(19)

(11)

EP 1 092 165 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 18.04.2001 Bulletin 2001/16 (21) Application number: 99932157.3 (22) Date of filing: 30.06.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G02B 5/18, G02B 6/34, G02B 27/44 (86) International application number: PCT/US9914/942 (87) International publication number: WO 0002/068 (13.01.2000 Gazette 2000/02)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE FR GB IT SE (30) Priority: 01.07.1998 US 91547 P (71) Applicant: CORNING INCORPORATED Corning, N.Y. 14831 (US)	(72) Inventors: BHATIA, Vikram Painted Post, NY 14870 (US) COOK, Thomas, A. Corning, NY 14830 (US) MODAVIS, Robert, A. Painted Post, NY 14870 (US) ROBSON, Christopher, D. Elmira, NY 14901 (US) (74) Representative: Boon, Graham Anthony et al Elkington and Fife,Prospect House,8 Pembroke Road Sevenoaks,Kent TN13 1XR Sevenoaks,Kent TN13 1XR (GB)