Q-switched Er : YAG radiation transmission through fluoride glass fibers and dielectric-coated metallic hollow waveguides

The radiation transmission of a Q-switched Er:YAG laser, through fluoride g lass fibers of 450 and 600 mum core diameter, and through a cyclic olefin p olymer coated silver hollow glass waveguide (COP/Ag), of 1 mm inner diamete r, was investigated. Attenuation measurements were obtained as a function o f the laser energy input and as a function of curvature, at 90 degrees and 180 degrees bending angle. The results are promising for the delivery of Q- switched Er:YAG laser radiation, as the fibers exhibited attenuation of 0.9 dB/m and the waveguide 1.9 dB/m, and no damage of them was observed. (C) 2 000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.