(19)

(11)

EP 1 004 045 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 31.05.2000 Bulletin 2000/22 (21) Application number: 98936525.9 (22) Date of filing: 28.07.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G02B 6/293, G02B 6/34, G02B 6/12 (86) International application number: PCT/GB9802/254 (87) International publication number: WO 9908/143 (18.02.1999 Gazette 1999/07)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE DK ES FR GB IT NL SE (30) Priority: 12.08.1997 GB 9717079 15.07.1998 GB 9815400 (71) Applicant: THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON Southampton S017 1BJ (GB)	(72) Inventor: LAMING, Richard, Ian Southampton,Hampshire SO31 4QZ (GB) (74) Representative: Haines, Miles John et al D. Young & Co.21 New Fetter Lane London EC4A 1DA London EC4A 1DA (GB)