Abstract:
An apparatus includes a light source configured to provide radiation at a wavelength and a conduit configured to direct radiation at a wavelength from the light source to a target location of a patient. The conduit includes a first optical waveguide extending along a waveguide axis, the first optical waveguide being a flexible waveguide having a hollow core, the first optical waveguide being configured to guide the radiation at through the core along the waveguide axis; and a second optical waveguide extending along the waveguide axis, the second optical waveguide having a hollow core and being coupled to the first optical waveguide to receive the radiation from the first optical waveguide and to deliver the radiation to the target location. The first optical waveguide is a photonic crystal fiber and the second optical waveguide is not a photonic crystal fiber waveguide.
Abstract:
In general, in one aspect, the invention features methods that include guiding radiation at a first wavelength, ?1, through a core of a photonic crystal fiber and guiding radiation at a second wavelength, ?2, through the photonic crystal fiber, wherein |? 1 - ? 2| > 100 nm.
Abstract:
In general, in one aspect, the invention features systems, including a photonic crystal fiber including a core extending along a waveguide axis and a dielectric confinement region surrounding the core, the dielectric confinement region being configured to guide radiation along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the photonic crystal fiber. The systems also includes a handpiece attached to the photonic crystal fiber, wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient.
Abstract:
In general, in one aspect, the invention features systems, including a photonic crystal fiber (120) including a core (210) extending along a waveguide axis and a dielectric confinement region (220) surrounding the core, the dielectric confinement region (220) being configured to guide radiation along the waveguide axis from an input end to an output end of the photonic crystal fiber (120). The systems also includes a handpiece (680) attached to the photonic crystal fiber (120), wherein the handpiece allows an operator to control the orientation of the output end to direct the radiation to a target location of a patient.
Abstract:
In general, in one aspect, the invention features methods that include guiding radiation at a first wavelength, λ1, through a core of a photonic crystal fiber and guiding radiation at a second wavelength, λ2, through the photonic crystal fiber, wherein |λ 1 - λ 2| > 100 nm.
Abstract:
Techniques for monitoring the quality (e.g., optical and mechanical properties) in optical waveguides (30) (e.g., photonic crytal fibers) are disclosed. Additionally, techniques for detecting and localizing defects in the waveguides are also described. Pulses of light (110) are launched into one end of an optical waveguide (30). The amount of light scattered out of the same end of the waveguide (30) (i.e., a backscattered or reflected signal) is monitored (140) at certain wavelengths specific to the spectral characteristics of the waveguide. Transmission characteristics and defect localization can be determined from the backscattered signal (150).
Abstract:
Techniques for monitoring the quality (e.g., optical and mechanical properties) in optical waveguides (e.g., photonic crytal fibers) are disclosed. Additionally, techniques for detecting and localizing defects in the waveguides are also described. Pulses of light are launched into one end of an optical waveguide. The amount of light scattered out of the same end of the waveguide (i.e., a backscattered or reflected signal) is monitored at certain wavelengths specific to the spectral characteristics of the waveguide. Transmission characteristics and defect localization can be determined from the backscattered signal.