Dual port optical switching apparatus

A system comprising:

• a flexible wave guide, the flexible wave guide comprising having a hollow core within a silica substrate whereby an inner surfaces of the silica substrate are coated with a reflective surface;
• a dual port switching adapter, the dual port switching adapter comprising:
• a connection part for mounting to a base unit,
• an input beam port to receive a main laser beam from a base unit,
• a first output port detachably connected to the flexible wave guide for directing the main laser beam into the hollow core of the flexible wave guide, and
• a second output port for connection to an articulated arm and for directing the main laser beam to an articulated arm;
• and
• a switching element moveable between a first position and a second position to direct an input beam to one of the first output port or the second output port, the dual port switching adapter further comprising an auxiliary guide beam source, and a beam combiner to direct an auxiliary guide beam to the first output port, the auxiliary guide beam being controllable to be directed into the silica substrate of the flexible wave guide.