Optical system with multiple points of optical emission

Abstract

Optical systems with output optical fibers of different lengths that are optically coupled to a one-to-many connector (such as, for example, a tapered fiber bundle (TFB)). In some embodiments, each optical fiber is configured to emit light at a different azimuthal direction. In other embodiments, each optical fiber is configured to emit light at a different location along a transmission axis. In yet other embodiments, the system permits illumination at different locations and, also, at different azimuthal angles. Because the system is based on optical fibers (which have relatively small dimensions), the system permits illumination at different locations within a confined space.

Description

OPTICAL SYSTEM WITH MULTIPLE POINTS OF OPTICAL EMISSIONCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application serial number 63 / 698,809, filed 2024-Sep-25, by Bansal et al., and having the title "Fiber Bundle with Multiple Points of Optical Emission, Including Side-Fire and Beam Shaping Capabilities," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUNDFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to optical systems and, more particularly, to optical fiber systems.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0003] Optical fiber lasers are useful in medical environments. Because optical fibers are relatively small, optical fiber lasers have been used for minimally invasive surgeries.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure teaches optical systems with output optical fibers of different lengths that are optically coupled to a one-to-many connector (such as, for example, a tapered fiber bundle (TFB)). In some embodiments, each optical fiber is configured to emit light at a different azimuthal direction. In other embodiments, each optical fiber is configured to emit light at a different location along a transmission axis. In yet other embodiments, the system permits illumination at different locations and, also, at different azimuthal angles. Because the system is based on optical fibers (which have relatively small dimensions), the system permits illumination at different locations within a confined space.

[0005] Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0007] FIG. l is a diagram showing one embodiment of an optical system with a tapered fiber bundle and output optical fibers that emit at different azimuthal angles (in a plane (x-y plane) that is transverse to a transmission axis (or z-axis)).

[0008] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one embodiment of an optical system with a tapered fiber bundle and output optical fibers of different lengths, which permit light emission at different points along the transmission axis (or z-axis).

[0009] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a transverse cross section (x-y plane perpendicular to the z-axis) of one embodiment of an optical system that uses geometric keys to secure output optical fibers at fixed azimuthal angles in the transverse plane.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a transverse cross section (x-y plane) of another embodiment of an optical system with a circular close-packed arrangement of output optical fibers.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a transverse cross section (x-y plane) of yet another embodiment of an optical system with a non-circular close-packed arrangement of output optical fibers.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one embodiment of an optical system with a one- to-many connector and output optical fibers that emit at different azimuthal angles (in a plane (x-y plane) that is transverse to a transmission axis (or z-axis)).

[0013] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one embodiment of an optical system with a one- to-many connector and output optical fibers of different lengths, which permit light emission at different points along the transmission axis (or z-axis).

[0014] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing one embodiment of an optical system with an encapsulation over output optical fibers.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a light-emitting segment inwhich the light-emitting segment comprises a reflective, polished, angled end.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a light-emitting segment with a focusing lens.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a light-emitting segment in which the light-emitting segment comprises a reflective, polished, curved end.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing one embodiment of a light-emitting segment in which the light-emitting segment comprises dual reflective, polished, curved ends.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a graph showing efficiency as a function of fiber end-face angle for both a glass-to-air coupling and a glass-to-metal coupling.

[0020] FIG. 14 is a graph showing output power (Pout) as a function of input power (Pin) for one embodiment of an optical system in which an input diode numerical aperture (NA) is 0.16.

[0021] FIG. 15 is a graph showing output power (Pout) as a function of input power (Pin) for another embodiment of an optical system in which an input diode numerical aperture (NA) is 0.16.

[0022] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing one embodiment of an optical system with multiple light sources, each of which is optically coupled through a numerical aperture (NA) converter to its own tapered optical fiber.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Medical lasers are sometimes used in targeted medical procedures. In some diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, it is desirable to illuminate multiple targes using multiple beams of light. For minimally invasive medical procedures, smaller devices are preferable or necessary. In the past, side-fire optical fibers have been proposed for medical applications because side-fire optical fibers emit light in a direction that is perpendicular to the primary transmission axis (for simplicity, designated herein as the z-axis). Some known devices have multiple side-fire points along a single optical fiber, thereby allowing illumination at different discrete locations along the z-axis. Using a single multiple-side-fire optical fiber permits a very small incision for minimally invasive procedures. However, because each point of emission in such a multiple-side-fire optical fiber is a point where light scatters or escapes the multiple-side-fire optical fiber, it is difficult to control opticalproperties at each point of emission. Tn other words, some emission points may be brighter than other emission points, thereby creating disparities in brightness at different points along the multiple side-fire optical fiber. In extreme cases, it is entirely possible for proximal emission points to be too bright (or be a "hot spot"), while distal points are completely dark (or "cold spot") because too much of the light has already leaked from the multiple-side-fire optical fiber.

