Abstract: Apparatus described herein includes a tube, shaped to define a tube lumen and including a distal portion that has a plurality of articulated sections. The apparatus further includes a ribbon that passes longitudinally through the tube lumen and is connected to a distalmost one of the articulated sections, and a control handle disposed at a proximal end of the tube, the control handle being configured to flex the distal portion of the tube by pulling the ribbon. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An illumination system includes an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula including a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise be used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further includes one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula includes a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: An illumination system includes an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula including a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise be used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further includes one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula includes a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, an elongated shaft, an end effector, a rotation mechanism, and an articulation mechanism is disclosed. The rotation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and effects rotation of the end effector about the second longitudinal axis. The articulation mechanism is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly and effects movement of the end effector from a first position where the first longitudinal axis is substantially aligned with the second longitudinal axis to a second position where the second longitudinal axis is displaced from the first longitudinal axis. The articulation mechanism comprises a first articulation control disposed in mechanical cooperation with the handle assembly, a first cable and a second cable. Actuation of the first articulation control in a first direction causes the first cable to move distally and causes the second cable to move proximally.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube apparatus comprising an endotracheal tube and a hub connection fitting connected with the endotracheal tube. The endotracheal tube is configured to be inserted into a trachea of human body. A ventilation passageway is within the hub connection fitting and along a length of the endotracheal tube. The hub connection fitting may include a power source and a light emitting device. The hub connection fitting may also include a sensor apparatus configured to detect one or more respiration gases of the human body, wherein the sensor apparatus is powered by the power source.

Abstract: A steering mechanism may comprise an actuation system for one-fingered operation by a user, the system configured to move at least a distal portion of the medical device such that 360 degree articulation is achievable, and a housing coupled to the system, the housing having proximal and distal ends. The system may comprise a first lever rotatable about a first axis, the first lever coupled to a first cam and configured to move the first cam from a first position to a second position when rotated about the first axis to deflect the distal portion; and a second lever rotatable about a second axis, the second lever coupled to a second cam and configured to move the second cam from a first position to a second position when rotated about the second axis to deflect the distal portion, wherein the first lever is coupled to the second lever.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. The view of each of the plurality of cameras can be integrated together to provide a composite image. A surgical tool that includes an integrated camera may be used in conjunction with the surgical device. The image produced by the camera integrated with the surgical tool may be associated with the composite image generated by the plurality of cameras integrated in the surgical device. The position and orientation of the cameras and/or the surgical tool can be tracked, and the surgical tool can be rendered as transparent on the composite image. A surgical device may be powered by a hydraulic system, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference with tracking devices.

Abstract: There is disclosed a probe (50) for directing light to an object to be measured and receiving light returned from the object to be measured, the probe including: an optical path (21) for transmitting light from a light source (10); a mirror member (52) for reflecting the light transmitted through the optical path (21); and a rotational oscillation mechanism (56) for rotatably oscillating the mirror member (52) and a tip end portion of the optical path (21) about a longitudinal axis of the optical path (21); wherein the rotational oscillation mechanism (56) is adapted to perform the rotational oscillation within a range defined by a torsional elasticity limit of the optical path (21). This configuration can provide an optical rotary probe with a simple structure and with high reliability, which is capable of suppressing optical losses and reflection ghosts.

Abstract: Nanoscale optical probes for use with nanoscale optical microscopy are disclosed herein. A nanoscale optical probe for use with a near-field scanning optical microscope includes an inner conductor having a top end, a bottom end, and a body; a dielectric material engaging the inner conductor; and an outer conductor engaging the dielectric material, wherein the inner conductor is longer at a tip surface of the probe than the dielectric material and the outer conductor.

Abstract: An endoscope has an optical fiber and at least one photo-detector. The optical fiber has a core that transmits illuminating light and at least one cladding that surrounds the core and transmits reflected light. The cladding has a refraction slope surface that is tapered toward a direction opposite the tip portion of the optical fiber. The photo-detector detects the reflected light that exits from the refraction slope surface by refraction.

