Development of optical fiber for medical Er:YAG laser

The Er:YAG laser beam has stronger absorbability by water than the CO2 laser beam. Therefore, the Er:YAG laser is expected to be used as the surgical treatment beam for water- rich biotissue. And if the effective optical fiber of 3 micrometers band is developed, it is also expected for use as an endoscopic beam. So we are doing investigations of the optical fiber for Er:YAG laser. The optical fibers used are fluoride glass, chalcogenide glass fibers, and the hollow tube guide. From our experimental results, these Er:YAG laser beam delivery techniques would be expected to perform well in practical use.