Pyrometry with flexible infrared fibers for temperature-controlled laser surgery

Area of Science:

• Medical Physics
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Non-contact pyrometry is essential across various scientific, medical, and industrial fields.
• Infrared (IR) fibers offer flexible delivery of thermal radiation from complex internal structures, such as human organs.
• Silver halide polycrystalline infrared (PIR) fibers exhibit transparency in the 3-18 µm range, ideal for temperatures between 20°C and 200°C.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the capability of PIR fibers for simultaneous laser power delivery and real-time temperature monitoring in laser surgery.
• To explore the application of PIR fibers in temperature-controlled laser surgical procedures.

Main Methods:

• Utilized silver halide polycrystalline infrared (PIR) fibers for thermal radiation delivery.
• Investigated the spectral transparency range (3-18 µm) of PIR fibers for pyrometry.
• Demonstrated two distinct experimental setups for integrated laser power delivery and temperature monitoring.

Main Results:

• PIR fibers are suitable for non-contact temperature measurement in the 20°C to 200°C range.
• The fibers are non-toxic and allow for tight bending radii, enhancing flexibility in surgical environments.
• Successful demonstration of simultaneous laser power delivery and real-time temperature monitoring using PIR fibers.

Conclusions:

• PIR fibers are promising for pyrometric systems in temperature-controlled laser surgeries.
• The dual functionality of PIR fibers (laser delivery and temperature monitoring) can enhance surgical precision and safety.
• Further development of PIR fiber-based systems could be critical for advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques.