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HCXtreme^™Optical Fibers for Improved
High-Power Performance in Tight Bends

HCXtreme fibers have been optimized to enhance the performance characteristics of the fibers in laser power delivery under tight bend. These four new multimode step-index fibers are designed for use with higher power lasers in medical applications such as Lithotripsy, BPH treatment, and laser-based cosmetic procedures.

"Advances in laser technology and the increasing flexibility of the scopes used to introduce many of these fibers make it critical that fibers can handle higher energy at extreme bends," said Mick Speciale, OFS Medical Market Manager.

Available in core diameters of 272 µm, 365 µm, 550 µm, and 940 µm, HCXtreme fibers are coated with a fluoroacrylate coating that is similar to the coating used in the HCS^® optical fiber product line. This coating has a lower refractive index than that of silica, so it also acts a second cladding that will guide light in the silica cladding of the fiber. The active performance of these fibers depends on the launch condition and the type of laser used.

Recent studies by OFS Specialty Photonics demonstrate that fibers with a low bend loss and optimized low-index coating are better suited for handling higher energy at extreme bends. "The combination of a low bend loss design and optimized coating that has an increased laser-induced damage threshold has been shown to increase the reliability of fiber under power and tight bends," added Speciale.

Meet a Scientist

Dr. Siddharth Ramachandran
As a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff of OFS Laboratories, Dr. Siddharth Ramachandran's primary research interests include optical physics with a focus on understanding and exploiting optical phenomena and the underlying materials systems to invent photonic devices in applications such as sensors, imaging systems, high-power and ultra-short lasers, and telecom systems. Few-Moded Fiber >>

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