A hollow glass waveguide for CO/sub 2/ laser power delivery

Hollow glass waveguides utilising the anomalous dispersion effect (i.e. eta <1) could be used in medical applications requiring CO/sub 2/ laser power delivery. Certain benefits are possible with this type of waveguide when compared with alternative developments. These include the launching of high power densities with minimal coupling losses. The use of glass material formed from essentially nontoxic constituents could lead to the manufacture of a comparatively cheap waveguide with the application of conventional fibre drawing techniques. The hollow glass waveguide discussed has introduced a degree of flexibility, although attainment of low losses around curvatures of a few centimetres requires further development. Nevertheless, the flexibility achieved may be suitable for delivery systems involving straight and bent rigid endoscopes such as those employed in laparoscopy and bronchoscopy.<
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