[en] The present conference on fiber optics emphasizes the use of components, devices, and materials for hostile environments, and also encompasses applications of optoelectronics in sensors, communications, 'white light' interferometry, the properties of monomode optical fibers, and coherent optical systems. Specific issues addressed include erbium-doped fiber amplifiers in communications, the use of optical amplification in communication, optical fibers in the adverse space environment, the effects of temperature variations on loose-tube and tight-buffered optical fiber cables, and radiation effects in polarization-maintaining fibers. Also addressed are methods to test the effects of high-ionizing-radiation dose rates on optical fiber data links, sensors for meteorological data acquisition, sensor technology for smart structure development, radiative ignition by loose agglomerates of fine fibers, and a multipurpose evanescent mode-coupling-based device

[en] A brief theoretical introduction to the important physical parameters involved in ionic conduction in solids is followed by order of magnitude estimates of these quantities for materials which can be considered as fast ion conductors. The major part of the review comprises a literature survey of materials which have been studied with a view to fast ion conduction. The significant physical characteristics of these materials are outlined, and conductivity and diffusion data reported where available. These data are coupled with additional technological criteria to indicate which classes of materials are considered worthy of further research. (author)

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[en] The requirements for metrology of magnetostriction in complex multilayers and on whole wafers present challenges. An elegant technique based on radius of curvature deformation of whole wafers in a commercial metrology tool is described. The method is based on the Villari effect through application of strain to a film by introducing a radius of curvature. Strain can be applied tensilely and compressively depending on the material. The design, while implemented on 3″ wafers, is scalable. The approach removes effects arising from any shape anisotropy that occurs with smaller samples, which can lead to a change in magnetic response. From the change in the magnetic anisotropy as a function of the radius, saturation magnetostriction λ_s can be determined. Dependence on film composition and film thickness was studied to validate the radius of curvature approach with other techniques. λ_s decreases from positive values to negative values through an increase in Ni concentration around the permalloy composition, and λ_s also increases with a decrease in film thickness, in full agreement with previous reports. We extend the technique by demonstrating the technique applied to a multi-layered structure. These results verify the validity of the method and are an important step to facilitate further work in understanding how manipulation of multilayered films can offer tailored magnetostriction. (paper)