Abstract:
A method of making a glass article such as an optical waveguide preform is disclosed. The method comprises drawing a rod in at least two steps. In the first step an elongated, consolidated preform having an aperture therethrough is drawn to a reduced diameter preform. The second step involves drawing the reduced diameter preform into a rod, preferably at a lower temperature than the first step. The method substantially reduces the formation of inclusions in the glass article during drawing.
Abstract:
A luminary fabric, useful for a variety of applications including signage, has at least one light-diffusing optical fiber woven, knitted, crocheted or otherwise integrated into the fabric. The light-diffusing optical fiber is coupled to at least one light source such as a laser or a light emitting diode. At least one coating is applied over at least a section of the outer surface of the optical fiber along its length. The coating contains at least one luminophore that absorbs energy from the light source and luminesces at a different higher wavelength. Multiple coatings containing one or more luminophores, one or more pigments, and/or one or more dyes may be employed to provide a variety of interesting visual effects.
Abstract:
An illuminable transmission cable includes an electrical conductor, a light-diffusing fiber having a glass core and a cladding, at least one of the glass core and a core-cladding interface having a plurality of scattering structures. The light-diffusing fiber is configured to optically couple with a light source which emits light into the light-diffusing fiber. The scattering structures are configured to scatter the emitted light and output the emitted light along at least a portion of a sidewall of the light-diffusing fiber. A light transmissive jacket surrounds the electrical conductor and the light-diffusing fiber.