Abstract: A hand held laser device is disclosed including a handpiece coupled to a source of laser energy by an optical fiber cable. A bias tensile stress is exerted on the fiber when the fiber and outer sheathing or tube are straight in-line. The bias tensile stress reduces compressional stress on the fiber when the fiber cable is bent. Moreover, the fiber is coupled to a disposable fiber in the handpiece to output light from the laser to a target area. The two fibers are precisely spaced close to one another to permit substantial lossless transmission of light without lenses or other focusing optics. Further, precision bearing devices are provided at opposite ends of the fiber cable in order to reduce torque on the fiber.

Abstract: A medical or dental handpiece for the performance of laser radiation treatments, composed of: an elongate housing constructed to be held in the hand, the housing having a radiation delivery end and enclosing a chamber which is adjacent the radiation delivery end; a radiation conducting element disposed in the housing for conducting laser radiation from a laser source into the chamber and toward the radiation delivery end; and a gas flow path in the chamber for guiding a flow of cooling gas through the chamber in a direction from the radiation conducting element toward the radiation delivery end.