<title>Optical fiber coatings for medical applications</title>

Abstract

Fiber optic based laser delivery systems are one of the most important applications of optical fibers in medical industry. Silica optical fibers are becoming a standard vehicle for laser transport into the human body. Two types of silica core fibers with polymer clad or glass clad are being considered. Optical fiber coatings play an important role in fiber strength, reliability, and biocompatibility.Three major coatings such as organic (polymeric) , metallic, and inorganic are commonly used on optical fibers. The polymeric coatings, such as ultraviolet (UV)-cured acrylate, silicone, and polyimnide; metallic coatings, such as aluminum, indium, tin, and gold; inorganic coatings, such as oxides, carbides, nitrides, and carbon are used on optical fibers. In the medical industry, polymeric coatings are widely used. Metallic and inorganic coatings on optical fibers can also be considered. This paper will highlight the strength, fatigue, and biocompatibility of silica fibers with different coatings.