Systems and methods for waveguide and other applications

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for improving waveguides, including for UV-transparent applications, for example, optical fibers or transparent surfaces, etc. For example, certain aspects are generally directed to ultraviolet transparent materials containing particles such as silica particles, which can be used to scatter incident light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light. Such materials may be used in articles such as optical fibers, windows, surfaces, or the like. In addition, some aspects are drawn to other types of materials containing particles, such as silica particles. In some cases, the particles may be coated, for example, to reduce aggregation, improve solubility, or the like. In addition, some aspects are generally directed to solutions useful for forming such materials. Still other aspects are generally directed to systems and methods for making such materials, for example, having different concentrations of particles in different locations. Yet other aspects are directed to techniques for using such materials, kits involving such materials, or the like.

Description

[0001] SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WAVEGUIDE AND OTHER APPLICATIONS

[0002] RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 698,410, filed September 24, 2025, by Fitzpatrick, et al., incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0004] FIELD

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to various systems and methods for improving waveguides, including for UV-transparent applications, for example optical fibers or transparent surfaces, etc. For example, certain embodiments are generally directed to the use of scattering centers or unique coating composition that cannot be applied to waveguides with traditional manufacturing systems.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Coatings for optical waveguides require specialized materials that are highly transparent in specific wavelengths. In addition, it has been shown that silica nanoparticles directly adhered to an optical waveguide such as a glass fiber may scatter UV light. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Apl. Pub. No. 2021-0122667. However, the application of scattering centers directly to an optical waveguide is impractical for many applications, and manufacturability is very difficult. It is also known that the concentration of scattering centers and / or distance of the scattering centers from the optical waveguide can change the intensity of light emission. Typical manufacturing methods, such as draw towers, 3D printing, and film casting, do not allow for precise control of composition as a function of location. Thus, improvements in materials and manufacturing are still needed.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure generally relates to various systems and methods for improving waveguides, including for UV-transparent applications, for example optical fibers or transparent surfaces, etc. The subject matter of the present disclosure involves, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and / or a plurality of different uses of one or more systems and / or articles.

[0010] One aspect is generally directed to an article. The article, in certain embodiments, are generally described with respect to UV or UVC light. However, it should be understood that not all embodiments are so limited, and other embodiments are generally directed to optical fibers that can guide other wavelengths, such as visible light. For example, different scattering center sizes, distribution, refractive index contrasts, etc., may be used to control the

[0011] #14274890vl wavelength of light that can be guided in other optical fiber embodiments, such as discussed in more detail below.

[0012] In one set of embodiments, the article comprises a polymer, such as a UV-transparent polymer, comprising particles at least partially coated with a coupling agent covalently bound thereto. In some cases, the coupling agent is miscible in the UV-transparent polymer.

[0013] In another set of embodiments, the article comprises a polymer, such as a UV- transparent polymer, comprising particles at least partially coated with a coupling agent covalently bound thereto. In some cases, the coupling agent is miscible in tris(perfluorobutyl)amine.

[0014] The article, in accordance with another set of embodiments, comprises a polymer, such as a UV-transparent polymer, comprising particles, such as silica particles, at least partially coated with an alkoxysilane.

[0015] In yet another set of embodiments, the article comprises an optical fiber, comprising a material, such as a UV-transparent material, comprising particles, such as silica particles. In certain cases, the particles are present such that at least 50% of incident UV-C light applied at a first end of the optical fiber is emitted out through the cladding of the optical fiber.

[0016] The article, in still another set of embodiments, comprises a fiber having a varying concentration of particles, such as silica particles, between a first location and a second location axial of the first location. In certain embodiments, the first location and the second location are axially separated along the fiber by at least 1 cm.

[0017] In yet another set of embodiments, the article comprises an optical fiber having a varying composition between a first location and a second location axial of the first location. In some cases, the first location and the second location are axially separated along the fiber by at least 1 cm.

[0018] The article, in accordance with another set of embodiments, comprises a polymer, such as a UV-transparent polymer, comprising particles, such as silica particles, at least partially coated with a coupling agent, such as a UV-transparent coupling agent, covalently bound thereto.

[0019] In still another set of embodiments, the article comprises particles, such as silica particles, contained within a perfluorinated solvent. In certain embodiments, the particles are at least partially coated with an alkoxysilane.

[0020] According to yet another set of embodiments, the article comprises a material, such as a UV-transparent material, comprising particles, such as silica particles. In certain cases, the

[0021] #14274890vl particles are present at a concentration that varies between a first location and a second location different from the first location.

[0022] In one set of embodiments, the article comprises a fiber comprising particles, such as silica particles. In some cases, the particles are present at a concentration that varies between a first location and a second location axial of the first location.

[0023] In one set of embodiments, the article comprises a solution, comprising a fluoropolymer and particles, such as silica particles, contained within a perfluorinated solvent.

[0024] In another set of embodiments, the article comprises a solution, comprising particles, such as silica particles, contained within a perfluorinated solvent. In some cases, the particles are at least partially coated with a coupling agent covalently bound thereto. In certain cases, the coupling agent is miscible in the perfluorinated solvent. In addition, in one embodiment, the coupling agent is miscible in tris(perfluorobutyl)amine.

[0025] In yet another set of embodiments, the article comprises a solution, comprising particles, such as silica particles, contained within a perfluorinated solvent. In certain embodiments, the particles are at least partially coated with a perfluorinated alkoxysilane.

[0026] In still another set of embodiments, the article a solution, comprising particles, such as silica particles, contained within a perfluorinated solvent. In some embodiments, the particles are at least partially coated with a coupling agent, such as a UV-transparent coupling agent, covalently bound thereto.

[0027] Another aspect is generally directed to a method. In some cases, the method comprises passing at least a portion of an optically-transmissive article through a solution to coat the article with the solution. In some cases, while passing at least a portion of the article through the solution, the method comprises altering the composition of the solution, and passing at least a portion of the optically-transmissive article through an extruder to draw the optically-transmissive article into a fiber.

[0028] The method, in another set of embodiments, comprises coating particles, such as silica particles, with a perfluorinated alkoxysilane, dispersing the particles in a fluorinated alcohol, and replacing the fluorinated alcohol with a perfluorinated solvent.

[0029] In yet another set of embodiments, the method comprises passing at least a portion of an optically-transmissive article through a liquid polymer and / or a gel to coat the optically- transmissive article with the polymer. In some embodiments, while passing at least a portion of the optically-transmissive article through the liquid polymer and / or a gel, the method includes a step of altering the composition of the liquid polymer and / or a gel.

[0030] #14274890vl In one set of embodiments, the method comprises exposing at least a portion of an optically-transmissive article to a solution, where while exposing at least a portion of the article to solution, altering the composition of the solution; and passing the optically- transmissive article through an extruder to draw the optically-transmissive article into a fiber.

[0031] In another set of embodiments, the method comprises passing at least a portion of an optically-transmissive article through a solution to coat the article with the solution, where while passing the at least a portion of the article through the solution, altering the composition of the solution; and passing at least a portion of the optically-transmissive article through an extruder to draw the optically-transmissive article into a fiber.

[0032] The method, in yet another set of embodiments, comprises exposing at least a portion of an optically-transmissive article to a liquid polymer and / or a gel to at least partially coat the optically-transmissive article with the liquid polymer and / or the gel, where while exposing the at least a portion of the optically-transmissive article to the liquid polymer and / or the gel, altering the composition of the liquid polymer and / or the gel.

[0033] The method, in still another set of embodiments, comprises passing at least a portion of an optically-transmissive article through a liquid polymer to coat the optically-transmissive article with the polymer, where while passing the at least a portion of the optically- transmissive article through the liquid polymer, altering the composition of the liquid polymer.

[0034] According to still another set of embodiments, the method comprises exposing at least a portion of an optically-transmissive article to a liquid polymer and / or a gel to coat at least a portion of the optically-transmissive article with the polymer and / or gel. In some cases, while exposing the optically-transmissive article to the polymer and / or gel, the method includes a step of altering the composition of the liquid polymer and / or a gel.

[0035] Still another aspect is generally directed to a system. In one set of embodiments, the system comprises a draw tower comprising a die for passing an article therethrough. In some cases, the die may be in fluidic communication with one or a plurality of fluid sources. In certain instances, the die may be controllable, for example, to control fluid flow into the draw tower from the plurality of fluid sources. In some cases, the fluids may be mixed before reaching the article.

[0036] In another set of embodiments, the system comprises a draw tower comprising a die for passing an article therethrough. In certain embodiments, the die may be in fluidic communication with a plurality of fluid sources. In some cases, the die is controllable to control fluid flow into the draw tower from the plurality of fluid sources.

[0037] #14274890vl Other advantages and novel features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of various non-limiting embodiments of the disclosure when considered in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

[0038] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, which are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component illustrated is typically represented by a single numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, nor is every component of each embodiment of the disclosure shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure. In the figures:

[0040] Figs. 1A-1D illustrate a silica NP dispersion in a fluoropolymer solution containing a perfluorinated solvent, in one embodiment;

[0041] Figs. 2A-2B illustrate flux measurements for fibers manufactured in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0042] Fig. 3 illustrates fibers extruded in accordance with another embodiment;

[0043] Figs. 4A-4B illustrate fibers in accordance with certain embodiments;

[0044] Fig. 5 illustrates a system for producing fibers, in yet another embodiment; and

[0045] Fig. 6 illustrates a system for producing mixed solutions, e.g., by applying solutions to fibers, in still another embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 7 illustrates a fiber with a uniform coating in accordance with some embodiments.

[0047] Fig. 8 illustrates fibers having a coating gradient in accordance with certain embodiments.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The present disclosure generally relates to various systems and methods for improving waveguides, including for UV-transparent applications, for example, optical fibers or transparent surfaces, etc. For example, certain aspects are generally directed to ultraviolet- transparent materials containing particles, such as silica particles, which can be used to scatter incident light, such as ultraviolet (UV) light. Such materials may be used in articles such as optical fibers, windows, surfaces, or the like. Other shapes are also possible. In addition, some aspects are drawn to other types of materials containing particles, such as silica particles. In some cases, the particles may be coated, for example, to reduce aggregation, improve solubility, or the like. In addition, some aspects are generally directed

[0050] #14274890vl to solutions useful for forming such materials. Still other aspects are generally directed to systems and methods for making such materials, for example, having different concentrations of particles in different locations. Yet other aspects are directed to techniques for using such materials, kits involving such materials, or the like.

