Franson, James DRoettgen, Christopher David2015-10-142015-10-142008-12-041286http://hdl.handle.net/11603/1049Toroid optical micro-cavities are emerging as the leading micro-cavity type for a variety of research areas and applications. The desirable properties of these cavities degrade with exposure to the atmosphere following the final step of production. A facility was designed and constructed allowing the final step in production of toroid micro-cavities, re-flow, to be performed locally, just prior to use. This facility consists of a high power CO2 laser for heating and re-flowing fused silica, a visible laser for targeting, a computer controlled multi-axis translation system for targeting, and a high resolution imaging system. The facility was tested successfully and several micro-cavities were completed. A model describing the re-flow process was developed and tested against observations. Having found discrepancies between the model and observations the model was revised, and successfully describes observations. Multiple procedures for the re-flow process were tested leading to finding the best practices and recommendations for future improvement and use.application/pdfThis item may be protected under Title 17 of the U.S. Copyright Law. It is made available by UMBC for non-commercial research and education. For permission to publish or reproduce, please see http://aok.lib.umbc.edu/specoll/repro.php or contact Special Collections at speccoll(at)umbc.edu.toroidalcavitiesresonatorcavityre-flowmicroPhysics, Optics (0752)Text