Abstract:
A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide preform includes providing a first process gas atmosphere to a soot preform contained in a vessel. The first atmosphere is held in the vessel for a first reacting time sufficient to at least partially dope or dry the soot preform. The vessel is then at least partially refilled with a second doping or drying atmosphere. The second doping or drying atmosphere is held in the vessel for a second reacting time sufficient to further dope or dry the soot preform.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an ordered mesoporous carbon and method for manufacturing the ordered mesoporous carbon which is made from a surfactant, a carbon precursor, water (possibly mixed with an acid) and a water immiscible oil. In addition, the present invention relates to a method of formulating a composition which is used to manufacture the ordered mesoporous carbon. Moreover, the present invention relates to an activated carbon which is made by partially oxidizing an ordered mesoporous carbon.
Abstract:
Methods, apparatus and precursors for producing substantially water-free silica soot, preforms and glass. The methods and apparatus make substantially water-free fused silica preforms or glass by removing water as a reaction product, removing water from the atmosphere, removing water from the transport process, or combinations thereof. In a first embodiment, substantially water-free soot, preforms or glass are achieved by using a hydrogen-free fuel, such as carbon monoxide, in the deposition process. In another embodiment, a soot producing burner has parameters that enable operation on a substantially hydrogen-free fuel. End burners, which minimize water production, are also described. Such water-free methods are useful in depositing fluorine-doped soot because of the low water present and the efficiency in which fluorine is incorporated. In another embodiment, glassy barrier layer methods and apparatus are described for minimizing dopant migration, especially fluorine. Laser and induction methods and apparatus for forming the barrier layer are depicted. A chlorine, fluorine and silica precursor, such as chlorofluorosilane, may be utilized to form fluorinated soot. Other methods and apparatus are directed to combinations of conventional and substantially water-free processes. One embodiment is directed to combustion enhancing additives for addition to the substantially hydrogen-free fuels. The methods and apparatus in accordance with the invention are particularly useful for producing photomask substrates and optical fiber preforms.
Abstract:
The invention relates to fiber reinforced composite materials, and a method for making, in which ceramic, glass-ceramic or glass matrix precursor particles are coated with a layer of sheet silicate crystals, or precursors for sheet silicate crystals, and then combined with a fiber reinforcement phase disposed within the matrix consisting of amorphous or crystalline inorganic fibers. The method results in a composite material in which a substantially continuous layer of sheet silicate is provided on the matrix particles, resulting in a substantially continuous sheet silicate interface between the inorganic fibers and the ceramic, glass or glass-ceramic matrix.
Abstract:
This invention is directed to the fabrication of SiC fiber reinforced, ceramic matrix composite articles exhibiting superior high temperature oxidative stability, those articles comprising:(a) a glass-ceramic matrix wherein alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal aluminosilicate crystals constitute the predominant crystal phase;(b) a fiber reinforcing phase comprising SiC fibers coated with an alkali metal and/or alkaline earth metal sheet silicate entrained within said glass-ceramic matrix; and(c) a borosilicate glass phase dispersed as an intergranular glass within said glass-ceramic matrix, said borosilicate glass phase generally being present in an amount sufficient to provide an intergranular glass phase therein.
Abstract:
A fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite article comprising fiber-reinforced surface portions disposed on a ceramic core, the core differing in composition and high temperature properties from the surface portions and the fibers present in the surface portions being of a type normally subject to oxidative deterioration at high temperature, wherein the fibers in the surface portion are provided with protection from high temperature oxidative deterioration such that excellent strength and resistance to high temperature embrittlement are achieved for the composite as a whole.
Abstract:
A method for synthesizing alkaline earth metal-containing ceramic materials by sol-gel processing is described, wherein a sol containing alkoxides or other soluble precursors for a selected ceramic composition, and additionally containing one or more dissolved alkaline earth metal/crown either complexes, is gelled, dried and fired to convert the precursors and complexes to a polycrystalline ceramic product. The crown ether complexes improve alkaline earth metal solubility and the homogeneous incorporation of these metals into the precursor gels and final crystalline products.
Abstract:
Ceramic matrix composite articles comprising a ceramic, glass-ceramic or glass matrix and a fiber reinforcement phase disposed within the matrix consisting of amorphous or crystalline inorganic fibers, wherein there is provided, on or in close proximity to the surfaces of the inorganic fibers, a layer of sheet silicate crystals constituting a sheet silicate interface between the inorganic fibers and the ceramic, glass, or glass-ceramic matrix. Optionally, the composition of the matrix may be the same as the sheet silicate interface so that the matrix provides the sheet silicate layer.
Abstract:
Ceramic matrix composite articles comprising a ceramic, glass-ceramic or glass matrix and a fiber reinforcement phase disposed within the matrix consisting of amorphous or cyrstalline inorganic fibers, wherein there is provided, on or in close proximity to the surfaces of the inorganic fibers, a layer of sheet silicate crystals constituting a sheet silicate interface between the inorganic fibers and the ceramic, glass, or glass-ceramic matrix. Optionally, the composition of the matrix may be the same as the sheet silicate interface so that the matrix provides the sheet silicate layer.
Abstract:
A method of making an optical waveguide preform includes forming a preform including a first portion and a second radial portion, wherein the second portion includes a dopant, and wherein the first portion exhibits a density greater than the second portion. The method further includes stripping at least a portion of the dopant from the second portion. In a preferred embodiment, the stripped dopant has migrated in a previous processing step.