) a highly fluorinated monofunctional acrylate; (2) a trifunctional or higher acrylate that serves as a crosslinking agent; (3) a mono or poly-functional thiol that functions as a synergist; and (4) a photoinitiator such as an ultraviolet (UV) initiator. These components can be varied relative to one another over a wide range, but the fluoroacrylate must always be the major component. Where the fluoroacrylate is a solid at room temperature, a small amount of solvent like di-isobutyl ketone or methylene chloride can be added.

Growing community of inventors

New Britain, CT, United States of America

Bolesh J Skutnik