[0051] As a non-limiting example, certain aspects discussed herein are generally drawn to ultraviolet-transparent materials, such as ultraviolet-transparent polymers. In some cases, the materials may be formed into different shapes, e.g., as a substantially planar substrate, or as a cylinder or a fiber. For example, the materials may be formed into an optical fiber, for example, one having a core and a cladding. In certain embodiments, the ultraviolet- transparent materials may be substantially transparent to various types of ultraviolet radiation, such as UV-A, UV-B, or UV-C radiation. Non-limiting examples of ultraviolet-transparent materials include silicones or fluoropolymers such as poly (perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl- 1,3- dioxole-co-tetrafluoroethylene), Cytop®, CyclAFlor®, Teflon® AF, or any other materials described herein. In some embodiments, the ultraviolet-transparent materials may comprise amorphous fluoropolymers, for example, having functional groups such as trifluoromethyl or carboxylic acid, etc.

[0052] In some embodiments, the ultraviolet-transparent materials may contain particles that are able to scatter incident ultraviolet light. This may be useful, for example, in a variety of applications, such as sterilization or disinfection; for example, ultraviolet light scattered from an optical fiber may be used to sterilize or disinfect various locations, e.g., that the optical fiber may have access. The particles may be nanoparticles in some instances, e.g., having average diameters of 1 micrometer, or less. Such diameters may facilitate light scattering, e.g., due to their size (comparable to the wavelength of ultraviolet light, which is between 10 and 400 nm). The particles may comprise any suitable materials, e.g., silica or other materials described herein. The particles may be present in any suitable location or distribution within the ultraviolet-transparent material. The distribution of particles may be uniform or non-uniform, e.g., at concentrations that vary between a first location and a second location different from the first location. As a non-limiting example, the ultraviolet- transparent material may be formed as an optical fiber, e.g., having a core and a cladding surrounding the core, and the particles may be present in either the core and / or the cladding.

[0053] In some embodiments, the particles may be treated to reduce particle aggregation and agglomeration. In some cases, for example, the particles may be coated or treated with a coupling agent that improves the miscibility of the particles in the ultraviolet-transparent material. The coupling agent may also be chosen to be substantially ultraviolet transparent in

[0054] #14274890vl certain embodiments. Non-limiting examples of coupling agents include perfluorinated alkoxysilanes or others such as any of those described herein.

[0055] Other aspects are generally directed to methods of making such materials, e.g., containing particles. For instance, some embodiments are generally directed to solutions that can be polymerized to form such materials. As a non-limiting example, the solution may include a polymer contained in a perfluorinated solvent, wherein the solvent may be removed to form the material, e.g., such as are discussed herein. Particles, e.g., coated with a coupling agent, may also be present in certain embodiments.

[0056] In addition, certain aspects are generally directed to systems and methods of making such materials. For example, one set of embodiments is generally directed to draw towers useful for making fibers, e.g., optical fibers, comprising such materials. In some cases, input materials to the draw tower may be altered during formation of the materials into fibers, e.g., to alter the concentration of particles within the fiber. For instance, in one embodiment, an article may be coated with or otherwise exposed to a solution, wherein the composition of the solution changes as the article passes through or otherwise contacts the solution, before the article is drawn to form a fiber. In addition, in some embodiments, a fiber may be formed, e.g., as a bare fiber, then a coating solution applied.

[0057] The above discussion is a non-limiting example of certain embodiments of the present disclosure that can be used to produce ultraviolet-transparent materials that can scatter ultraviolet light. However, other embodiments are also possible, and it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to only ultraviolet-transparent materials. Other aspects, for example, are directed to other materials comprising particles, where the materials are not necessarily ultraviolet-transparent materials. For example, as discussed herein, some embodiments are generally directed to other wavelengths, such as visible light.

[0058] For example, a variety of articles are contemplated in certain aspects, some of which may be able to scatter ultraviolet light, or other forms of light. As a non-limiting example, articles able to scatter ultraviolet light may be used in a variety of applications, such as sterilization or disinfection. For example, in certain embodiments, ultraviolet light scattered from an article, such as a planar substrate or an optical fiber, may be used to sterilize or disinfect a location, e.g., that the ultraviolet light is able to reach. In some cases, this may include locations that are difficult to access using other techniques. As a non-limiting example, in one set of embodiments, an optical fiber may be bent, twisted, etc. into a variety of shapes for accessing difficult-to-reach locations, allowing those locations to be sterilized or disinfected by the application of ultraviolet light scattered from the optical fiber.

[0059] #14274890vl The articles may be present in a variety of shapes, in various embodiments. For instance, in one set of embodiments, the article may be formed into substantially planar substrates, for example, for use as windows, mirrors, or the like. The articles may contain one or more materials, including ultraviolet- transparent materials such as ultraviolet- transparent polymers, or other materials such as any of those described herein. In some cases, e.g., as discussed herein, such materials may be useful, for example, for scattering or blocking ultraviolet light or radiation from passing through the material, e.g., while allowing other radiation (e.g., visible light) to pass through. However, as noted above, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to only ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, the article may be able to scatter or block certain types of light or radiation from passing through the material (e.g., visible light, or light having only certain frequencies, etc.), while allowing other types of light or radiation to pass through.

[0060] In certain cases, the article may be formed or arranged into any geometry, such as, for example, a waveguide geometry. Some methods and systems described herein may include an optically-transmissive article having a waveguide geometry, where the waveguide geometry may be associated with its function, performance, properties, etc. Non-limiting examples of waveguide geometries include slab, planar, strip, ridge, rectangular, circular, elliptical, and / or cylindrical waveguide geometries, etc. Other geometries, including waveguide and non-waveguide geometries, are possible.

[0061] In another set of embodiments, the materials may be formed into a fiber, such as an optical fiber, and / or a portion of such a fiber (e.g., a core and / or a cladding of an optical fiber). An optical fiber may be optically coupled in some embodiments to a suitable light source, e.g., an ultraviolet light source, a visible light source, etc. In some cases, the fiber may have an average cross-sectional diameter of less than 1 mm, less than 500 micrometers, less than 300 micrometers, less than 200 micrometers, less than 100 micrometers, less than 50 micrometers, less than 30 micrometers, etc. The fiber may include a core and a cladding partially or completely surrounding the core. The cross-section of the fiber may be circular, ellipsoid, or other shapes. The fiber may also have a length of at least 1 m, at least 3 m, at least 5 m, at least 10 m, at least 20 m, at least 30 m, at least 50 m, at least 100 m, at least 200 m, at least 500 m, at least 1 km, at least 3 km, at least 5 km, at least 10 km, at least 20 km, at least 30 km, at least 50 km, at least 100 km, at least 200 km, at least 300 km, etc. The fibers may also be longer in some embodiments.

[0062] In some embodiments, the article may comprise one or more ultraviolet-transparent materials, although this is not a requirement in all embodiments. An ultraviolet- transparent

[0063] #14274890vl material may be substantially transparent to one or more types of ultraviolet radiation, such as UV-A (typical wavelengths of between 315 nm and 400 nm), UV-B (typical wavelengths of between 280 nm and 315 nm), or UV-C (typical wavelengths of between 100 nm and 280 nm) radiation. For example, in some cases, the ultraviolet-transparent material may be substantially transparent to all three types of ultraviolet radiation (e.g., between 100 nm and 400 nm). Of course, it will be understood that no material is perfectly transparent, but substantially transparent materials will typically exhibit at least 80% transparency or higher for a 200 micrometer-thick piece of material (excluding loss due to reflections). This can be determined, for example, for different wavelengths of light through UV-Vis spectrophotometry .

[0064] Some non-limiting examples of ultraviolet-transparent materials include certain types of silicones. The silicones may contain repeating units of siloxanes (e.g., -(O-R.2Si)n-, where R is a functional group. Non-limiting examples of functional groups include H, vinyl, amino, epoxy, hydride, silanol, anhydride, carboxylate, or the like. In some embodiments, more than one type of functional group may be present in a silicone material. Other examples of siloxanes include poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), fluorinated silicones, or fluorinated siloxanes. In some cases, at least some of the functional groups may be cross-linked together, e.g., to improve the mechanical properties of the silicone materials.

[0065] Other non-limiting examples of ultraviolet-transparent materials include certain fluoropolymers. Some fluoropolymers are commercially available, such as Cytop®, CyclAFlor®, or Teflon® AF. Other examples of fluoropolymers include hexafluoropropylene polymers, poly(tetrafluoroetheylene), poly(perfluoroalkoxy alkanes), polymers including acrylates and methacrylates of alkyl and fluoroalkyl alcohols, etc. In some cases, the fluoropolymer may be a copolymer, e.g., comprising these and / or other polymers. Non-limiting examples include hexafluoropropylene and tetrafluoroetheylene copolymers (FEP), tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene vinylidene fluoride copolymers (THV), or the like.

[0066] In some embodiments, materials such as those described herein may contain particles that are able to scatter incident light, e.g., incident ultraviolet light. The particles may be of any suitable size, and may be spherical or non-spherical. The particles may be of the same or different shapes and / or sizes. In certain cases, at least some of the particles are nanoparticles, e.g., having an average diameter of 1 micrometer or less. In some embodiments, the particles may be selected to have an average size that causes scattering of incident light, e.g.,

[0067] #14274890vl ultraviolet light or visible light. For example, the particles may have diameters on the order of the wavelengths of the incident ultraviolet light.

[0068] For example, the nanoparticles may have an average diameter of less than 800 nm, less than 600 nm, less than 500 nm, less than 300 nm, less than 200 nm, less than 100 nm, less than 80 nm, less than 60 nm, less than 50 nm, less than 30 nm, less than 25 nm, less than 20 nm, less than 10 nm, etc. In some cases, the nanoparticles may have an average diameter of at least 10 nm, at least 20 nm, at least 25 nm, at least 30 nm, at least 50 nm, at least 60 nm, at least 80 nm, at least 100 nm, at least 200 nm, at least 300 nm, at least 500 nm, at least 600 nm, at least 800 nm, etc. Combinations of any of these are also possible. For instance, the particles may have an average diameter of between 300 nm and 400 nm, between 200 nm and 400 nm, between 100 nm, and 300 nm, between 100 nm and 400 nm, between 50 nm and 800 nm, etc.

