(19)

(11)

EP 1 036 343 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 20.09.2000 Bulletin 2000/38 (21) Application number: 98956240.0 (22) Date of filing: 27.10.1998

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G02B 6/00, G02B 6/16, C03C 3/32, H01S 3/07 (86) International application number: PCT/US9822/739 (87) International publication number: WO 9923/517 (14.05.1999 Gazette 1999/19)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT (30) Priority: 04.11.1997 US 64273 P (71) Applicant: Corning Incorporated Corning, New York 14831 (US)	(72) Inventors: AITKEN, Bruce, G. Corning, NY 14830 (US) CROOKER, David, H. Corning, NY 14830 (US) POWLEY, Mark, L. Campbell, NY 14821 (US) (74) Representative: Marchant, James Ian et al Elkington and Fife,Prospect House,8 Pembroke Road Sevenoaks,Kent TN13 1XR Sevenoaks,Kent TN13 1XR (GB)