Abstract: A process and an apparatus for pulling cladded light conducting fibers from one end of a blank characterized by utilizing a blank having a hollow tubular core with an exterior casing, directing laser radiation, which will be absorbed by the material of the blank, axially along the blank to heat the one end to create a melting zone from which the cladded fiber is pulled. To aid in directing the laser radiation an optical element is mounted on the open end of the tube to move therewith and to aid in concentrating the radiant energy at the melting zone the one end is positioned at a focal point of substantially spherical reflecting surface so that heat radiating therefrom is reflected and concentrated at the melting zone.