Sapphire Optical Fibers for Surgical Erbium Lasers

Utilization of the promising Erbium: YAG laser has been hindered by the lack of a truly effectiveoptical fiber delivery system. The innovation proposed is to demonstrate sapphire optical fibers as aneffective means of delivering 2.94 micron Erbium: YAG laser energy in pre-clinical in vitro ophthalmicprocedures. The Saphikon Edge-defined, Film-fed Growth (EFG) technique will be used to produce thesapphire fibers. Designed experiments will be conducted to establish the preferred crystal growthparameters required for production of sapphire fibers for use in the pre-clinical study. All fibers used inthe study will be qualified using the Erbium laser. Pre-clinical trials conducted at the New England EyeInstitute will employ test protocols designed to parallel those used in ongoing Erbium laser clinical trialsusing a fluoride fiber/quartz tip delivery system. The objective of the trials will be to demonstrate thesurgical precision of the Erbium:YAG/Sapphire fiber laser modality. Beyond the initial demonstration ofthis modality in ophthalmic procedures, further improvement in the power handling capabilities of thesapphire fiber will allow for its use in a far wider range of applications, including: endodontic, generaldentistry, and orthopedics.