US 5,815,627 A · Co-axial hollow core waveguide

Abstract

A rugged flexible hollow-fiber waveguide that permits preservation of good transverse spatial coherence of input infrared laser radiation and that transmits substantial power of such radiation, with low attenuation. The present invention preferably comprises a small-diameter thin-wall silica-glass tube; a protective coating on the outer surface of the tube; a sufficient reflective layer on the inner surface of the tube; and a thickness, optimal for the wavelength(s) of interest, of dielectric on the exposed surface of the reflective layer. The fiber is manufactured with processes that maintain the smoothness of the bore. In addition to transmitting mid-infrared laser radiation through the bore of the flexible hollow-fiber waveguide, a second beam may be transmitted through the annular body of the flexible hollow-fiber. The second beam may comprise an aiming beam which creates a ring pattern surrounding the infrared beam, or the second beam may be a second therapeutic beam in the visible or near infrared region.

Claims32

Dependent claims

A waveguide for transmitting a plurality of co-axial beams of electromagnetic radiation from at least one radiation source, comprising:

(a) a hollow, flexible tube having a transparent annular body surrounding a bore with a smooth inner bore surface;
and
(b) a reflective layer disposed upon the inner bore surface, wherein the bore transmits a first of said beams of electromagnetic radiation, and wherein the hollow, flexible tube transmits electromagnetic radiation from a second of said beams through its annular body.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Co-axial hollow core waveguide

Life of this patent

Co-axial hollow core waveguide

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32