Implantable optical feedthrough connector

Abstract

Configurations are described for creating and using separable optical feedthroughs. These are especially useful in their at least semi-hermetic form when integrated with implantable photomedical devices. One embodiment is directed to a system for operatively coupling an optical output from a light source positioned inside of a sealed housing to an external optical fiber, comprising: a first optical fiber disposed adjacent to the light source and configured to receive at least a portion of the optical output; a second optical fiber operatively coupled to the first optical fiber and configured to capture at least a portion of an output from the first optical fiber; a primary seal operatively coupled to the housing between the light source and the second optical fiber that is at least partially transparent; and a secondary seal positioned between the second optical fiber and the environment.

1 . A system for operatively coupling an optical output from a light source positioned inside of a sealed housing to an external optical fiber, comprising:
 a. a first optical fiber disposed adjacent to the light source and configured to receive at least a portion of the optical output;   b. a second optical fiber operatively coupled to the first optical fiber and configured to capture at least a portion of an output from the first optical fiber;   c. a primary seal operatively coupled to the housing between the light source and the second optical fiber that is at least partially transparent; and   d. a secondary seal positioned between the second optical fiber and the environment.