[0069] The particles may comprise any suitable materials, and different particles may comprise the same or different materials. For example, the particles may comprise polymers, plastics, ceramics, glass, or other suitable materials. In one set of embodiments, the particles may include silica or glass particles. In some embodiments, two, three, or more types of particles may be present.

[0070] In some cases, the material may be chosen to allow coating with a coupling agent to occur, e.g., as discussed herein. The materials may be, for example, crystalline and / or amorphous. In some cases, the material may have low absorption to ultraviolet radiation, e.g., such as an ultraviolet-transparent material. However, it should be understood that the particles need not be formed from only ultraviolet- transparent materials. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that the particle size may be a factor that scatters ultraviolet light. For example, the particles may have an average diameter of between 25 nm and 600 nm, or other diameters such as those described herein.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the particles may be present within the material in any suitable location or distribution within the material. The distribution of particles may be uniform or non-uniform within the material, e.g., at concentrations that vary between a first location and a second location different from the first location. The two locations may be separated, for example, by at least 1 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 5 cm, at least 10 cm, at least 30 cm, at least 50 cm, at least 100 cm, at least 300 cm, at least 500 cm, at least 1 m, at least 3 m, at least 5 m, at least 10 m, etc.

[0072] In some cases, for example, if the material is a fiber, the first location and the second location may be separated at such distances axially along the fiber. Thus, as a non-limiting

[0073] #14274890vl example, the material may be formed as an optical fiber, e.g., having a core and a cladding surrounding the core, and the particles may be present in the core and / or the cladding. In some cases, the particles may be present in a distribution that varies axially along the fiber. For example, the particles may increase or decrease in concentration in a direction as light (e.g., ultraviolet light) propagates down a fiber from a light source (e.g., an ultraviolet light source, a visible light source, etc.), which may increase or decrease the amount of light scattering at first location of the fiber, compared to a second location down the fiber further away from the light source. In some embodiments, for example, the particle concentration may increase in a direction away from the light source down the fiber, for example, to cause substantially uniform amounts of scattering of light axially from the fiber, e.g., side scattering or directionally scattering at least some of the light away from the fiber. For example, the concentration of particles may vary linearly or non-linearly with distance axially along the fiber. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, particles such as silica particles may be present in an optical fiber such that at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, or at least 75% of incident ultraviolet light (e.g., UV-A, UV-B, and / or UV-C light) applied at a first end of the optical fiber is emitted out through the cladding of the optical fiber.

[0074] In one set of embodiments, the concentration of particles at a first location may be at least 106particles / m3, at least 107particles / m3, at least 108particles / m3, at least 109particles / m3, at least 1010particles / m3, at least 1011particles / m3, at least 1012particles / m3, at least 1013particles / m3, at least 1014particles / m3, at least 1015particles / m3, at least 1016particles / m3, at least 1017particles / m3, at least 1018particles / m3, at least 1019particles / m3, at least IO20particles / m3. In some cases, the concentration of particles at a first location may be no more than IO20particles / m3, no more than 1019particles / m3, no more than 1018particles / m3, no more than 1017particles / m3, no more than 1016particles / m3, no more than 1015particles / m3, no more than 1014particles / m3, no more than 1013particles / m3, no more than 1012particles / m3, no more than 1011particles / m3, no more than IO10particles / m3, no more than 109particles / m3, no more than 108particles / m3, no more than 107particles / m3, or no more than 106particles / m3. In some embodiments, combinations of any of these ranges are possible, e.g., the concentration of particles at a first location may be between 106particles / m3and 107particles / m3, between 108particles / m3and 1010particles / m3, between 109particles / m3and 1011particles / m3, etc. In some cases, the concentration of particles at the first location may be 0.

[0075] #14274890vl In some embodiments, the concentration of particles at a second location may be at least 106particles / m3, at least 107particles / m3, at least 108particles / m3, at least 109particles / m3, at least IO10particles / m3, at least 1011particles / m3, or at least 1012particles / m3. In some cases, the concentration of particles at a second location may be no more than 1012particles / m3, no more than 1011particles / m3, no more than IO10particles / m3, no more than 109particles / m3, no more than 108particles / m3, no more than 107particles / m3, or no more than

[0076] 106particles / m3. In some embodiments, combinations of any of these ranges are possible, e.g., the concentration of particles at a second location may be between 106particles / m3and

[0077] 107particles / m3, between 108particles / m3and 1010particles / m3, between 109particles / m3and 1011particles / m3, etc. In addition, the concentration of particles at the second location may be lower or higher than the concentration of particles at the first location. The concentration of particles may also change, e.g., linearly or non-linearly, between the first location and the second location.

[0078] In one set of embodiments, the concentration of particles at a first location may be at least 0.1 wt%, at least 0.2 wt%, at least 0.3 wt%, at least 0.5 wt%, at least 0.7 wt%, at least 1 wt%, at least 1.5 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 2.5 wt%, at least 3 wt%, at least 3.5 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 4.5 wt%, at least 5 wt%. In some cases, the concentration of particles at a first location may be no more than 5 wt%, no more than 4.5 wt%, no more than 4 wt%, no more than 3.5 wt%, no more than 3 wt%, no more than 2.5 wt%, no more than 2 wt%, no more than 1.5 wt%, no more than 1 wt%, no more than 0.7 wt%, no more than 0.5 wt%, no more than 0.3 wt%, no more than 0.2 wt%, or no more than 0.1 wt%. In some embodiments, combinations of any of these ranges are possible, e.g., the concentration of particles at a first location may be between 0 wt% and 5 wt%, between 0.3 wt% and 0.7 wt%, between 1.5 wt% and 2.5 wt%, etc.

[0079] In one set of embodiments, the concentration of particles at a second location may be at least 0.1 wt%, at least 0.2 wt%, at least 0.3 wt%, at least 0.5 wt%, at least 0.7 wt%, at least 1 wt%, at least 1.5 wt%, at least 2 wt%, at least 2.5 wt%, at least 3 wt%, at least 3.5 wt%, at least 4 wt%, at least 4.5 wt%, at least 5 wt%. In some cases, the concentration of particles at a second location may be no more than 5 wt%, no more than 4.5 wt%, no more than 4 wt%, no more than 3.5 wt%, no more than 3 wt%, no more than 2.5 wt%, no more than 2 wt%, no more than 1.5 wt%, no more than 1 wt%, no more than 0.7 wt%, no more than 0.5 wt%, no more than 0.3 wt%, no more than 0.2 wt%, or no more than 0.1 wt%. In some embodiments, combinations of any of these ranges are possible, e.g., the concentration of particles at a second location may be between 0 wt% and 5 wt%, between 0.3 wt% and 0.7 wt%, between

[0080] #14274890vl 1.5 wt% and 2.5 wt%, etc. In addition, the concentration of particles at the second location may be lower or higher than the concentration of particles at the first location. The concentration of particles may also change, e.g., linearly or non-linearly, between the first location and the second location.

[0081] In some embodiments, the particles may be treated in some fashion. The particles may be partially or fully coated, for example, with a surface coating, e.g., to reduce the tendency of such particles to aggregate and / or agglomerate, to improve the miscibility of the particles in a solvent, or the like. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that under certain conditions, mixing particles in a solvent may destroy polymeric chains, which may cause the particles to come out of solution, e.g., over a period of time or during sonication, etc., and certain types of surface coatings may be used to reduce such effects. In addition, in some cases, the surface coating may be chosen to be substantially ultraviolet- transparent, e.g., substantially transparent to one or more types of ultraviolet radiation, such as UV-A, UV-B, or UV-C radiation, e.g., as discussed herein.

[0082] The type of treatment may depend on the particles being used. For instance, in some cases, particles such as silica particles may be partially or completely coated with a coupling agent. In some cases, the coupling agent may be covalently bound to the particles. The coupling agent may also be substantially ultraviolet-transparent in some embodiments, e.g., as discussed herein. In addition, in some cases, the coupling agent may be miscible with the solvent used for the polymers, e.g., as discussed herein. Suitable coupling agents can be determined, for example, on the basis of their miscibility with the polymer comprising the coating and with the polymer solvent, or with tris(perfluorobutyl)amine in some cases.

[0083] In some embodiments, the miscibility of a coupling agent with a polymer (e.g., a UV- transparent polymer), a polymer solvent, etc., can be determined by determining aggregation formation. For example, there may be no aggregates present, or there may be aggregates that form upon mixing of a coupling agent with another material (e.g., when both are at equal molar concentrations), but the aggregates may have a size or size distribution that does not significantly scatter light, such as ultraviolet light. For instance, any aggregates that may form may have an average size of less than 500 micrometers, less than 400 micrometers, less than 300 micrometers, less than 200 micrometers, less than 100 micrometers, less than 80 micrometers, less than 70 micrometers, less than 60 micrometers, less than 50 micrometers, less than 40 micrometers, less than 30 micrometers, less than 25 micrometers, less than 20 micrometers, less than 15 micrometers, less than 10 micrometers, less than 5 micrometers,

[0084] #14274890vl etc. In some cases, for miscible components, there may be no detectable aggregates present in the final mixture.

[0085] Non-limiting examples of coupling agents include perfluorinated alkoxysilanes or others such as any of those described herein. Additional examples include heneicosafluorododecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptadecafluorodecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, nonafluorohexyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptafluorobutyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, pentafluoropropyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, trifluoropropyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, trifluoroethyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heneicosafluorododecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptadecafluorodecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, nonafluorohexyltrichloro(bromo) silane, heptafluorobutyltrichloro(bromo) silane, pentafluoropropyltrichloro(bromo)silane, trifluoropropyltrichloro(bromo)silane, trifluoroethyltrichloro(bromo)silane), etc.

