Flexible waveguides for transmission of IR radiation and surgical applications

Nathan I. Croitoriu, Israel Gannot, Jacob Dror, A. Imber, Isaac M.D. Kaplan, Shlomo D.D.S. Calderon

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Infrared (IR) radiation emitted by lasers is a very important tool in surgery applications. This type of laser energy is used for cutting and soldering of tissues, cauterization, evaporation of growths, opening blocked passages and others. The most important lasers which give radiation in the mid-IR region are the CO2 laser (λ = 10.6 μm), CO laser (λ = 5 mm) and the Er-YAG laser (λ = 2.94 μm). In our laboratory a plastic, flexible, hollow waveguide suitable for mid-IR energy transmission was devised. This waveguide is used successfully in surgery. The waveguide is made of a plastic tube covered internally with a thin metal layer (Ag) and a dielectric overlayer (AgI). A theoretical ray model was also developed which has described quantitatively the propagation of radiation through the waveguide under straight and bent trajectories. The thickness and index of refraction of the dielectric layer is the essential parameter which determines the attenuation of transmitted energy through the waveguide. Powers up to 50 watts of CO2 laser can be transmitted through these waveguides for bending radii down to 2.5 cm.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
PublisherPubl by Int Soc for Optical Engineering
Pages122-127
Number of pages6
ISBN (Print)0819411205
StatePublished - Jan 1 1993
Externally publishedYes
EventOptical Fibers in Medicine VIII - Los Angeles, CA, USA
Duration: Jan 19 1993Jan 20 1993

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume1893
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceOptical Fibers in Medicine VIII
CityLos Angeles, CA, USA
Period1/19/931/20/93

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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