Side-firing laser

Abstract

An apparatus for transmitting laser light and redirecting the light laterally relative to an axis of the apparatus includes an optical fiber having both a core and a cladding surrounding the core. The optical fiber terminates at a distal tip having a surface inclined relative to the axis of the optical fiber. A tubular member surrounds the optical fiber at its distal end. The distal end of the optical fiber has a portion opposing the tubular member for being united to the tubular member. The distal portion is joined to the tubular member by an intermediate material selected to have an index of refraction matching that of the core and the tubular member.

1 . An apparatus for transmitting laser light and redirecting the light laterally relative to the apparatus comprising:
 an optical fiber having a core and a cladding surrounding said core, said optical fiber having a distal end section terminating at a forwardly inclined surface;   a tubular member surrounding the distal end section, said tubular member having a closed end to confine the distal end section and inclined surface;   said tubular member selected from a material having an index of refraction substantially identical to an index of refraction of said cladding;   said distal end section having a portion thereof generally opposite the inclined surface united to a portion of the tubular member;   said portions of the distal end section of the optical fiber and tubular member being joined together;   whereby light from a laser propagated down the optical fiber is redirected laterally from said inclined surface through the united portions of the optical fiber and tubular member and laterally of the probe.   
   
   
       2 . An apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said portions are joined together by a thermal fusion of said portions. 
   
   
       3 . An apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein said cladding is a cladding material having a melting temperature substantially lower than a melting temperature of said core during said fusion. 
   
   
       4 . An apparatus for transmitting laser light and redirecting the light laterally relative to the apparatus comprising:
 an optical fiber having a core and a cladding surrounding said core, said optical fiber having a distal end section terminating at a distal forwardly inclined surface;   a tubular member surrounding the distal end section, said tubular member having a closed end to confine the distal end section and inclined surface;   said distal end section having a portion thereof generally opposite the inclined surface united to a portion of the tubular member;   said portions of the distal end section of the optical fiber and tubular member being joined together;   a plurality of proximal inclined surfaces disposed on said fiber proximal to said distal inclined surface;   whereby light from a laser propagated down the optical fiber is redirected laterally from said distal inclined surface through the united portions of the optical fiber and tubular member and from said proximal inclined surfaces through said cladding and laterally of the probe.   
   
   
       5 . An apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein said proximal inclined surfaces are substantially parallel to said distal inclined surface.