[0086] Non-limiting examples of alkoxysilanes include methyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, ethyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, propyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, i- propyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, butyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, i- butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, t-butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, 2-pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, 3- pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, hexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, 2 hexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, 3-hexyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, octyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, nonyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, decyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, undecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, dodecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, tridecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, tetradecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, pentadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, hexadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, heptadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, octadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, methyltrichloro(bromo)silane, ethyltrichloro(bromo)silane, propyltrichloro(bromo)silane, i- propyltrichloro(bromo) silane, butyltrichloro(bromo) silane, i-butyltrichloro(bromo) silane, t- butyltrichloro(bromo)silane, pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 2-pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 3- pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 2-hexyltrichloro(bromo) silane, 3- hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptyltrichloro(bromo) silane, octyltrichloro(bromo)silane, nonyltrichloro(bromo)silane, decyltrichloro(bromo)silane, undecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, dodecyltrichloro(bromo) silane, tridecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, tetradecyltrichloro(bromo) silane, pentadecyltrichloro(bromo) silane,

[0087] #14274890vl hexadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, octadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, etc.

[0088] For example, in one set of embodiments, the coupling agent may have a structure: RSiX3where R is an organofunctional group, n is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and X is a hydrolysable group, such as alkoxy (methoxy, ethoxy, n-propoxy) or halogen (Cl or Br). In some embodiments, the organofunctional group may provide compatibility between the particles and the coating. This may, for example, facilitate dispersal of the particles in the coating solution.

[0089] In some cases, the hydrolysable group may be selected to allow covalent bonding to occur. The hydrolysable group on the silane may provide chemical bonding to silanol groups (Si-OH) on particles, such as the silica particles, in certain embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the organofunctional group may be an alkoxy or halogen (Cl, Br), e.g., which is capable of forming chemical bonds with silanol (Si-OH) groups present on the surface of silica or other particles.

[0090] In some embodiments where the material includes a fluoropolymer, the organofunctional group may comprise a fluorinated or partially fluorinated alkyl. Silanes bearing those organofunctional groups include, but are not limited to, heneicosafluorododecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptadecafluorodecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, nonafluorohexyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptafluorobutyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, pentafluoropropyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, trifluoropropyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, trifluoroethyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heneicosafluorododecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptadecafluorodecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, nonafluorohexyltrichloro(bromo) silane, heptafluorobutyltrichloro(bromo) silane, pentafluoropropyltrichloro(bromo)silane, trifluoropropyltrichloro(bromo)silane, trifluoroethyltrichloro(bromo)silane, etc.

[0091] In some embodiments where the material includes a (meth) acrylate polymer, the organofunctional group may comprise Ci to Cis alkyl can be used. These include, but are not limited to, methyl, ethyl, butyl, etc. The alkyl group can be linear or branched. Examples of silanes bearing these groups include, but not limited to methyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, ethyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, propyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, i- propyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, butyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, i- butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, t-butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, 2-pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, 3- pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, hexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, 2

[0092] #14274890vl hexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, 3-hexyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, octyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, nonyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, decyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, undecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, dodecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, tridecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, tetradecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, pentadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, hexadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, heptadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, octadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, methyltrichloro(bromo)silane, ethyltrichloro(bromo)silane, propyltrichloro(bromo)silane, i- propyltrichloro(bromo) silane, butyltrichloro(bromo) silane, i-butyltrichloro(bromo) silane, t- butyltrichloro(bromo)silane, pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 2-pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 3- pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 2-hexyltrichloro(bromo) silane, 3- hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptyltrichloro(bromo) silane, octyltrichloro(bromo)silane, nonyltrichloro(bromo)silane, decyltrichloro(bromo)silane, undecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, dodecyltrichloro(bromo) silane, tridecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, tetradecyltrichloro(bromo) silane, pentadecyltrichloro(bromo) silane, hexadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, octadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, etc.

[0093] In some embodiments where the material includes a silicone, the organofunctional group may comprise an alkyl and / or fluoroalkyl group. Silanes including organofunctional groups include, but are not limited to, heneicosafluorododecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptadecafluorodecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, nonafluorohexyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptafluorobutyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, pentafluoropropyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, trifluoropropyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, trifluoroethyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heneicosafluorododecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptadecafluorodecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, nonafluorohexyltrichloro(bromo) silane, heptafluorobutyltrichloro(bromo) silane, pentafluoropropyltrichloro(bromo)silane, trifluoropropyltrichloro(bromo)silane, trifluoroethyltrichloro(bromo)silane). Non-limiting examples of alkoxysilanes include (methyltrimethoxy (ethoxy ) silane, ethyltrimethoxy (ethoxy ) silane, propyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, i-propyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, i-butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, t- butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, pentyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, 2- pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, 3-pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, hexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, 2 hexyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, 3- hexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, heptyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane,

[0094] #14274890vl octyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, nonyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, decyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, undecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, dodecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, tridecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, tetradecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, pentadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, hexadecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptadecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, octadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, methyltrichloro(bromo) silane, ethyltrichloro(bromo)silane, propyltrichloro(bromo) silane, i-propyltrichloro(bromo)silane, butyltrichloro(bromo)silane, i-butyltrichloro(bromo) silane, t-butyltrichloro(bromo) silane, pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 2-pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 3-pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 2-hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 3-hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptyltrichloro(bromo)silane, octyltrichloro(bromo) silane, nonyltrichloro(bromo)silane, decyltrichloro(bromo) silane, undecyltrichloro(bromo) silane, dodecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, tridecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, tetradecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, pentadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, hexadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, octadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, etc.

[0095] In addition, certain aspects are generally directed to systems and methods of making materials such as those described herein, for example, ultraviolet-transparent or other polymers comprising particles, e.g., for scattering ultraviolet or other types of light. For instance, certain embodiments are generally directed to solutions of a polymer, solvent, and optionally particles, where the solvent can be removed to form a polymer material. Examples of polymers and particles have been described herein.

[0096] For example, one set of embodiments is generally directed to a solvent that can be evaporated or otherwise removed as discussed herein. For example, a solution comprising a solvent, and a fluoropolymer or other material (e.g., an ultraviolet-transparent material such as those discussed herein), may be treated to remove the solvent, leaving behind the fluoropolymer or other ultraviolet-transparent material, e.g., as to form an article such as described herein. In some cases, the fluoropolymer or other material (e.g., an ultraviolet- transparent material) may also contain particles that, upon removal of the solvent, may be contained within the material, for example, such that the material is able to scatter light (e.g., ultraviolet light) as discussed herein.

[0097] Techniques for removing the solvent include, but are not limited to, air drying, heat (evaporation), or convective drying (for example, by blowing a gas over the solution to facilitate removal of the solvent). Examples of gases that may be used include, but are not limited to, air, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, or the like.

[0098] #14274890vl The solvent may be any suitable solvent, e.g., an aqueous solvent, an organic solvent, etc. In certain embodiments, the solvent may be a perfluorinated solvent. Non-limiting examples of perfluorinated solvents include hexafluoroisopropanol, tris(perfluorobutyl)amine, PFC-180 (CyclaSolv®-PFC180), Fluorinert™ fluids from 3M Co. (e.g., FC-40, FC-770, FC-43, Novec-7000, Novec-7100, Novec-8100), etc. In addition, in some embodiments, the temperature of the solution may be increased by applying a heat source to the solution, e.g., to a temperature of at least 30 °C, at least 35 °C, at least 40 °C, at least 45 °C, at least 50 °C, at least 55 °C, at least 60 °C, at least 65 °C, at least 70 °C, at least 75 °C, at least 80 °C, at least 85 °C, at least 90 °C, at least 95 °C, at least 100 °C, etc.

[0099] Certain aspects are generally directed to systems and methods of making such materials. In some embodiments, such materials may be made into fibers, such as optical fibers, by coating the material onto an article, and drawing or extruding the article. The material then forms a cladding surrounding a core that is formed from the article in certain cases. Those of ordinary skill in the art will be familiar with draw towers and similar techniques that can be used to produce fibers, including optical fibers having a core and a cladding. In addition, in other embodiments, other methods may be used, for example, to expose an article to a liquid polymer and / or a gel to coat at least a portion of the article with the polymer, for example, dip coating, spray coating, spin coating, etc. For example, the article may be a fiber, a substrate, or have other shapes.

[0100] In addition, in some cases, the article may be an optically-transmissive article; for example, the article may comprise glass or a polymer, e.g., a polymer such as a UV- transparent polymer such as any of those described herein. In some cases, the optically- transmissive article may be an article that is substantially transparent to visible light (e.g., having wavelengths between 400 nm and 700 nm), and / or allows at least at least 80% transparency or higher for a 200 micrometer-thick piece of material (excluding loss due to reflections). This can be determined, for example, for different wavelengths of light through UV-Vis spectrophotometry. In some cases, an optically-transmissive article may also be substantially transparent to one or more types of ultraviolet radiation, e.g., as discussed herein. Optical fibers, transparent surfaces, or other articles such as any of those described herein can be produced in various embodiments.

[0101] In some embodiments, the material composition fed into the applicator (e.g., into an applicator die) may be changed while passing an article, such as a fiber or a substrate, through the material, or otherwise exposing the article to the material. For instance, the applicator may have a compartment that can contain two or more solutions, which may

[0102] #14274890vl independently be delivered into the applicator. In some cases, one or more of the compartments may be pressurized, e.g., at a pressure of at least 1.1 atm (absolute), at least 1.2 atm, at least 1.5 atm, at least 1.8 atm, at least 2 atm, at least 2.5 atm, at least 3 atm, at least 4 atm, at least 5 atm, etc. By controlling the rates and / or amounts of the solutions entering the applicator, the composition of the material may be controlled or altered. As a non-limiting example, a first solution containing particles and a second solution free of particles may be delivered to the compartment, e.g., at different flow rates. By altering the flow rates of the fluids, the concentration of particles in the material may be controlled. In addition, in some cases, a mixing component can be present, e.g., within the compartment, to facilitate mixing. For example, the mixing component may include mixing blades, baffles, or the like.

[0103] The components in the coated material may be altered while the article is passing, e.g., by closing and / or opening any of the feeds (e.g., feed lines) connected thereto. For example, a first feed comprising particles, which can be fed into the applicator, may be closed (e.g., have a flow rate of 0), for example, while the material is being formed and / or coated on a portion of an article (e.g., fiber, substrate, etc.). In some cases, a portion of the coated article may be free of such particles. By closing and / or opening the feeds connected to and / or fluidically associated with the applicator die, the composition of a material coated on an article, such as an optically-transmissive article or an optical fiber, can be tuned in some cases. In one set of embodiments, while coating an article, it may be useful to alter the flow rates of the feeds while closing and / or opening at least some of the feeds, such that the resulting article may have one or more portions with varying composition, e.g., a first portion with a concentration gradient and a second portion with / without certain components of the composition.

