Abstract: A drawn glass element for producing glass optical waveguides is provided. The element has two first length portions with a first cross-sectional area and which define the two ends of the glass element; a second, intermediate length portion between the two first length portions, which has a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area; a first transition portion between the intermediate length portion and one of the first length portions; and a second transition portion between the intermediate length portion and another of the first length portions. The first and second transition portions have a cross-sectional area that steadily changes and merges from the first cross-sectional area into the second cross-sectional area.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided that has a first component having an LED that emits light and a second component having a proximal end, a distal end, an image capturing element, and a light guide. The proximal end is coupled to the first component. The image capturing element being arranged at the distal end. The light guide comprising an optical fiber extending through the second component. The LED is coupled to the proximal end such that the light is injected into the optical fiber and is conducted from the LED at the proximal end to the distal end and to emit the light at the distal end. The optical fiber has a cross section of at least 80 ?m and has a polymer-based coating or a protective sheathing made of a polymer-based tube material arranged on an outer surface.