Abstract: A microstructure optical adapter or tip according to the present disclosure may incorporate precision micro structure optical components engaging the input or output end of light energy delivery devices for customized light delivery of the light energy. The incorporation of precision micro structure optical components in injection molded plastic or glass parts will allow for inexpensive modification of the output light while also serving to protect the end of the illumination device. The micro structure optical components may also be incorporated in an adapter to tailor the light energy to the subsequent device.

Abstract: A near-field scanning optical probe comprises an optical fiber for conducting imaging light therethrough, the fiber having at least a portion doped with an optical gain medium and further having a tapered end portion with a frustoconical wall and an end surface for emitting the imaging light. In use, pumping light and optionally imaging light are coupled into the optical fiber such that the pumping light excites the optical gain medium to a higher energy state to emit photons at the approximate wavelength of the imaging light desired, to thereby produce and optionally amplify the imaging light emitted by the probe.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for providing a substantially uniformly illuminated light emitting surface, the apparatus comprising first and second light sources generating flux patterns including light rays that diverge about first and second central light rays, respectively and a light guide member having substantially straight first and second en sections and a curved section, the first end section having a proximal end and a distal end and formed about a first light axis, the second end section having a proximal end and a distal end and formed about a second light axis, the curved section including first and second ends that are linked to the distal ends of the first and second end sections, respectively, the guide forming a front surface and an oppositely facing textured back surface along each of the end sections and the curved section, the curved section forming a bend such that the back surface is concave and the front surface is convex along the curved section length, at least a portion of the back surface ta

Abstract: An optical waveguide element has plural spherical bodies arranged in straight or curve with diameters of not more than 100 &mgr;m made of transparent uniform glass. The optical waveguide element may have plural spherical bodies arranged in straight or curve as are viewed from their ends with diameters of not more than 100 &mgr;m made of transparent uniform glass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for image sharpening in confocal microscopy or endoscopy observation, the method comprising: collecting true confocal return light from an observational field of an object; focussing the true confocal return light into a core of a fiber wave-guide; collecting near confocal return light from a volume partially overlapping the observational field; focussing the near confocal return light so as to be transmitted principally in a cladding of the fiber wave-guide; separately detecting the true confocal return light and the near confocal return light to produce a true confocal output signal and a near confocal output signal; and adjusting the true confocal output signal on the basis of the near confocal output signal to substantially eliminate from the true confocal output signal a component due to the near confocal output signal; whereby the effective volume of the observational field is reduced and the resolution is effectively increased.

Abstract: A novel optical fiber, and a method for its production, having a diffuser portion and continuous unitarily-constructed outer sleeve, which is adapted for the transmission of light to a treatment locale. More particularly, a medical instrument has an optical fiber including a diffuser portion at a distal end wherein an alignment sleeve for the optical fiber extends uninterruptedly in a single piece from a connector for a laser light source to at least the distal end of the core of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A display arrangement for providing optical information into an observer's field of view, which can be carried at the head, includes a picture source, a picture transmission device and an eyepiece. The picture transmission device consists of at least partially of a fiber optics section which is at least partially surrounded by a material that is plastically deformable.

Abstract: An endoscope optics including a housing receiving an image-observation device and a tubular stem. The stem is secured to a distal end of the housing. An image transmitting device is mounted inside the stem. The image-observation device is aligned inside the housing with the image transmitting device regarding image position and image center. An insert element is used to adjust the image-observation device and includes an outer contour, which allows stationary affixation to the housing, and an inner, axially continuous borehole, which receives the image-observation device in geometrically interlocking manner. The relative position between the borehole and the outer-wall contour inside the insert element is determined by spatial coordinates ascertained for the particular endoscope optics and specifying the position at which to adjust the image-observation device inside the housing relative to the image transmitting device.

Abstract: Light delivery systems/lighting devices include a light distributor and a flexible light emitter. A malleable member adjacent said light emitter is bendable to hold the shape of the light emitter once arranged in a desired position. A protective cover protects the light emitter and/or light distributor from direct contact with contaminants or components which may interfere with proper operation thereof. A handle connected to the light distributor contains a light pipe or rod that provides an interface between the light distributor and a light source conduit which may be inserted into a socket in the handle or connected to a male adaptor mounted in the socket.

