Diffusing fiber tips for high-power medical laser applications

Christoph H. Schmitz; Stefan B. Spaniol; Volkhard Abraham; Naim Ashraf; Wolfgang Neuberger; Wolfgang Ertmer

doi:10.1117/12.229180

3 January 1995 Diffusing fiber tips for high-power medical laser applications

Christoph H. Schmitz, Stefan B. Spaniol, Volkhard Abraham, Naim Ashraf, Wolfgang Neuberger, Wolfgang Ertmer

Proceedings Volume 2631, Medical and Fiber Optic Sensors and Delivery Systems; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.229180
Event: BiOS Europe '95, 1995, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

For most applications in laser medicine suitable delivery systems are required. We developed fiber optic based diffusing tips especially for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and laser induced thermotherapy (LITT). To realize an adequate emitting cylindrical diffuser the fiber core was abraded by a precision cutter. Hence, the use of scattering media such as TiO₂-doped polymers is avoided. Because the diffuser size is mainly determined by the manipulated fiber and a surrounding glass capillary, one can realize small diameters ((phi) approximately equals 3 mm). The laser light is distributed mainly by surface scattering and total reflection at the fiber air boundary. Because the use of absorbing media is avoided, it is possible to apply high laser power as necessary in LITT and pulsed PDT. We produced diffusing tips with lengths of several centimeters and typical diameters of 3 mm. By controlling the fiber-shaping process, a homogeneous intensity profile or even special designs can be achieved. The control is done by either on-line camera surveillance or calculated predictions. A delivery system especially for the photodynamical treatment of female cervix dysplasia has been designed.

Citation Download Citation

Christoph H. Schmitz, Stefan B. Spaniol, Volkhard Abraham, Naim Ashraf, Wolfgang Neuberger, and Wolfgang Ertmer "Diffusing fiber tips for high-power medical laser applications", Proc. SPIE 2631, Medical and Fiber Optic Sensors and Delivery Systems, (3 January 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.229180

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available