[0104] It is possible to vary the thickness of the material being coated by controlling the feeding rate of the components entering the applicator in accordance with certain embodiments. According to some embodiments, the thickness of the material being coated on an article may be proportional to the feeding rate of the feeds fluidically associated with the die. For example, according to some embodiments, by reducing the feeding rate of at least one of the feeds entering the applicator, the thickness of the material may be reduced (e.g., reduced as a function of the feeding rate) along a dimension (e.g., longitudinal dimension) of the article while being passed. Similarly, in some cases, by increasing the feeding rate of at least one of the components entering the application, the thickness of the material being coated on an article may increase (e.g., increase as a function of the feeding rate) along a dimension (e.g., longitudinal dimension) of the article while being passed. In

[0105] #14274890vl certain embodiments, it may be useful to control the feeding rate to achieve a desired thickness of the material being coated.

[0106] As another non-limiting example, a fiber can be drawn on a tower where a glass article is melted and drawn into a fiber core. The resultant glass core can be sent through dies that coat the glass in a material, such as those disclosed herein. By controlling the feeds forming the material (for example, from two or more solutions), and / or by changing feed ratios of the die, the ratios of different polymers or concentrations of particles in a polymer can be controlled along the fiber as the material are applied. The application of coatings or claddings onto a core of a fiber can be done through one die or a series of multiple dies. In some cases, the rate of change in solutions may be linear or non-linear, via a step change, exponentially, etc. which may be used to control the rate of change of particles within the fiber, e.g., such that the change of particle concentration along the fiber may also be linear or non-linear, via a step change, etc., between a first location in the fiber and a second location in the fiber.

[0107] It should also be understood that such techniques are not limited to only solutions containing particles, and instead can be applied to any two solutions that may be used, alone or in combination, to form or coat a fiber. Thus, for example, a die may be in fluid communication with a first solution and a second solution that is distinguishable from the first solution, e.g., having a different composition, a different concentration of a component of the solution, etc. As noted above, in some embodiments, the first solution and the second solution may contain different concentrations of particles. However, in other embodiments, the first solution and the second solution may contain one or more different components, and / or they may contain the same components, but at different concentrations, etc. These can be used to produce a variety of fibers with compositions that are different with respect to axial position. For example, in one embodiment, a fiber may contain a dye that has a different concentration at different points along the fiber. See, for example, Fig. 3. In other embodiments, the fiber may contain different dopants, impurities, or the like at different points along the fiber, e.g., at a first position and at a second position, etc. The positions may be separated, for example, by at least 1 cm, at least 3 cm, at least 5 cm, at least 10 cm, at least 30 cm, at least 50 cm, at least 100 cm, at least 300 cm, at least 500 cm, at least 1 m, at least 3 m, at least 5 m, at least 10 m, etc. These may vary, for example, linear or non-linear, via a step change, etc. axially along the fiber.

[0108] One non-limiting schematic example of such a system is shown in Fig. 5. In this example, a glass article is heated, e.g., in a furnace, to shape the glass into a fiber. The fiber

[0109] #14274890vl is passed through a primary applicator die, which may be used to apply a coating to the glass fiber. Examples of coatings include any of those described herein; for example, the coating in one set of embodiments may contain particles. Accordingly, in some cases, glass fibers, e.g., having a core and a cladding, may be produced using such techniques. Furthermore, in some cases, the glass fiber (with the coating) may be optionally passed through a secondary applicator die, which may be used to apply a second coating to the glass fiber.

[0110] In some embodiments, a fiber or other article may be passed through a liquid polymer and / or a gel, e.g., to coat the fiber or other article with the polymer. In some cases, while passing the fiber or other article through the liquid polymer and / or a gel, the composition of the liquid polymer and / or gel may be altered. Non-limiting examples of liquid polymers include a polymer solution in solvent, an uncured polymer or prepolymer resin, a melted polymer or prepolymer resin, or the like. In addition, a variety of techniques may be used to cure the liquid polymer coating, such as the evaporation of solvent, the application of thermal energy (e.g., from a suitable energy source), and / or the application radiative energy (e.g., from a suitable energy source). In certain embodiments, this may produce a solid polymer coating on the fiber or other article.

[0111] Fig. 6 illustrates a non-limiting example system where two solutions can be mixed together, for example to produce a coating. In some cases, one or both of the solution can be pressurized, e.g., at the same or different pressures. Examples of pressures include any of those described herein. The solutions may be mixed together in a variety of methods. For example, as is shown in Fig. 6, the flow rates of the solutions into a die or other mixing compartment can be controlled, e.g., using pumps or valves to control the ratio of the solutions. Thus, in certain embodiments, fluid mixing within a die may occur, although it should be understood that in other embodiments, no fluid mixing within a die may occur. Although one configuration is shown in Fig. 6, other configurations of a die that allow for mixing therein are also possible in other embodiments. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, there may be one or more compartments within the die that allows for fluid mixing to occur.

[0112] In addition, in some cases, one or more feeds of solutions can be passed into a die, e.g., such as described herein. Within the die, the solution(s) may be used to coat a glass fiber, e.g., to produce a coated fiber (for example, a fiber having a core and a cladding), such as any of those described herein.

[0113] #14274890vl U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 698,410, filed September 24, 2025, entitled “Systems and Methods for UV-Transparent applications,” by Fitzpatrick, el al., is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0114] The following examples are intended to illustrate certain embodiments of the present disclosure, but do not exemplify the full scope of the disclosure.

[0115] EXAMPLE 1

[0116] This example illustrates experiments to disperse silica nanoparticles (Si-NP) into polymer solutions. These examples show that silica nanoparticles (Si-NP) may be compatibilized with the polymer.

[0117] Fig. 1 illustrates an experiment where Si-NP were added to the 9 wt% solution of a fluropolymer in a perfluorinated solvent and did not enter solution (Fig. 1A). A coupling agent was used to facilitate the entry of the Si-NP into solution. Some experiments showed that solvent exchange could be used to facilitate uniform particle dispersion in the polymer solution (Fig. IB). Fig. 1C shows the polymer solution after the addition of the Si-NP. The solution had uniform color and opacity in a single phase, thus demonstrating the effects of treatment with a fluorinated silane (nonafluorotriethoxy silane) as a coupling agent. This coupling agent had three ethoxy groups per molecule, and was capable to form chemical bonds with silanol (Si-OH) groups present on the surface of the silica particles. The coupling agent appeared to be miscible with the polymer, based on the dispersion of the modified particles in solution, the miscibility of the coupling agent with PFC-180 solvent, and the structure of the coupling agent, including a nonafluorohexane chain, making it more likely to be compatible with the polymer. The coupling agent may be UV transparent based on its fluorinated alkyl chain and silicon structure.

[0118] Fig. 1 shows a silica NP dispersion in (Fig. 1A) 9 wt% fluropolymer solution; (Fig. IB) in PFC-180 solvent; and (Fig. 1C) Si-NP-polymer dispersion after NP modification with silane. Fig. ID shows polymer / Si-NP films deposited and dried at different temperatures.

[0119] EXAMPLE 2

[0120] This is an example procedure to obtain a Si-NP dispersion. i) Particle surface modification in isopropyl alcohol: 20 g NP were sonicated in 800 ml of IPA until no aggregates were visible. 8 ml of nonafluorohexyltrietoxy silane was mixed in 2 ml of 28% NH3 in water and placed on rollers for 4 days in a 45 °C oven. ii) Centrifugation steps to remove excess of silane: Centrifugation was repeated 3 times for 1 hour at 200 rpm.

[0121] #14274890vl iii) Particle drying: After centrifugation, the particles were dried overnight in vacuum oven at ambient temperature. iv) Particle dispersion in fluorinated alcohol (hexafluoroisopropanol): To ~5 g of NP, ~20 ml of hexafluoroisopropanol were added. The mixture was sonicated with 15-20 minute intervals with total sonication time 2 hours (sonication with intervals to prevent overheating of the dispersion). v) Solvent exchange: To the NP dispersion in hexafluoroisopropanol, 20 ml of PFC- 180 solvent was added. The mixture was mixed well and sonicated for another 1 hour (with intervals). The hexafluoroisopropanol was removed by blowing nitrogen over the dispersion (the dispersion was stirred with a magnetic stirrer, and the N2 was filtered over a 0.2 micron filter) vi) Addition of 9 wt% fluoropolymer solution to the particle dispersion: To the NP dispersion, a calculated amount of the 9 wt% polymer solution was added to get a desired polymer NP ratio. viz) Concentrating the Si-NP dispersion to the desired final concentration suitable for fiber draw trials: The dispersion was put in a 85 °C bath. Extra solvent was removed by blowing nitrogen over dispersion. The dispersion was stirred with a magnetic stirrer.

[0122] EXAMPLE 3

[0123] This example illustrates a material that can be used to coat an optical waveguide, or be used as an optical waveguide, e.g., due to the high UV transparency of the coating. The use of this solution as a side scattering fiber coating was performed in this example. Nanoparticles stabilized and adequately dispersed in a UV transparent polymer coating were applied to a fiber that demonstrated a new stable, durable fiber composition manufacturable on a draw tower and that different light scattering profiles could be achieved based on the concentration of nanoparticles within a transparent coating in the UVC range.

[0124] In this example, fibers were drawn on a tower and coated and dried in an oven before spooling. The fibers had a glass core of 500 micrometers and a coating thickness of 20 micrometers. Optical performance of the coating was measured as it was aged over 9 months. To determine the UV flux, irradiance readings were measured using a spectrophotoradiometer (AvaSpec-2048L, Avantes, Louisville, CO, USA). The readings were taken along a 1 meter fiber.

[0125] Fig. 2A shows average flux measurements and standard deviations of fibers manufactured on a draw tower loaded with different concentrations of nanoparticles in the polymer coating. The concentrations used were 3% and 1%. Fig. 2B shows average flux

[0126] #14274890vl measurements and standard deviations as a function of distance from LED of a fiber after fabrication (July, 2023) and after being aged for more than a year (April, 2024). It can be observed that the flux measurements did not change significantly, thereby demonstrating that the optical fibers are able to withstand exposure to significant amounts of ultraviolet radiation, which is important for optical fibers for transmitting ultraviolet radiation.

