Laser probe tip

Abstract

A probe tip for communicating and laterally directing electromagnetic radiation comprises a waveguide, a primary capsule, a compressible member and a malleable secondary capsule. The waveguide is configured to communicate electromagnetic radiation and includes a beveled surface at a distal tip for redirecting electromagnetic radiation in a lateral direction. The primary capsule is attached over the distal tip of the waveguide. The compressible member covers a portion of the primary capsule. The malleable secondary capsule is positioned over the primary capsule and the compressible member, and includes a crimp that compresses the compressible member against the primary capsule and secures the secondary capsule to the primary capsule.

1 .- 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a waveguide having a tip;   a first capsule including an outlet port, a proximal end over a proximal side of the tip of the waveguide, a distal end over a distal side of the distal tip of the waveguide, and a compressed region on the proximal end to secure the first capsule to the waveguide; and   a channel between the first capsule and the waveguide, the channel extending from the compressed region to the outlet port.   
     
     
         28 . The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein the waveguide includes a protective layer and the compressed region compresses the protective layer. 
     
     
         29 . The apparatus of  claim 28 , wherein the compressed region includes at least one tab for compressing the protective layer. 
     
     
         30 . The apparatus of  claim 28 , wherein the protective layer includes a nylon jacket, and the compressed region compresses the nylon jacket. 
     
     
         31 . The apparatus of  claim 27 , further including a second capsule between the first capsule and the waveguide. 
     
     
         32 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , wherein:
 the second capsule includes a transmissive surface through which electromagnetic radiation is discharged; and   the outlet port is aligned with the transmissive surface.   
     
     
         33 . The apparatus of  claim 31 , wherein:
 a back side of the second capsule, which is opposite a front side of the second capsule, is pressed against a back side of the first capsule; and   the channel is formed between the front side of the second capsule and a front side of the first capsule.   
     
     
         34 . The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein the first capsule is formed of a malleable metal. 
     
     
         35 . The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein the waveguide includes a core, wherein the core includes the tip. 
     
     
         36 . The apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the tip includes a polished surface that is beveled for redirecting electromagnetic radiation laterally. 
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 27 , wherein the compressed region is a crimp. 
     
     
         38 . An apparatus, comprising:
 an optical fiber comprising a core and a protective layer surrounding the core, the core comprising a distal tip that extends beyond the protective layer;   a primary capsule over the distal tip of the core;   a secondary capsule over the primary capsule and comprising:
 an outlet port, 
 wherein a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the primary capsule directly contacts a portion of an inner circumferential surface of the secondary capsule; and 
   a channel disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the primary capsule and the inner circumferential surface of the secondary capsule.   
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein the channel is disposed circumferentially around only a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the primary capsule. 
     
     
         40 . The apparatus of  claim 38 , wherein the secondary capsule includes a compressed region at its proximal end to secure the secondary capsule to the optical fiber. 
     
     
         41 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the compressed region is a crimp. 
     
     
         42 . The apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein an entirety of the channel is distal to the compressed region. 
     
     
         43 . An apparatus, comprising:
 an optical fiber comprising a core and a protective layer surrounding the core, the core comprising a distal tip that extends beyond the protective layer;   a primary capsule over the distal tip of the core;   a secondary capsule over the primary capsule; and   a channel disposed between an outer circumferential surface of the primary capsule and an inner circumferential surface of the secondary capsule, wherein the channel extends only partially around the outer circumferential surface of the primary capsule in a circumferential direction.   
     
     
         44 . The apparatus of  claim 43 , wherein the secondary capsule includes a compressed region at its proximal end to secure the secondary capsule to the optical fiber. 
     
     
         45 . The apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein the compressed region is a crimp. 
     
     
         46 . The apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein an entirety of the channel is distal to the compressed region. 
     
     
         47 . The apparatus of  claim 44 , wherein the optical fiber includes a protective layer and the compressed region compresses the protective layer.