[0024] To mitigate the presence of such "hot spots" and "cold spots," the systems and methods that are disclosed herein teach optical fiber systems that have a one-to-many connector, which permits input light from one (1) input optical fiber to be distributed to multiple output optical fibers in a controlled manner. Furthermore, numerical apertures (NA) and diameters of the optical fibers can be controlled using known techniques, thereby permitting minimal optical loss and better brightness control through the disclosed optical systems. As one can appreciate, optical systems with multiple output optical fibers allow for control of both location (z-location) and directionality (azimuthal angle in the x-y plane) of the illumination points with a sufficiently small system for minimally invasive medical procedures.

[0025] Having provided a broad technical solution to a technical problem, reference is now made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings. While several embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing one embodiment of an optical system with a tapered fiber bundle (TFB) 122 and output optical fibers 132, 134, 136 that emit at different azimuthal angles 152, 154, 156 (in a plane (x-y plane) that are transverse to a transmission axis (or z-axis)). It should be appreciated that arbitrary coordinate axes (e.g., z-axis and y-axis) are shown for purposes of clarity only and not intended to limit the disclosure to orthogonal components in a Cartesian coordinate system. With this in mind, attention is turned to the system 100 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0027] Sequentially following a light transmission path along the z-axis, the optical system 100 broadly comprises an input fiber segment 110, followed by a connector segment 120, followed by an output fibers segment 130, and ending with a light-emitting segment140. In the specific embodiment of FIG. 1, input fiber segment 110 is shown as a single input optical fiber 112, which is adapted to carry light 150 along a primary transmission axis (shown as the z-axis in FIG. 1).

[0028] The optical system 100 further comprises a tapered fiber bundle (TFB) 122, which continues the propagation of light along the z-axis. As such, the TFB 122 input is optically coupled to the input optical fiber 112 and receives the light 150 from the input optical fiber 112. The TFB 122 provides a mechanism that divides the incoming light 150 into multiple paths. Consequently, the TFB 122 has multiple outputs, each of which transmits a portion of the light 150.

[0029] For illustrative purposes, the TFB 122 is shown with three (3) TFB outputs, each of which is optically coupled to its respective output optical fiber 132, 134, 136 (e.g., pigtail fibers). For clarity, these output optical fibers are arbitrarily designated as a first output optical fiber 132, a second output optical fiber 134, and a third output optical fiber 136.

[0030] The proximal end of the first output optical fiber 132 is optically coupled to one of the TFB 122 outputs and receives a portion of the light (a first portion of light) from the TFB 122. Similarly, the proximal end of the second output optical fiber 134 is optically coupled to another of the TFB 122 outputs and receives another portion (a second portion) of the light from the TFB 122. Likewise, the proximal end of the third output optical fiber 136 is optically coupled to yet another of the TFB 122 outputs and receives yet another portion (a third portion) of the light from the TFB 122.

[0031] To clearly illustrate directional control of light emitted from the system 100, the output fibers 132, 134, 136 are shown to be approximately equal in length in FIG. 1. The light-emitting segment 140 at the distal ends of the output optical fibers 132, 134, 136 are shown with reflective, directional, distal ends 142, 144, 146.

[0032] For example, the first output optical fiber 132 is shown to extend from its proximal end and configured to transmit the first portion of light along its length (along the z-axis) until the light arrives at the distal end 142, where the first portion of the light 152 is emitted. As shown in FIG. 1, the light 152 is emitted from the distal end 142 at a non-zero angle with reference to the transmission axis (illustrated here as being reflected perpendicularly downward on the y-axis). This directional change can be achieved byproviding a reflective, polished distal end 142.

[0033] Similarly, the second output optical fiber 134 extends from its proximal end and transmits light along its length (along the z-axis) until it arrives at its corresponding distal end 144, where the second portion of the light 154 is emitted. The second distal end 144 is shown to reflect light from the z-direction to the x-direction (coming out of the page). Consequently, the first portion of light 152 is emitted at a different azimuthal angle (in the transverse, or x-y, plane) than the second portion of light 154.