Abstract: An optical fiber cable of the type comprising a fiber (3) having a central core and a surrounding cladding and made for transmitting optical high-power, specifically power exceeding 1 kW. At least one of the fiber ends is provided with cooling means for optical power loss comprising a cavity with a flowing coolant (2) surrounding the envelope surface of the fiber end. Incident radiation that falls outside the fiber comes into the coolant, preferably a liquid coolant such as water, where it is at least partially absorbed. At least one of the limiting wall surfaces of the cavity is completely or partially non-absorbing for the incident radiation, while the other limiting wall surfaces are arranged to absorb such radiaton that is still present and transmitted through the flowing coolant (2). As these surfaces are in direct contact with the coolant an efficient cooling is obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) for aiming and projecting laser radiation emitted from an output-face (56) at an output-end (52) of an optical-fiber transmitter (54), includes a target (26) surrounding the output-end of the optical-fiber transmitter and held in a fixed relationship therewith. One or more light sources (46) illuminate the target with visible light such that the target directs at least a portion of the visible light in the emission direction of the laser radiation whereby when the optical-fiber transmitter is directed toward a surface, the visible light directed by the target indicates an incidence region of the laser radiation on the surface. The apparatus optionally includes an optical system (27) arranged to project a visible image (72) of the target and an image (74) of the output-face of the optical fiber transmitter. The degree of focus of the visible target-image on the surface corresponds to the degree of focus of the laser radiation on the surface.

Abstract: A coherent illuminator system and method wherein an incident energy beam is directed at an end of image conduit rotating around its axis. The incident energy beam may be generated by a laser, maser, or similar radiation source. A substantially cylindrically uniform radiation spot is obtained from the other end of the image conduit, which may be guided by waveguide means to an application element such as, for example, an emission microscope or a medical instrument.

Abstract: An emission microscopy system with a coherent illuminator system and method wherein an incident energy beam is directed at an end of image conduit rotating around its axis. The incident energy beam may be generated by a laser or similar radiation source. A substantially cylindrically uniform radiation spot is obtained from the other end of the image conduit, which may be guided by waveguide means to an emission microscope used in IC failure analysis.

Abstract: A system for delivering a CO.sub.2 laser beam to the roots of a tooth is provided. The system includes a laser beam source, a first fiber having a first diameter connected to the laser beam source at its proximal end and to a hand piece at its distal end, the hand piece including an optical assembly operative to transfer the beam from the distal end of the first fiber to the proximal end of a second fiber having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter with substantial power loss.

Abstract: An assembly of connectors adapt multiple optic fiber illuminators of microsurgical instruments for use with a variety of different available light sources.

Abstract: A light diffuser tip for use with an optical fiber. The diffuser tip is affixed to an optical fiber and comprises an optically transparent elastomer core positioned to receive light from the output terminus of the optical fiber. The concentration of scattering centers embedded in the transparent elastomer core varies along the length of the core to yield a particular light distribution pattern. For example, the scattering centers may be distributed within an optically transparent elastomeric core material such as silicone to provide a scatterer density gradient along the diffuser tip in the axial direction of the optical fiber. A diffuser tip which provides uniform cylindrical light output intensity in air will provide a different output intensity distribution in a medium with a different index of refraction such as human tissue.

Abstract: A tip of a probe is sharpened and a level difference portion 6 in a boundary zone between a base portion 5 and an elastic functioning portion 4 is formed into a tapered configuration. The diameter of the elastic functioning portion 4 is made smaller than that of the base portion 5. Also, a part of the elastic functioning portion 4 is shaped into a constricted configuration. Also, the probe material is an optical fiber and this probe is composed of a core portion 2 that propagates light therethrough and clad portions 3 that differ in refractive index from each other. And the portion of the probe that excludes a aperture is clothed by a metal film cladding 7.