[0127] EXAMPLE 4

[0128] This example illustrates methods to control solution / filament composition as a function of location for manufacturing equipment that coat with solutions or filaments such as on fiber towers, extruders, 3D printers, or film casting to coat a surface or create a 3D structure. Without wishing to be bound by any theory, it is believed that interaction between nanoparticles in a cladding / coating and photons traveling through an optical waveguide may affect scattering intensity. For example, higher frequency of interaction may result in higher UV scattering flux. When total internal reflection (TIR) occurs, an evanescent wave, or electromagnetic disturbance, may be generated through the sides (the cladding) of the optically sparse medium. This evanescent wave energy decays exponentially in a direction perpendicular to the plane. The frequency of nanoparticle and photon interaction may be related to the total nanoparticles at a specific location in the cladding, and / or the distance of a nanoparticle from the optical waveguide. Thus, in some cases, the coating method to control the intensity of light emission may include changing the total number of nanoparticles as a function of location. For example, this can be performed through adjusting the nanoparticle concentration in the polymer coating, adjusting the polymer coating thickness, and / or adjusting the distance of the nanoparticle in the coating from the optical waveguide.

[0129] In this example, a copper magnet wire, as a substitute for glass fiber, was pulled through the extruder with multiple feed lines to simultaneously extrude of 3 commercial 3D printer filaments. Heat was applied to melt the filaments for application. Fig. 3 illustrates the resulting wire when (black wire) three black filaments are used (left) and when two red and one black filament are used (right). The resulting width of black strip is governed by how much of the total feed came from that filament vs. the red filaments.

[0130] EXAMPLE 5

[0131] This example illustrates the production of optical fibers, in accordance with one set of embodiments. In this example, THV500 commercially available fluoropolymer from 3M (THV) was purchased to prepare the THV filaments. To prepare THV filaments filled with scattering silica nanoparticles (THV / Si-NP), silica nanoparticles were modified using the same chemistry as described in Example 2. In these trials, the three feed lines were two

[0132] #14274890vl polymer-only filaments and one filament of polymer with silica nanoparticles. The resultant THV / Si-NP filament was prepared at a 5:1 (THV: THV / Si-NP) ratio to obtain a uniform composition with a diameter between 1.6- 1.8 mm. Fig. 4 shows two types of the filaments (THV and THV / Si-NP) prepared.

[0133] 1 m long (1 mm ID) glass rods were pulled through the extruder and the resultant cladding composition varied along the length of the fiber. The feed ratio of the THV / Si-NP started at 0% at the beginning of the fiber and continually increased to 67% of the total feed at the end of the 1 m fiber. Fig. 4 shows images of the resultant fiber near the beginning and end of the fiber. The opaque color was due to the nanoparticle filament application while the clear coating is the polymer-only application. Thus, varying the feed ratios but keeping the total feed constant controlled the surface coverage along the surface of the optical waveguide in this example, which was used to create a directionally emitting fiber.

[0134] Fig. 4A shows THV (transparent) and THV / Si-NP filament coated fiber. Fig. 4B shows fiber coated with THV and THV / Si-NP filaments at various ratios using extruder to create a gradient fiber that was directionally emitting with a percentage of the fiber covered in nanoparticles.

[0135] The addition of a mixing unit before extrusion allowed uniform coating with different concentrations. The surface being coated sent through the applicator or the applicator applied coating to a surface or extruded to create a 3D structure such as a polymer fiber or film. Other methods include the use of microfluidic peristaltic pumps or variable speed pumps that draw liquid from two or more reservoirs with different nanoparticle concentrations including 0. The streams could be combined by precision microfluidic mixing to form a desired concentration before entering the coating apparatus. Another design uses micro-valves that can be opened precisely with programmed servo motors. These valves can be opened and closed to a precise angle allowing for precise control of fluid flow through the valves. The fluid reservoirs could be pressurized, and this pressure drives the flow of the fluid through the valves. Once mixed into an applicator, solution could be applied by various extruders for 3D printing, fiber tower die, dip coating apparatus, or spray nozzle, etc. Polymer solutions may be modified to increase viscosity and deposited onto a heated surface to drive off solvent to cure in place, e.g., for application onto a planar surface.

[0136] EXAMPLE 6

[0137] This example describes a fiber uniformly coated with a solution containing a fluorescent dye, generally for visualization purposes. In this example, multiple feeds into a single die formed a uniform coating along the fiber. Fig. 7 shows the resulting coating. The

[0138] #14274890vl fiber was illuminated with white light. The dye fluorescence (orange-red in color) was visible, which confirmed the presence of the fiber coating.

[0139] This example also describes a fiber having a coating gradient. To visualize the coating gradient, alginate solutions with a 3.5 Pa*s viscosity containing yellow and blue dyes were pumped to the die and filmed. A draw speed of 5 m / min was chosen since it is a typical draw speed on commercial towers. The gradient along the fiber repeated every 2 meters. No gradients as well as linear gradients were both tested. The linear gradient showed a color change from all blue to all yellow and then back to all blue. Color changes shown in Fig. 8 demonstrated the change in color based on these gradients.

[0140] While several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the functions and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the present disclosure. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present disclosure is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the disclosure described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. The present disclosure is directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0141] In cases where the present specification and a document incorporated by reference include conflicting and / or inconsistent disclosure, the present specification shall control. If two or more documents incorporated by reference include conflicting and / or inconsistent disclosure with respect to each other, then the document having the later effective date shall control.

[0142] #14274890vl All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0143] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0144] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0145] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”

[0146] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least

[0147] #14274890vl one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0148] When the word “about” is used herein in reference to a number, it should be understood that still another embodiment of the disclosure includes that number not modified by the presence of the word “about.”

[0149] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0150] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.

[0151] #14274890vl

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An article, comprising: a UV-transparent polymer comprising particles at least partially coated with a coupling agent covalently bound thereto, wherein the coupling agent is miscible in the UV-transparent polymer.

2. The article of claim 1, wherein the article is an optical fiber.

3. The article of claim 2, wherein the optical fiber comprises a core and a cladding, wherein the cladding comprises the UV-transparent polymer comprising the particles.

4. The article of any one of claims 2 or 3, wherein the particles are present within the optical fiber such that at least 50% of incident UV-C light applied at a first end of the optical fiber is emitted out through the cladding of the optical fiber.

5. The article of any one of claims 2-4, further comprising an ultraviolet light source positioned in optical communication with the optical fiber.

6. The article of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the article is a substantially planar substrate.

7. The article of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the article has a waveguide geometry.

8. The article of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the particles comprise particles.

9. The article of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the particles are present at a concentration that varies between a first location and a second location different from the first location.

10. The article of claim 9, wherein the concentration of particles varies linearly between the first location and the second location.#14274890vl11. The article of claim 9, wherein the concentration of particles varies non-linearly between the first location and the second location.

12. The article of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the particles have a concentration of less than 5 wt%.

13. The article of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the particles have an average characteristic dimension of less than 1 micrometer.

14. The article of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the particles have an average characteristic dimension of less than 200 nm.

15. The article of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises a fluoropolymer.

16. The article of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises Cytop®.

17. The article of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises poly(perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl- 1 ,3-dioxole-co-tetrafluoroethylene) .

18. The article of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises CyclAFlor®.

19. The article of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises Teflon® AR.

20. The article of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises a polymer comprising hexafluoropropylene.

21. The article of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises a hexafluoropropylene-tetrafluoroetheylene copolymer.#14274890vl22. The article of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises poly (perfluoroalkoxy alkane).

23. The article of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises a tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene vinylidene fluoride copolymer.

24. The article of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises a polymer of an acrylate of an alkyl alcohol.

25. The article of any one of claims 1-24, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises a polymer of a methacrylate of an alkyl alcohol.

26. The article of any one of claims 1-25, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises a polymer of an acrylate of a fluoroalkyl alcohol.

27. The article of any one of claims 1-26, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises a polymer of a methacrylate of a fluoroalkyl alcohol.

28. The article of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises a fluorinated silicone.

29. The article of any one of claims 1-28, wherein the UV-transparent polymer comprises poly (dimethyl siloxane).

30. The article of any one of claims 1-29, wherein the coupling agent comprises an alkoxy silane.

31. The article of any one of claims 1-30, wherein the coupling agent comprises a perfluorinated alkoxysilane.

32. The article of any one of claims 1-31, wherein the coupling agent is UV-transparent.

33. The article of any one of claims 1-32, wherein the coupling agent comprises a structure:#14274890vlRSiX3.11, wherein R is an organofunctional group, n is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and X is a hydrolysable group.

34. The article of claim 33, wherein R is a fluorinated alkyl.

35. The article of claim 33, wherein R is a perfluorinated alkyl.

36. The article of claim 33, wherein R is heneicosafluorododecyl.

37. The article of claim 33, wherein R is heptadecafluorodecyl.

38. The article of claim 33, wherein R is nonafluorohexyl.

39. The article of claim 33, wherein R is trifluoropropyl.

40. The article of claim 33, wherein R is a Ci-Cis alkyl.

41. The article of claim 33, wherein R is methyl.

42. The article of claim 33, wherein R is ethyl.

43. The article of claim 33, wherein R is butyl.

44. The article of claim 33, wherein R is a straight-chain alkyl.

45. The article of claim 33, wherein R is 1-octyl.

46. The article of claim 33, wherein R is a straight-chain alkyl.

47. The article of claim 33, wherein R is a 2-ethylhexyl.

48. The article of claim 33, wherein R is trifluoroethyl.#14274890vl49. The article of claim 33, wherein R is trifluoropropyl.

50. The article of any one of claims 1-49, wherein the coupling agent comprises one or more of heneicosafluorododecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptadecafluorodecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, nonafluorohexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, heptafluorobutyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, pentafluoropropyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, trifluoropropyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, trifluoroethyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heneicosafluorododecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptadecafluorodecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, nonafluorohexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptafluorobutyltrichloro(bromo)silane, pentafluoropropyltrichloro(bromo)silane, trifluoropropyltrichloro(bromo)silane, or trifluoroethyltrichloro(bromo)silane).