[0034] The third output optical fiber 136 extends from its proximal end to its distal end 146, where the third portion of light 156 is emitted. The third distal end 146 is shown to reflect light from the z-direction upward in the y-direction. Consequently, the third portion of light 156 is emitted at a different azimuthal angle than either the second portion of light 154 or the first portion of light 152. In other words, all distal ends 142, 144, 146 emit light 152, 154, 156 in different directions.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the multiple output optical fibers 132, 134, 136 allow for directional control of light emission, thereby permitting illumination across many different azimuthal angles (in the x-y plane). The TFB 122 allows light from a single optical input (such as a diode or a fiber laser, which can be either continuous or pulsed) to be split. The TFB 122 further permits control of numerical aperture (NA) as a function of taper ratio (a function of TFB input diameter compared to TFB output diameter). For example, a larger- diameter input optical fiber with a 110 micrometer (pm) core diameter and NA = 0.22 can be tapered to smaller-diameter optical fibers having 55 pm core diameters if the optical fiber supports NA > 0.44 (such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 16 and discussed in greater detail below). Insofar as methods of controlling NA and the combination of NA and waveguide dimension are well known in the art, further discussion of NA control is omitted herein.

[0036] Although output optical fibers 132, 134, 136 of equal lengths are shown in FIG. 1, it should be appreciated that the fiber lengths can be different, thereby permitting illumination at different axial locations (z-coordinates) along the transmission axis (or z- axis). One embodiment of an optical system 200 with a TFB 222 and different lengths of output optical fibers 232, 234, 236, 238 is shown in FIG. 2.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the optical system 200 comprises an input fiber 212,which is optically coupled to a TFB 222, which is (in turn) optically coupled multiple output fibers 232, 234, 236, 238 (such as, for example, four (4) pigtail fibers, as shown). For purposes of illustration, the shortest output optical fiber 232 is designated as the first output optical fiber 232, while the longest optical fiber 238 is designated as the fourth output optical fiber 238.

[0038] The first output optical fiber 232 (being the shortest) emits light 252 at a location closest to the TFB 222. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the light 252 is shown to emit downward on along the y-axis, but those having skill in the art will appreciate that the directionality of the light 252 can be changed by rotating the reflective end about the z-axis of the fiber (thereby re-orienting the reflective end). The second output optical fiber 234 is longer in length than the first output optical fiber 232 and, thus, the light 254 emits at a distance (DI, e.g., six millimeters (6mm)) farther down the z-axis. Here, the second emitted light 254 is shown as emitting upward in the y-direction. The third output optical fiber 236 is even longer and, thus, emits light 256 even farther down the z-axis (shown in FIG. 2 as a distance of D2 from the end of the second output optical fiber 234). The same can be said about the fourth (and longest) output optical fiber 238 (shown as emitting upward along the y-axis at a distance D3 from the end of the third output optical fiber 236). If all of the endpoints are equidistant from their nearest neighbor (e.g., each end is 6mm from the prior end), then the optical system 200 of FIG. 2 provides illumination at regular intervals (e.g., 6mm (DI), 12mm (D1+D2), 18mm (D1+D2+D3), etc ).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the multiple output optical fibers 232, 234, 236, 238 allow for control of different light emission locations (along the z-axis). As one can appreciate, combining the features of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 allow for both the control of light directionality in the x-y plane (as illustrated in FIG. 1) and control of illumination locations along the z-axis (as illustrated in FIG. 2). In other words, the systems 100, 200 permit independent control of power, shaping, and orientation of light.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a transverse cross section (x-y plane perpendicular to the z-axis) of one embodiment of an optical system that uses geometrically keyed surfaces 312, 314, 316, 318 on their respective output optical fibers 232, 234, 236, 238. Those geometrically keyed surfaces 312, 314, 316, 318 are configured to secure the output optical fibers 232, 234, 236, 238 at fixed azimuthal angles with reference to each otherin the transverse plane (x-y plane).

[0041] For clarity, a single output optical fiber 234 with its corresponding geometrically keyed surface 314 (shown as an angled surface with a ninety degree (90°) angle) is shown in FIG. 3 A, while multiple output optical fibers 232, 234, 236, 238 arranged together are shown in FIG. 3B. Also, for simplicity and to avoid clutter, only the cores 302, 304, 306, 308 of the output optical fibers 232, 234, 236, 238 are shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0042] By way of illustration, if optical fibers have circular cross-sectional profiles, then even when those optical fibers are arranged in a close-packed configuration, it is entirely possible for each individual optical fiber to rotate slightly (either clockwise or counterclockwise) along its own axis. Thus, if an emitting end of the optical fiber has directionality, then rotation of the fiber along its axis would change the direction of light emission. Unlike circular cross-sectional profiles, optical fibers with geometrically keyed surfaces 312, 314, 316, 318 can be mated at those surfaces 312, 314, 316, 318, thereby preventing each individual optical fiber from individually rotating about its own axis.