Abstract: A diffusing tip is provided for diffusing light from a light-emitting end of an optical fiber in a radial distribution pattern relative to the axis of the tip and along a length of the tip. The tip has an inner core and an outer covering which define a light guide. The outer covering is modified on its interior surface adjacent to the core such that light transmitted down the light guide is removed from the core upon encountering a surface modification on the interior surface. The light so removed is transmitted to the outer surface along the length of the tip, where it can be used to irradiate a selected object or material. The diffusing tip preferably provides light in a substantially uniform intensity distribution for the substantially uniform irradiation of a selected object or material.

Abstract: A mid-infrared spectroscopic probe attached to a fiber-optic cable comprises an optically transparent, heat-insulating crystal which is placed between the ATR crystal and the end of the fiber-optic cable so as to provide optical coupling from the cable to the ATR crystal while protecting the fiber-optic assembly inside the cable from excessive heat when the probe is used in high-temperature sample streams. The ATR crystal is tapered outwards towards the sampling end to ensure that pressure from the sample stream, e.g., in a plastics extruder, does not displace the crystal, but rather forces it into tighter contact with the seal in the probe head.

Abstract: There is provided a side-emitting optical fiber having a proximal end for receiving radiation and a distal end for emitting the radiation in a direction laterally of the longitudinal axis of the fiber via a radiation exit region at the distal end; characterized in that the outer surface of the distal end of the a glass cap is formed with a visually discernible surface formation which is narrow at one end thereof and which increases in width towards the opposite end thereof, to thereby enable visually discerning the orientation of the optical fiber with respect to the radiation exit region thereof.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe protector for protecting a fiber optic probe such that sterilization of the probe after each use is not necessary. The fiber optic probe protector includes a sheath, a window and a handle. The sheath defines a tubular configuration, a first end, and a second end and the window is mounted in the first end of the sheath. The handle defines a first end, a second end, an interior cavity and a locking means. The second end of the sheath is mounted to the first end of the handle and the interior cavity of the handle and the sheath provide a passage for a fiber optic probe therethrough such that the face of the probe abuts against the window. The locking means locks the fiber optic probe in position. The fiber optic probe protector also includes a vacuum assembly which when hooked to a vacuum removes secretions or fluid from the surface to be analyzed with the probe.

Abstract: A dental curing accessory that fits on the light emitting tip of a curing light and is pressed against a photocurable material and its immediate underlying structure such as a tooth, appliance, or dental structure while the photocurable material is polymerizing. The present invention is a partially hollow tubular body having a receiving portion which fits onto the curing light tip, and also has a light permitting contact portion which contacts the photocurable material transferring pressure from the device to the photocuring site. Pressure delivered to the photocuring site through the present invention promotes intimate contact between a photocurable material and a structure to which the photocurable material is bonded or attached to, providing a stronger bond, reducing voids in the photocurable material, contouring the photocurable material against the structure resulting in a more even surfaced product requiring less finishing work, and substantially preventing the formation of an oxygen inhibited layer.

Abstract: A diffusing tip is provided for diffusing light from a light-emitting end of an optical fiber in a radial distribution pattern relative to the axis of the tip and along a length of the tip. The tip has an inner core and an outer covering which define a light guide. The outer covering is modified on its interior surface adjacent to the core such that light transmitted down the light guide is removed from the core upon encountering a surface modification on the interior surface. The light so removed is transmitted to the outer surface along the length of the tip, where it can be used to irradiate a selected object or material. The diffusing tip preferably provides light in a substantially uniform intensity distribution for the substantially uniform irradiation of a selected object or material.

Abstract: A light trap for a parallel light beam includes an entry member having a frustoconical opening in it and a conical body attached to a back wall of the trap. The frustoconical opening narrows from the outside towards the inside and has at the outside a diameter equal to the diameter D of the light beam. The entry member has a thickness E=D/(tan 2A+tan A) where A is the cone angle of the frustoconical opening. The conical body reflects light uniformly in all directions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable attenuator for an optical transmission system having a disc-like masking plate with apertures (or image zones) formed in an arcuate control area at the periphery of the plate. Within each aperture, at least one opaque masking member is provided extending outward from the origin to the perimeter of the aperture and having a masking surface with an incremental masking area which continuously increases in magnitude with increasing radial length of the aperture. The perpendicular cross-section of each masking member with respect to the optical axis preferably forms a geometric shape having straight-line edges extending radially outward from the origin of the aperture. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of masking members are utilized (as a pair or sets of pairs).

