(19)

(11)

EP 1 266 249 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 18.12.2002 Bulletin 2002/51 (21) Application number: 00970526.0 (22) Date of filing: 29.09.2000

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: G02B 6/02 (86) International application number: PCT/US0026/939 (87) International publication number: WO 0102/3923 (05.04.2001 Gazette 2001/14)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE Designated Extension States: AL LT LV MK RO SI (30) Priority: 30.09.1999 US 156737 P (71) Applicant: CORNING INCORPORATED Corning, N.Y. 14831 (US)	(72) Inventors: BORRELLI, Nicholas, F. Elmira, NY 14905 (US) ALLAN, Douglas, C. Corning, NY 14830 (US) SMITH, Charlene, M. Corning, NY 14830 (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)