Medical Applications of Optical Fibers

Abstract

Recently, laser and optical fiber techniques have been widely utilized in medicine. This paperdescribes the applications of their techniques in therapy, medical measurement and diagnosis. Laser beam guide system is an important problem in the medical laser instruments. In thebeam guiding system for clinical lasers, the required conditions are enough flexibility, smallersize and security to energetic power beam. A usual quartz optical fiber is a useful light beamguide. for near infrared and visible region. Infrared fibers (e. g. silver halide, chalcogenide) and hollow light guides are available for infrared light beams. OH-ion-doped quartz fiber andaluminum hollow light guide will be useful for ultraviolet light beams in the near future. Laserendoscopy, laser surgery, laser thermia, laser angioplasty and photodynamic therapy havebeen used clinically. Various diagnostic systems is based on laser-fiber sensors. Laser andoptical fiber techniques will have a great impact on the various medical fields.