Abstract: The invention provides a rigid endoscope utilizing a high refractive index (HRI) tunnel rod, preferably made of glass, for transfer of image light from a distal end to a proximal end of the device, such HRI tunnel rod being modified so that a minimum of light is scattered and reflected within the rod, thus minimizing veiling glare and contrast reduction of the image which is formed near the HRI tunnel rod's proximal end. The HRI tunnel rod shortens the apparent distance from the proximal to the distal end by virtue of its refractive index being greater than that of air, and also provides a light tunnel which can carry the image over a relatively long distance by virtue of its modified inside walls. A preferred method of modification includes hydrogen firing of the HRI tunnel rod in order to create a thoroughly blackened inner surface which is highly non-reflective, even at grazing incidences.

Abstract: A reusable connector adapter for coupling any fiber optic transmittable laser source to a fiber optic laser delivery device, the laser source having a laser energy output port. The adapter allows the use of a variety of different laser sources with a variety of different fiber optic laser delivery devices. The adapter maintains the fiber optic laser delivery device adjacent to the laser energy output port such that the laser energy to be transmitted is communicated efficiently to the fiber optic laser delivery device. The adapter further comprises a laser interlock deactivation means such that if a laser source has a mechanical, electrical or optical interlock system, the adapter will function to deactivate the interlock system. Furthermore, the adapter also comprises a plurality of optical barriers to prevent the unintended transmission of laser energy when, for example, the fiber optic laser delivery device has not been installed or has not been installed properly.

Abstract: An optical fiber includes a transparent core having a generally rectangular cross section covered by a transparent cladding having a generally elliptical outer surface. The rectangular cross section has a width-to-thickness ratio substantially equal to a length-to-width ratio of a laser source such as, for example, a laser diode. The equality of dimensional ratios permits efficient coupling of laser radiation to the transparent core. The rectangular cross section, thus, avoids reduction in energy density at the output end of the fiber core, as occurs when a rectangular output of a solid state laser is coupled to a fiber core having a circular cross section. Embodiments are disclosed having dimensional ratios of from about 2:1 to 20:1 and beyond. The improved dimensional matching permits delivery of radiation from laser diodes at energy densities useful for medical treatments.

Abstract: A laser optical fiber probe has a silica fiber core with an end terminating in an inclined surface. A silica capsule encloses the end of the fiber and locates the end of the fiber in a gas chamber. Localized heat fuses the end of the fiber opposite the inclined surface to the capsule thereby eliminating secondary light reflections.

Abstract: An optical delivery device includes an optical fiber that receives an output beam of light from a light source such as a laser. The optical fiber includes a linear section, defining a longitudinal axis, and a curved distal end, with a curvature sufficient so that total internal reflection of the light around a bend is maintained and bending losses within the curved distal end are minimized. The curved distal end has a distal output tip that delivers substantially all of the output beam in a defined lateral direction from the longitudinal axis. The numerical aperture of the curved distal end is larger than the numerical aperture of the light in the linear section. The numerical aperture of the curved distal end can be increased by removing the fiber cladding and replacing it with a lower index material.

Abstract: A reusable connector adapter for coupling a fiber optic laser delivery device with a laser source having a laser energy output port. The adapter allows the use of a variety of different laser sources with a variety of different fiber optic laser delivery devices. The adapter maintains the fiber optic laser delivery device adjacent to the laser energy output port such that the laser energy to be transmitted is communicated efficiently to the fiber optic laser delivery device. The adapter further comprises a laser interlock deactivation means such that if a laser source has a mechanical, electrical or optical interlock system, the adapter will function to deactivate the interlock system. Furthermore, the adapter also comprises an optical barrier to prevent the unintended transmission of laser energy when, for example, the fiber optic laser delivery device has not been installed or has not been installed properly.

