US4932749A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Optical waveguides formed from multiple layers
Assignee: LAir Liquide SA pour lEtude et lExploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
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Filing: 1989-03-17
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Granted: 1990-06-12
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Expires: 2009-03-17
Abstract
Abstract An optical waveguide for infrared light includes a series of metal layers. A thick outer layer of nickel is provided for mechanical stiffness to make the structure self-supporting. Thinner inside layers are also provided of metals such as silver, gold and copper which are good heat conductors. Since nickel has a low thermal conductivity, the waveguide can be damaged due to heat build-up. The layers of good conductors spread the heat efficiently to remove this possibility while the nickel continues to provide the necessary strength. A highly-reflective inert inside layer of gold may also be provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Rudy H. Haidle
- 👤 Michel E. Marhic
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 02:11
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01P; H01P3/00; H01P3/12; G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/10; G02B6/02; G02B6/032; H01P11/00; H01P11/001
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
70 words
A waveguide comprising: a self-supporting outer layer made of a first material which is relatively stiff so as to support the waveguide; a heat conducting layer made of a second material which has good thermal conductivity; and an inert layer made of a third material for preventing chemical activity with the waveguide and for giving high reflectivity; said three layers being deposited successively on a mandrel to form the waveguide.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
70 words
A waveguide comprising: a self-supporting outer layer made of a first material which is relatively stiff so as to support the waveguide; a heat conducting layer made of a second material which has good thermal conductivity; and an inert layer made of a third material for preventing chemical activity with the waveguide and for giving high reflectivity; said three layers being deposited successively on a mandrel to form the waveguide.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
The waveguide according to claim 1, wherein the first material is nickel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The waveguide according to claim 2, wherein the second material is copper.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The waveguide according to claim 2, wherein the second material is silver.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The waveguide according to claim 2, wherein the second material is gold.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The waveguide according to claim 1, wherein the third material is gold.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The waveguide according to claim 6, wherein said heat conducting layer is formed of two layers of different materials.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The waveguide according to claim 7, wherein one of the materials is silver and the other is copper.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The waveguide according to claim 1, wherein the deposition of one of the layers is done by electroplating.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The waveguide according to claim 1, wherein the deposition of one of the layers is done by vapor deposition.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1993-06-11 | 1993-12-11 | 1994-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-06-11 | 1997-12-11 | 1998-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-06-11 | 2001-12-11 | 2002-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |