Bare Tapered Fiber

• NA2 = D1 / D2 * NA1
• NA1: Input NA | NA2: Output NA
• D1: Input diameter | D2: Output diameter
• The output NA is limited by the NA of the fiber used, which may result in a loss of light.

To improve in-coupling of the laser beam into a thin and flexible optical fiber, Tapered Bare Fibers can be manufactured. The connector of such tapered fibers has a larger fiber diameter than the diameter at the distal end. This design makes it possible to couple high-power lasers into the optical fiber safely. The large fiber is tapered down to the target diameter, which is smaller and more flexible so that it is able to reach a remote treatment site.

Lightguide can manufacture taper ratios as high as 4:1 using sophisticated equipment in serial production. For example, our Tapered Bare Fiber can convert a 400 µm beam diameter beam into a 200 µm distal tip at affordable costs. Other typical taper ratios are 2 to 1 and 1.36 to 1. The working principle of a fiber down-taper is illustrated below.

Key features

• 400 µm or 600 µm silica/silica fibers
• silica capillary
• SMA connector

Options upon request:

• integration of customer’s handpiece
• integration of customer’s RFID Chip / Dongle
• sold sterilized (Ethylene Oxide)

Fiber optic probes for radial emission

The fiber optic probes for radial emission applications that we produce are optimized for use @1470 nm. This product is particularly suitable for phlebology and gynecology applications where a radial emission of the laser light is recommended.

Fibers

• Our fibers are USP Class VI certified, non-toxic, and biocompatible. Standard products use either a 400 µm or a 600 µm core all silica fiber, to suit different types of lasers and medical procedures.

Connector

• The probe is equipped with the Powershot SMA connector manufactured by SEDI-ATI. This connector is specially designed for power applications of disposable probes where cost issue is important. A free-standing ferrule with an air gap around the fiber allows excellent power handling and the assembly technique avoids any stress on the fiber itself.

Distal End

• The most efficient design is obtained by a specific shaping of the fiber end which is enclosed in a silica capillary. The result is an annular emission of the laser energy for homogenous action on the vein wall.

Jacket

• Ring fibers with a capillary assembly at the distal end are jacketed with a biocompatible material. This jacket has a cm marking to help visualize the fiber introduction in the vein.

Manufacturing

• Biocompatible materials.
• Packaged, stored, and used in a clean environment.
• Production workshop certified ISO 9001 & ISO 13485.
• CE certification according to Directive 93/42, CE number: CE 0476.
• Sold sterilized (Ethylene Oxide) upon request, and in a double bag.

Qualification

• Internal Qualification Reports (RQ150511 for RING fiber 400 µm and RQ150703 for RING fiber 600 µm): power handling of 400 Joules per cm on a tissue length of 80 cm @ 1470 nm.
• Destructive test with 5000 J in the same volume of tissue creating a big hole + carbonization layer on the surface tip but not disconnecting the capsule. Traction of the fiber tip of 10 Kgs.