51. The article of any one of claims 1-50, wherein the coupling agent comprises one or more of methyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, ethyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, propyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, i-propyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, i-butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, t- butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, pentyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, 2- pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, 3-pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, hexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, 2 hexyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, 3- hexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, heptyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, octyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, nonyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, decyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, undecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, dodecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, tridecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, tetradecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, pentadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, hexadecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptadecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, octadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, methyltrichloro(bromo) silane, ethyltrichloro(bromo)silane, propyltrichloro(bromo) silane, i- propyltrichloro(bromo) silane, butyltrichloro(bromo) silane, i- butyltrichloro(bromo)silane, t-butyltrichloro(bromo) silane, pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 2-pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 3- pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 2- hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 3-hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptyltrichloro(bromo)silane, octyltrichloro(bromo) silane,#14274890vlnonyltrichloro(bromo)silane, decyltrichloro(bromo)silane, undecyltrichloro(bromo) silane, dodecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, tridecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, tetradecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, pentadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, hexadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, or octadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane.

52. The article of any one of claims 1-51, wherein the coupling agent comprises one or more of heneicosafluorododecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptadecafluorodecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, nonafluorohexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, heptafluorobutyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, pentafluoropropyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, trifluoropropyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, trifluoroethyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heneicosafluorododecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptadecafluorodecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, nonafluorohexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptafluorobutyltrichloro(bromo)silane, pentafluoropropyltrichloro(bromo)silane, trifluoropropyltrichloro(bromo)silane, or trifluoroethyltrichloro(bromo)silane.

53. The article of any one of claims 1-52, wherein the coupling agent comprises one or more of methyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, ethyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, propyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, i-propyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, i-butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, t- butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, pentyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, 2- pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, 3-pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, hexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, 2 hexyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, 3- hexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, heptyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, octyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, nonyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, decyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, undecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, dodecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, tridecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, tetradecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, pentadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, hexadecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptadecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, octadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, methyltrichloro(bromo) silane, ethyltrichloro(bromo)silane, propyltrichloro(bromo) silane, i- propyltrichloro(bromo) silane, butyltrichloro(bromo) silane, i- butyltrichloro(bromo)silane, t-butyltrichloro(bromo) silane,#14274890vlpentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 2-pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 3- pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 2- hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 3-hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptyltrichloro(bromo)silane, octyltrichloro(bromo) silane, nonyltrichloro(bromo)silane, decyltrichloro(bromo)silane, undecyltrichloro(bromo) silane, dodecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, tridecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, tetradecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, pentadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, hexadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, or octadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane.

54. The article of any one of claims 1-53, wherein the coupling agent comprises one or more of heneicosafluorododecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptadecafluorodecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, nonafluorohexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, heptafluorobutyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, pentafluoropropyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, trifluoropropyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, trifluoroethyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heneicosafluorododecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptadecafluorodecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, nonafluorohexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptafluorobutyltrichloro(bromo)silane, pentafluoropropyltrichloro(bromo)silane, trifluoropropyltrichloro(bromo)silane, or trifluoroethyltrichloro(bromo)silane).

55. The article of any one of claims 1-54, wherein the coupling agent comprises one or more of (methyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, ethyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, propyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, i-propyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, i-butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, t- butyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, pentyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, 2- pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, 3-pentyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, hexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, 2 hexyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, 3- hexyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, heptyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, octyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, nonyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, decyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, undecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, dodecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, tridecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, tetradecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, pentadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, hexadecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane, heptadecyltrimethoxy(ethoxy)silane,#14274890vloctadecyltrimethoxy (ethoxy) silane, methyltrichloro(bromo) silane, ethyltrichloro(bromo)silane, propyltrichloro(bromo) silane, i- propyltrichloro(bromo) silane, butyltrichloro(bromo) silane, i- butyltrichloro(bromo)silane, t-butyltrichloro(bromo) silane, pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 2-pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 3- pentyltrichloro(bromo)silane, hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 2- hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, 3-hexyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptyltrichloro(bromo)silane, octyltrichloro(bromo) silane, nonyltrichloro(bromo)silane, decyltrichloro(bromo)silane, undecyltrichloro(bromo) silane, dodecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, tridecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, tetradecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, pentadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, hexadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, heptadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane, or octadecyltrichloro(bromo)silane.

56. The article of any one of claims 1-55, wherein the article is free of aggregates of coupling agent and UV-transparent polymer having an average diameter greater than 20 micrometers.

57. An article, comprising: a UV-transparent polymer comprising silica particles at least partially coated with an alkoxy silane.

58. The article of claim 57, wherein the article is an optical fiber.

59. The article of claim 58, wherein the optical fiber comprises a core and a cladding, wherein the cladding comprises the UV-transparent polymer comprising the silica particles.

60. The article of any one of claims 58 or 59, wherein the silica particles are present within the optical fiber such that at least 25% of incident UV-C light applied at a first end of the optical fiber is emitted out through the cladding of the optical fiber.#14274890vl61. The article of claim 60, wherein the silica particles are present within the optical fiber such that at least 50% of incident UV-C light applied at a first end of the optical fiber is emitted out through the cladding of the optical fiber.

62. The article of any one of claims 58-61, further comprising an ultraviolet light source positioned in optical communication with the optical fiber.

63. The article of claim 57, wherein the article is a substantially planar substrate.

64. The article of any one of claims 58-63, wherein the article has a waveguide geometry.

65. An article, comprising: an optical fiber, comprising a UV-transparent material comprising particles, wherein the particles are present such that at least 50% of incident UV-C light applied at a first end of the optical fiber is emitted out through the cladding of the optical fiber.

66. The article of claim 65, wherein the optical fiber comprises a core and a cladding, wherein the cladding comprises the UV-transparent material comprising the particles.

67. The article of any one of claims 65 or 66, further comprising an ultraviolet light source positioned in optical communication with the optical fiber.

68. The article of any one of claims 65-67, wherein the particles comprise silica particles.

69. An article, comprising: a solution, comprising a fluoropolymer and particles contained within a perfluorinated solvent.

70. The article of claim 69, wherein the perfluorinated solvent comprises tris(perfluorobutyl)amine.

71. The article of any one of claims 69 or 70, wherein the perfluorinated solvent comprises CyclaSolv®-PFC180.#14274890vl72. The article of any one of claims 69-71, wherein the perfluorinated solvent comprises a Fluorinert™ fluid.

73. The article of any one of claims 69-72, wherein the particles are at least partially coated with a coupling agent covalently bound thereto, wherein the coupling agent is miscible in the perfluorinated solvent.

74. The article of claim 73, wherein the coupling agent comprises an alkoxysilane.

75. The article of any one of claims 73 or 74, wherein the coupling agent comprises a perfluorinated alkoxysilane.

76. The article of any one of claims 73-75, wherein the coupling agent is UV-transparent.

77. The article of any one of claims 73-76, wherein the coupling agent comprises a structure:RSiX3.n, wherein R is an organofunctional group, n is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and X is a hydrolysable group.

78. The article of any one of claims 69-77, wherein the solution is free of aggregates having an average diameter greater than 20 micrometers.

79. The article of any one of claims 69-78, wherein the particles have an average characteristic dimension of less than 1 micrometer.

80. The article of any one of claims 69-79, wherein the fluoropolymer comprises hexafluoropropy lene .

81. The article of any one of claims 69-80, wherein the fluoropolymer comprises a perfluoroalkoxy alkane.#14274890vl82. The article of any one of claims 69-81, wherein the fluoropolymer comprises an acrylate of a fluoroalkyl alcohol.

83. The article of any one of claims 69-82, wherein the fluoropolymer comprises a methacrylate of a fluoroalkyl alcohol.

84. The article of any one of claims 69-83, wherein the fluoropolymer comprises a fluorinated silicone.

85. The article of any one of claims 69-84, wherein the particles comprise silica particles.

86. An article, comprising: a UV-transparent polymer comprising particles at least partially coated with a UV-transparent coupling agent covalently bound thereto.

87. The article of claim 86, wherein the article is an optical fiber.

88. The article of claim 86, wherein the article is a substantially planar substrate.

89. The article of any one of claims 86-88, wherein the article has a waveguide geometry.

90. The article of any one of claims 86-89, wherein the particles comprise silica particles.

91. An article, comprising: a solution, comprising particles contained within a perfluorinated solvent, wherein the particles are at least partially coated with a coupling agent covalently bound thereto, wherein the coupling agent is miscible in the perfluorinated solvent.

92. The article of claim 91, wherein the coupling agent comprises an alkoxy silane.

93. The article of any one of claims 91 or 92, wherein the coupling agent comprises a perfluorinated alkoxysilane.

94. The article of any one of claims 91-93, wherein the coupling agent is UV-transparent.#14274890vl95. The article of any one of claims 91-94, wherein the coupling agent comprises a structure:RSiX3.n, wherein R is an organofunctional group, n is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and X is a hydrolysable group.

96. The article of any one of claims 91-95, wherein the particles have an average characteristic dimension of less than 1 micrometer.

97. The article of any one of claims 91-96, wherein the solution further comprises a fluoropolymer.

98. The article of any one of claims 91-97, wherein the solution is free of aggregates having an average diameter greater than 20 micrometers.

99. The article of any one of claims 91-98, wherein the particles comprise silica particles.

100. An article, comprising: a solution, comprising particles contained within a perfluorinated solvent, wherein the particles are at least partially coated with a perfluorinated alkoxysilane.

101. The article of claim 100, wherein the particles are at least partially coated with a coupling agent covalently bound thereto, wherein the coupling agent is miscible in the perfluorinated solvent.

102. The article of claim 101, wherein the coupling agent comprises an alkoxysilane.

103. The article of any one of claims 101 or 102, wherein the coupling agent comprises a perfluorinated alkoxysilane.

104. The article of any one of claims 101-103, wherein the coupling agent is UV- transparent.#14274890vl105. The article of any one of claims 101-104, wherein the coupling agent comprises a structure:RSiX3.n, wherein R is an organofunctional group, n is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and X is a hydrolysable group.

106. The article of any one of claims 100-105, wherein the particles have an average characteristic dimension of less than 1 micrometer.

107. The article of any one of claims 100-106, wherein the solution further comprises a fluoropolymer.

108. The article of any one of claims 100-107, wherein the solution is free of aggregates having an average diameter greater than 20 micrometers.

