Patent ID: 8419293
Filing Date: 2013-04-16
Classification: A61B,G02B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising: an optical fiber being made of a silica-based material, a proximal end portion of the optical fiber having an outer-layer portion, the proximal end portion being included in at least a portion of a launch connector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation and being mechanically connected to a source of electromagnetic radiation; and a component having a bore therethrough, the component being made of a doped silica material, the bore having an inner-layer portion heat-fused to the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber, the component having an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction associated with the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber; wherein an entirety of a proximal end of the launch connector includes a substantially flat surface, and an outer-surface of the silica-based optical fiber has an index of refraction higher than an index of refraction associated with the doped silica component.