US4037005A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of making optical waveguides and product by the process
Assignee: RCA Corp
•
Filing: 1975-03-06
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Granted: 1977-07-19
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Expires: 1995-03-06
Abstract
Abstract An optical waveguide of niobium-doped lithium tantalate single crystal has excellent low loss waveguiding properties with strong electro-optic behavior. The waveguides are made by depositing a film of niobium on a polished lithium tantalate crystal, annealing the crystal so as to diffuse the niobium into the crystal and cooling the crystal.
Inventors
- 👤 William Phillips
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:56
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/29; G02F1/295; G02F1/2955
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
48 words
The method of making an optical waveguide which comprises depositing a film of niobium oxide on one surface of a polished single crystal of lithium tantalate, annealing the single crystal of lithium tantalate so as to allow the niobium to diffuse into the crystal and cooling the crystal.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
48 words
The method of making an optical waveguide which comprises depositing a film of niobium oxide on one surface of a polished single crystal of lithium tantalate, annealing the single crystal of lithium tantalate so as to allow the niobium to diffuse into the crystal and cooling the crystal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
9 words
A crystal prepared by the method of claim 1.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
53 words
The method of making an optical waveguide which comprises: a. depositing a film of niobium on one surface of a polished single crystal of lithium tantalate, b. oxidizing the niobium, c. annealing the crystal at an elevated temperature to allow the niobium to diffuse into the crystal, and d. cooling to room temperature.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
53 words
The method of making an optical waveguide which comprises: a. depositing a film of niobium on one surface of a polished single crystal of lithium tantalate, b. oxidizing the niobium, c. annealing the crystal at an elevated temperature to allow the niobium to diffuse into the crystal, and d. cooling to room temperature.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein the deposited niobium film is from about 25 to 5,000 Angstroms thick.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein the annealing step is carried out at a temperature from about 1050° to 1250° C.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein the annealing step is carried out at a temperature from about 1100° to 1200° C.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein the annealing step is carried out in an atmosphere of argon and oxygen.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein the annealing step is carried out in an atmosphere of nitrogen and oxygen.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein the annealing step is carried out in air.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein the niobium is oxidized at about 300°-600° C.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 3 wherein the crystal is poled during the cooling step.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
9 words
A crystal prepared by the method of claim 3.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3417032A
Cited
US3785717A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-07-18 | 1981-01-17 | 1981-07-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-18 | 1985-01-17 | 1985-07-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-18 | 1989-01-17 | 1989-07-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |