Methods and apparatus for distributing laser radiation
US5395362A · kind A · utility
100Cited by
28References
5Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 14, 1992 |
| Grant date | Mar 7, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/2211
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are disclosed for distributing and delivering laser radiation with substantially uniform intensity to multi-spatial locations. Laser radiation is directed into a fiber optic waveguide which homogenizes the spatial intensity of the laser beam via mode-mixing. The laser radiation is then coupled from the mode-mixing waveguide to multiple distribution fibers that are terminated at desired spatial locations, e.g., at the distal end of a surgical tool. The output from each of the multiple distribution fibers is laser radiation of substantially uniform intensity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.