Side firing fiber optic laser probe
US5772657A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/2272
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A side firing fiber optic probe is disclosed. The delivery end of the probe is provided with an angled face oriented to totally internally reflect the treatment beam out of the side surface of the fiber in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis thereof. The delivery end of the probe is further configured to reduce secondary reflections which occur as the light strikes the side surface of the fiber. This result can be achieved by modifying the shape of the cladding material which surrounds the fiber core. In one approach, the ratio of the diameters of the clad to the core is increased. Other specific cladding configurations for reducing reflections can be used. In a further alternative, the surface of a glass capillary which surrounds the fiber can be optically coupled to the fiber. Each of these approaches functions to reduce unwanted light leakage from the fiber. In another aspect of the probe design, a stainless steel shield is provided which functions to protect the capillary and the fiber against cavitation effects which occur during use.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.