Optical fiber transmission of high power excimer laser radiation

An experimental investigation of optical fiber transmission of high power excimer laser radiation is presented. Different types of commercially available UV fiber have been tested, measuring energy handling capabilities and transmission losses of short samples at the XeCl (308-nm) and KrF (249-nm) wavelengths by using a standard excimer laser. A power density dependent damage process has been observed over 1 GW/cm2. Fiber losses due to different radii of curvature are also reported. Experimental results have been examined to evaluate the effectiveness of excimer laser transmission through optical fibers for such medical uses as laser angioplasty, including also a comparison between the use of KrF or XeCl emission lines for this purpose. Finally, optimum excimer laser characteristics to increase the energy coupling in fibers are discussed.