Appeal No. 2003-0024
Application No. 09/748,948
BACKGROUND
The subject matter of Appellants’ invention relates to a method for producing
doped silica glass. According to Appellants, “the present invention provides a more
efficient method of doping.” (Brief, p. 4). Claim 2, which is representative of the claimed
invention, appears below:
2. A method for producing a doped silica glass comprising the steps of:
(a) dispersing fumed silica in deionized water;
(b) agitating the fumed silica dispersed in the water while adding a dopant
containing gas;
(c) drying the agitated product to form a dry gel;
(d) calcining the dry gel via a heat application while supplying with a gas
for removing impurities;
(e) pulverizing the calcined product into particles of predetermined size;
(f) mixing and redispersing the pulverized silica powder in the deionized
water to form a sol:
(g) aging the sol at room temperature to stabilize the sol and remove
bubbles in the sol;
(h) pouring the aged gel into mold forming into predetermined shape;
(i) demolding the molded gel;
(j) drying the demolded gel at a first predetermined temperature and level of
humidity to form a dry gel;
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