109. The article of any one of claims 100-1084, wherein the particles comprise silica particles.

110. An article, comprising: particles contained within a perfluorinated solvent, wherein the particles are at least partially coated with an alkoxysilane.

111. The article of claim 110, wherein the particles are contained within a UV-transparent polymer.

112. The article of any one of claims 110 or 111, wherein the article is an optical fiber.

113. The article of any one of claims 110 or 111, wherein the article is a substantially planar substrate.

114. The article of any one of claims 110-113, wherein the article has a waveguide geometry.#14274890vl115. The article of any one of claims 110-114, wherein the particles comprise silica particles.

116. An article, comprising: a solution, comprising particles contained within a perfluorinated solvent, wherein the particles are at least partially coated with a UV-transparent coupling agent covalently bound thereto.

117. The article of claim 116, wherein the coupling agent is miscible in the perfluorinated solvent.

118. The article of any one of claims 116 or 117, wherein the coupling agent comprises an alkoxy silane.

119. The article of any one of claims 116-118, wherein the coupling agent comprises a perfluorinated alkoxysilane.

120. The article of any one of claims 116-119, wherein the coupling agent comprises a structure:RSiX3.n, wherein R is an organofunctional group, n is 0, 1, 2, or 3, and X is a hydrolysable group.

121. The article of any one of claims 116-120, wherein the particles have an average characteristic dimension of less than 1 micrometer.

122. The article of any one of claims 116-121, wherein the solution further comprises a fluoropolymer.

123. The article of any one of claims 116-122, wherein the solution is free of aggregates having an average diameter greater than 20 micrometers.

124. The article of any one of claims 116-123, wherein the particles comprise silica particles.#14274890vl125. An article, comprising: a UV-transparent material comprising particles, wherein the silica particles are present at a concentration that varies between a first location and a second location different from the first location.

126. The article of claim 125, wherein the UV-transparent material comprises a UV- transparent polymer.

127. The article of any one of claims 125 or 126, wherein the article is an optical fiber.

128. The article of any one of claims 125 or 126, wherein the article is a substantially planar substrate.

129. The article of any one of claims 125-128, wherein the article has a waveguide geometry.

130. The article of any one of claims 125-129, wherein the particles comprise silica particles.

131. An article, comprising: a fiber having a varying concentration of particles between a first location and a second location axial of the first location, wherein the first location and the second location are axially separated along the fiber by at least 1 cm.

132. The article of claim 131, wherein the fiber is an optical fiber.

133. The article of any one of claims 131 or 132, wherein the fiber comprises glass.

134. The article of any one of claims 131-133, wherein the fiber comprises an organic polymer.

135. The article of any one of claims 131-134, wherein the particles comprise silica particles.#14274890vl136. An article, comprising: an optical fiber having a varying composition between a first location and a second location axial of the first location, wherein the first location and the second location are axially separated along the fiber by at least 1 cm.

137. A method, comprising: passing an optically-transmissive article through a solution to coat the article with the solution, wherein while passing at least a portion of the article through the solution, altering the composition of the solution; and passing the optically-transmissive article through an extruder to draw the optically-transmissive article into a fiber.

138. The method of claim 137, wherein the fiber comprises a core and a cladding, wherein the optically-transmissive article forms the core and the solution forms the cladding.

139. The method of any one of claims 137 or 138, wherein the fiber is an optical fiber.

140. The method of any one of claims 137-139, wherein the optically-transmissive article comprises glass.

141. The method of any one of claims 137-140, wherein the optically-transmissive article comprises a polymer.

142. The method of any one of claims 137-141, wherein the optically-transmissive article comprises a UV-transparent polymer.

143. The method of any one of claims 137-142, wherein the solution comprises a liquid polymer.

144. The method of any one of claims 137-143, wherein the solution comprises a gel.

145. The method of any one of claims 137-144, further comprising curing the solution on the optically-transmissive article.#14274890vl146. A method, comprising: exposing at least a portion of an optically-transmissive article to a solution, wherein while exposing at least a portion of the article to solution, altering the composition of the solution; and passing the optically-transmissive article through an extruder to draw the optically-transmissive article into a fiber.

147. A method, comprising: passing at least a portion of an optically-transmissive article through a solution to coat the article with the solution, wherein while passing the at least a portion of the article through the solution, altering the composition of the solution; and passing at least a portion of the optically-transmissive article through an extruder to draw the optically-transmissive article into a fiber.

148. A system, comprising: a draw tower comprising a die for passing an article therethrough, the die being in fluidic communication with a plurality of fluid sources, wherein the die is controllable to control fluid flow into the draw tower from the plurality of fluid sources.

149. The system of claim 148, wherein the article is an optically-transmissive article.

150. The system of any one of claims 148 or 149, wherein the die is constructed and arranged to cause fluid mixing of the fluid flow therein.

151. A method comprising: passing an optically-transmissive article through a liquid polymer to coat the optically-transmissive article with the polymer, wherein while passing at least a portion of the optically-transmissive article through the liquid polymer, altering the composition of the liquid polymer.

152. The method of claim 151, wherein the optically-transmissive article comprises glass.#14274890vl153. The method of any one of claims 151 or 152, wherein the optically-transmissive article comprises a polymer.

154. The method of any one of claims 151-153, wherein the optically-transmissive article comprises a UV-transparent polymer.

155. The method of any one of claims 151-154, wherein the optically-transmissive article is a fiber.

156. The method of any one of claims 151-155, wherein the optically-transmissive article is an optical fiber.

157. The method of any one of claims 151-156, wherein the optically-transmissive article a substantially planar substrate.

158. The method of any one of claims 151-157, wherein the optically-transmissive article has a waveguide geometry.

159. The method of any one of claims 151-158, wherein the liquid polymer is a polymer solution in solvent.

160. The method of any one of claims 151-159, wherein the liquid polymer is an uncured polymer resin.

161. The method of any one of claims 151-160, wherein the liquid polymer is an uncured prepolymer resin.

162. The method of any one of claims 151-161, wherein the liquid polymer is a melted polymer.

163. The method of any one of claims 151-162, wherein the liquid polymer is a melted prepolymer resin.#14274890vl164. The method of any one of claims 151-163, wherein the liquid polymer coating is cured to produce a solid polymer coating on the optically-transmissive article.

165. The method of claim 164, wherein the liquid polymer coating is cured through evaporation of solvent.

166. The method of any one of claims 164 or 165, wherein the liquid polymer coating is cured through application of thermal energy.

167. The method of any one of claims 164-166, wherein the liquid polymer coating is cured through application radiative energy.

168. The method of any one of claims 151-167, wherein the polymer coating facilitates scattering of light from the optically-transmissive article.

169. A method comprising: exposing at least a portion of an optically-transmissive article to a liquid polymer and / or a gel to at least partially coat the optically-transmissive article with the liquid polymer and / or the gel, wherein while exposing the at least a portion of the optically-transmissive article to the liquid polymer and / or the gel, altering the composition of the liquid polymer and / or the gel.

170. A method comprising: passing at least a portion of an optically-transmissive article through a liquid polymer to coat the optically-transmissive article with the polymer, wherein while passing the at least a portion of the optically-transmissive article through the liquid polymer, altering the composition of the liquid polymer.

171. A system, comprising: a draw tower comprising a die for passing an article therethrough, the die being in fluidic communication with a plurality of fluid sources, wherein the die is controllable to control fluid flow into the draw tower from the plurality of fluid sources.#14274890vl172. The system of claim 171, wherein the article is an optically-transmissive article.

173. The system of any one of claims 171 or 172, wherein the die is controllable to alter the composition of the fluid mixture of fluids in the die such that the composition of fluid applied to the article is altered along a length of the article.

174. The system of any one of claims 171-173, wherein the plurality of fluids comprises a polymer solution in solvent.

175. The system of any one of claims 171-174, wherein the plurality of fluids comprises an uncured polymer resin.

176. The system of any one of claims 171-175, wherein the plurality of fluids comprises an uncured prepolymer resin.

177. The system of any one of claims 171-176, wherein the plurality of fluids comprises a melted polymer.

178. The system of any one of claims 171-177, wherein the plurality of fluids comprises a melted prepolymer resin.

179. The system of any one of claims 171-178, wherein the polymer coating facilitates scattering of light from the article.

180. The system of any one of claims 171-179, wherein the system further comprises a heat source positioned to apply heat to the article.

181. The system of any one of claims 171-180, wherein the system further comprises a radiation source positioned to apply radiation to the article.

182. A method comprising: exposing at least a portion of an optically-transmissive article to a liquid polymer and / or a gel to coat at least a portion of the optically-transmissive article with#14274890vlthe polymer and / or the gel, wherein while exposing the optically-transmissive article to the solution, altering the composition of the liquid polymer and / or the gel.

183. The method of claim 182, wherein the optically-transmissive article comprises glass.

184. The method of any one of claims 182 or 183, wherein the optically-transmissive article comprises a polymer.

185. The method of any one of claims 182-184, wherein the optically-transmissive article comprises a UV-transparent polymer.

186. The method of any one of claims 182-185, wherein the optically-transmissive article is a fiber.

187. The method of any one of claims 182-186, wherein the optically-transmissive article is an optical fiber.

188. The method of any one of claims 182-187, wherein the optically-transmissive article a substantially planar substrate.

189. The method of any one of claims 182-188, wherein the optically-transmissive article has a waveguide geometry.

190. The method of any one of claims 182-189, wherein the liquid polymer is a polymer solution in solvent.

191. The method of any one of claims 182-190, wherein the liquid polymer is an uncured polymer resin.

192. The method of any one of claims 182-191, wherein the liquid polymer is an uncured prepolymer resin.

193. The method of any one of claims 182-192, wherein the liquid polymer is a melted polymer.#14274890vl194. The method of any one of claims 182-193, wherein the liquid polymer is a melted prepolymer resin.

195. The method of any one of claims 182-194, wherein the liquid polymer coating is cured to produce a solid polymer coating on the optically-transmissive article.

196. The method of claim 195, wherein the liquid polymer coating is cured through evaporation of solvent.

197. The method of any one of claims 195 or 196, wherein the liquid polymer coating is cured through application of thermal energy.

198. The method of any one of claims 195-197, wherein the liquid polymer coating is cured through application radiative energy.

199. The method of any one of claims 182-198, wherein the polymer coating facilitates scattering of light from the optically-transmissive article.#14274890vl

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