Abstract: The invention provides a rigid endoscope utilizing a high refractive index (HRI) tunnel rod, preferably made of glass, for transfer of image light from a distal end to a proximal end of the device, such HRI tunnel rod being modified so that a minimum of light is scattered and reflected within the rod, thus minimizing veiling glare and contrast reduction of the image which is formed near the HRI tunnel rod's proximal end. The HRI tunnel rod shortens the apparent distance from the proximal to the distal end by virtue of its refractive index being greater than that of air, and also provides a light tunnel which can carry the image over a relatively long distance by virtue of its modified inside walls. A preferred method of modification includes hydrogen firing of the HRI tunnel rod in order to create a thoroughly blackened inner surface which is highly non-reflective, even at grazing incidences.

Abstract: A fiber probe is formed from a cladded optical fiber segment by isotropically etching a lower portion of the fiber segment, followed by cleaving the resulting etched lower portion. The resulting cleaved endface of the fiber segment is then coated with a protective layer which is then patterned by exposure to optical radiation propagating down the core of the fiber segment followed by development. A plasma etching, masked by the thus patterned protective layer, removes a desired height of cladding in the neighborhood of the cleaved endface. Finally, the lower regions of the fiber segment are subjected to a further etching to reduce the width of the tip to a desired value.

Abstract: A fiber probe device includes a fiber segment that has at least three sections. An uppermost section has the largest diameter; an intermediate section has an intermediate diameter, and a lowest section (tip) has the smallest diameter. The presence of the intermediate section enables control over the stiffness of the section located immediately above the tip as well as control over the mechanical resonance characteristic of the probe device when it scans a sample surface to be measured.

Abstract: Photodynamic therapy apparatus providing improved light distribution with an end fitting for use with clad optical fibers, which apparatus cooperates with an unclad stripped terminal end of the optical fiber that is inwardly tapered towards its end such that light scattering media disposed between a glass tube surrounding at least the tapered portion of the optical fiber provides improved and predictable light distribution, the media being suitably cured to a rigid relationship thereby to continuously provide improved light distribution.

Abstract: Heat and light generating, fiber optic, cylindrical diffusers are structured to operate more efficiently and with increased uniformity by the inclusion of rings of prescribed indicies of refraction about the unclad distal end portion of the diffuser. Such a diffuser also includes a conical distal tip. A sealed Teflon (TM) sleeve containing diffusing material in place over the entire length of the diffuser also improves the uniformity of heat distribution.

Abstract: An optical fiber laser device, used as a pulse laser device, has a spherical lens made of optical glass having a refractive index of 2 or less. The spherical lens is provided on an extreme end of an optical fiber which guides a pulse laser beam. An object side of the spherical lens is projected externally of a base housing the spherical lens therein.

Abstract: A side-firing laser fiber is provided with a directional indicator for use in determining the orientation of radiation to be emitted from the laser fiber. The laser fiber has an elongate core clad with a nylon jacket. Over a portion of the nylon jacket is placed a sleeve of heat shrinkable material. The sleeve is positioned over the jacket near the distal end of the laser fiber and is heat treated as to be joined to the laser fiber. Biocompatible ink is then applied to the sleeve to form a linear marking capable of delineating the direction of radiation to be emitted from the side-firing laser fiber. In use, the linear marking is oriented in the direction in which the radiation is to be emitted and the laser is then activated. This technique is particularly useful when the distal end of the side-firing laser fiber is obscured from view. The portion of the laser fiber to which the sleeve is attached is still visible when the distal end of the laser fiber is obscured.

Abstract: A fiber optic, cylindrical, light diffuser for medical use includes an unclad distal fiber end where the exposed core end has a conical shape. The core end is enclosed by a sleeve which contacts the clad portion of the fiber only and defines a closed chamber with the distal end of the fiber. The chamber is filled with light diffusing material. The diffuser exhibits highly uniform output light distribution and is capable of carrying relatively high power densities safely.