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Production method for objects with radially-varying properties

  • US 6,267,915 B1
  • Filed: 09/12/1997
  • Issued: 07/31/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/12/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A process for producing a graded-index plastic optical fiber with a radially-varying index of refraction, wherein said process transforms an axial variation of said index of refraction into said radial variation of said index of refraction, wherein said transformation to said radial variation is achieved by applying polymeric material having said axial variation of said index of refraction to a rotating cone which converts said axial variation to said radial variation, wherein said process comprises combining at least two polymers having different indices of refraction so as to create a combination having an axial variation of index of refraction, said process comprising the steps of:

  • (a) introducing said optical polymeric materials into a die block;

    (b) channeling each optical polymeric material into a mixing chamber, which houses a mixing means, such that the ratio of said optical polymeric materials varies within said mixing chamber along a first axis;

    (c) mixing said optical polymeric materials within said mixing chamber such that said blend has said axial variation of index of refraction along said first axis;

    (d) channeling said axially varying blend into a feed chamber which houses said cone; and

    (e) after applying said blend to said rotating cone, pulling a polymeric cylindrical form from the tip of said cone, wherein said polymeric cylindrical form has said radial variation of index of refraction.

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