Abstract: Improved techniques for manipulation and management of fiber optic light. An improved fiber optic probe assembly for low light spectrographic analysis improves response to subtle light-matter interactions of high analytical importance and reduces sensitivity to otherwise dominant effects. This is accomplished by adjusting the illumination and collection fields of view in order to optimize the probe's sensitivity. Light manipulation is applied internal to the fiber so that the probe's delivery pattern and field of view do not require external manipulation and are not adversely affected by investigated media. This allows the light delivery pattern or field of view or both to be aggressively steered off-axis to achieve significant increased performance levels. Aggressive beam steering is accomplished by employing internally reflective surfaces in the fiber. A reflective metal coating or low refractive index coatings or encapsulants can be used to ensure total internal reflection.

Abstract: A fiber optic interface for laser spectroscopic Raman probes incorporating a housing with a window enclosure. The fiber optic interface minimizes stray light interference from window back reflections and provides high photonic efficiency through refractive manipulation of emission and reception fields. The illumination fiber is surrounded by collection fibers. The fiber bundle formed by the illumination fiber and the collection fibers is formed into a conical shape, which creates a refractive surface on the illumination fiber and each of the collection fibers. The refraction at the end faces steers the illumination and collection patterns toward the axis of the illumination fiber. This results in the reflected portion of the illumination light being reflected toward the illumination fiber, and in the collection pattern being coincident with the illumination pattern.

Abstract: Fiber optic interfaces that can readily reject the collection of stray light while efficiently collecting desired light that has interacted with the subject media. These fiber optic interfaces may be incorporated into optical probes and probe tips for enhanced photonic efficiency, light manipulation, and stray light rejection. These probes are particularly well suited for use in instrumentation including spectral analysis and the light-scattering branches of spectroscopy. Specifically, the optical probes exhibit benefits for spectral analyses including those referred to as Raman, fluorescence, Rayleigh, luminescence, and diffuse reflectance. A typical probe includes a center emitter fiber surrounded by collection fibers. These fibers are arranged into a bundle and positioned behind a window. The end faces of the emitter fiber and the collection fibers are shaped to form an optical interface with desired optical characteristics.

Abstract: An optical fiber, including a cylindrical core of light conducting material having a first refractive index, surrounded by a cladding having a second refractive index that is lower than the first refractive index. The optical fiber includes at least one endface formed with a cone tip for controlling the characteristics of light entering or exiting the fiber. The polish angle of the cone tip can be selected according to the desired emergence/acceptance properties of the fiber.

Abstract: Encapsulated agents are employed for introduction into the suprachoroid of an eye for therapeutic purposes. The administration of drugs is controlled and maintained for long periods of time, while ensuring the substantial absence of significant levels outside the site of administration.