Sapphire optical fibers for the delivery of Er:YAG laser energy

Jeremiah J. Fitzgibbon; Herb E. Bates; Adrian P. Pryshlak; Jeffrey R. Dugan; Joel S. Schuman; Dan Eisenberg; Lisa McHam

doi:10.1117/12.208431

1 May 1995 Sapphire optical fibers for the delivery of Er:YAG laser energy

Jeremiah J. Fitzgibbon, Herb E. Bates, Adrian P. Pryshlak, Jeffrey R. Dugan, Joel S. Schuman, Dan Eisenberg, Lisa McHam

Proceedings Volume 2396, Biomedical Optoelectronic Instrumentation; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.208431
Event: Photonics West '95, 1995, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Utilization of the promising Erbium:YAG laser has been hindered by the lack of a truly effective optical fiber delivery system. In a National Eye Institute funded Phase I SBIR, sapphire fibers produced by the Saphikon Edge-defined, Film-fed Growth (EFG_TM) technique were proven effective in delivering 2.94 micron Er:YAG laser energy in pre-clinical in-vitro ophthalmic procedures. A brief overview of the results of both the ab-externo sclerostomy and laser trabecular ablation procedures is given. A Design of Experiments methodology was used to significantly reduce average loss and variability of the EFG fibers, with losses below 1 dB/meter demonstrated in multi-meter lengths of 300 micron diameter fiber. Laser damage threshold levels above 1000 J/cm², and power handling capability over 8 watts has been demonstrated. Details of ongoing and planned pre-clinical and clinical studies in ophthalmic, otologic, and dental procedures are discussed, along with other, non- medical applications for the sapphire fibers. Introduction of additional fiber diameters and devices is also reviewed.

Citation Download Citation

Jeremiah J. Fitzgibbon, Herb E. Bates, Adrian P. Pryshlak, Jeffrey R. Dugan, Joel S. Schuman, Dan Eisenberg, and Lisa McHam "Sapphire optical fibers for the delivery of Er:YAG laser energy", Proc. SPIE 2396, Biomedical Optoelectronic Instrumentation, (1 May 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.208431

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