Helical fiber optic mode scrambler

A remote laser deliver system, comprising:

• a light source for selectively generating light energy;
• a fiber optics cable with a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the fiber optics cable is coupled to the light source to receive, in the proximal end, light energy generated by the light source and to transmit light energy to the distal end;
• and wherein the fiber optics cable has a first and a second spaced location defining the boundary of an integral scrambler portion of the fiber optics cable that located between said first and said second location;
• wherein the integral scrambler portion has a rigid three-dimensional spiral curvature predetermined to influence the intermodal dispersion characteristics of the fiber optics cable;
• wherein the integral scrambler portion is wound at least 180° around a central line;
• wherein the integral scrambler portion is essentially a constant radial distance from said central line;
• and wherein with the linear distance, parallel to the central line, between the first and a second locations on the fiber optics cable is at least ten times the magnitude of said constant radial distance;
• and
• an output coupling optics coupled to the distal end of the fiber optics, wherein the output coupling optics direct light energy emanating from the distal end of the fiber optics cable to a selectable target surface.

A light energy conduit adapted to be selectively operated to deliver light energy for producing visual effects, heating, or providing prolonged light exposure of a target surface, said light energy conduit comprising:

• an elongated fiber optics cable having a first and second end, wherein, during operation, the said fiber optics cable is adapted to deliver photons launched into the first end to the second end, and to emanate photons from the second end;
• and
• a helical fiber optics mode scrambler formed integral to the fiber optics cable having a fixed curvature predetermined to increase the radial symmetry of the average density of photons propagating through the fiber optics cable during operation;
• and wherein the helical fiber optics mode scrambler is wrapped at least 180° around a center line;
• and wherein the bend planes, of at least two spaced locations on the helical fiber optics mode scrambler, intersect at an angle that is at least 15°.

A method of manufacturing a helical mode scrambler assembly, comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a elongated support structure with a first end portion and second end portion, and a width that is resiliently compressible;
• b. providing a hollow cylindrical sleeve with a longitudinal axis and with a first open side and a second open side;
• c. providing a fiber optics cable;
• wherein a first location on the fiber optics cable is spaced apart from a second location on the fiber optics cable;
• d. sliding, while the support structure and the fiber optics cable are positioned side-by-side, the first end portion of the support structure and a portion of the fiber optics cable into the sleeve through the second open side of sleeve and towards the first open side of sleeve until the first location of the fiber optics cable extends out the first open side of the sleeve and the second portion of the support structure and the second location on the fiber optics cable extends out the second open side of the sleeve, and wherein the resiliently compressible width of the support structure is compressed as the support structure is slid into the sleeve;
• and
• e. rotating, relative to the sleeve and first location of the fiber optic cable, the support structure and the second location on the fiber optics cable at least 360° about the longitudinal axis of the sleeve to transform the fiber optic cable to have a rigid three-dimensional spiral curvature predetermined to influence intermodal dispersion characteristics of the fiber optics cable.