[0043] Consequently, for systems such as those shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 where the fiber ends 142, 144, 146 emit in multiple different directions 152, 154, 156, the geometrically keyed surfaces 312, 314, 316, 318 allow for a more even distribution of light in all directions. Alternatively, geometrically keyed surfaces 312, 314, 316, 318 allow for specific orientations of light, as may be necessary under different circumstances.

[0044] FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are diagrams showing a transverse cross section (x-y plane) of two (2) other embodiments of optical systems 400, 500. Specifically, FIG. 4 shows a circular cross-section 410 with output optical fibers 402, 404, 406, 408 arranged within that circular cross-section 410, while FIG. 5 shows a non-circular (e.g., square or rectangular) cross-section 510 with output optical fibers 502, 504, 506, 508 arranged within that noncircular cross-section 510. Insofar as FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are relatively self-explanatory, only a truncated discussion of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is provided. However, it should be appreciated that the optical fibers 402, 404, 406, 408, 502, 504, 506, 508 can have glass, polymer, or air cladding. For example, a polymer coating on a coreless glass fiber will minimize fiber dimensions, thereby allowing for smaller bundles of fibers.

[0045] Continuing, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing one embodiment of an optical system 600 with a one-to-many connector 622 and output optical fibers 132, 134, 136 thatemit at different azimuthal angles (in a plane (x-y plane) that is transverse to a transmission axis (or z-axis)). The components of FIG. 6 are substantially the same as the components of FIG. 1 with one (1) notable exception: a more-general one-to-many connector 622 (in FIG. 6) replaces the more-specific TFB 122 (from FIG. 1). The one-to-many connector 622 is adapted to receive light from the input fiber 112 and distribute it evenly to the multiple output fibers 132, 134, 136. Insofar as different types of one-to-many connectors are known to those having ordinary skill in the art (such as the TFB 122 of FIG. 1), only an abbreviated discussion of one-to-many connectors is provided. It should be appreciated that the output optical fibers 132, 134, 136 can (optionally) include keyed geometric surfaces, such as those shown in FIG. 3, or be arranged in different close-packed configurations, such as those shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing one embodiment of an optical system 700 with a one-to-many connector 722 and output optical fibers 232, 234, 236, 238 of different lengths, which permit light emission at different points along the transmission axis (or z-axis).Similar to FIG. 6, the one-to-many connector 722 in FIG. 7 is configured to receive light from the input optical fiber 212 and distribute the light (preferably evenly) to the multiple output optical fibers 232, 234, 236, 238. Insofar as the description of FIG. 6 sufficiently explains the one-to-may connector 622, further discussion of the one-to-many connector 722 is omitted here.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing one embodiment of an optical system with an encapsulation 802 (or sheath) over output optical fibers 232, 234, 236, 238. The encapsulation 802 allows for the output optical fibers 232, 234, 236, 238 to interface with different light transmission media 804 (e.g., air, saline, etc.). Because the transmission media 804 affects the focusing of light (depending on the differences in NA of the media 804), scattering of light (depending on whether or not scattering points are included in the media 804 to permit light-diffusion effects), and other light properties, the encapsulation 802 provides additional flexibility in illuminating a target.

[0048] Preferably, the encapsulation 802 comprises a coating that reduces friction with the output optical fibers 232, 234, 236, 238. Alternatively, the encapsulation 802 is made of a reduced-friction material. As one can appreciate, the encapsulation 802 can be a close-fitting sheath that has strategically placed windows (not shown), which permitillumination at different z-locations and at different azimuthal angles in the x-y plane.Insofar as the other components of FIG. 8 have already been discussed with reference to FIGS. 2 and 7, no further discussion of those components is provided herein.

[0049] Having discussed various systems, attention is turned to FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12, which show different light-emitting segments 140.

[0050] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing one embodiment 900 of a light-emitting segment 140 in which the light-emitting segment comprises a reflective, polished, angled end 910. As shown in FIG. 9, a flat, polished end 910 provides a simple reflection of light, thus changing only directionality from the z-direction to the y-direction (or, more precisely, the negative y- direction as shown in FIG. 9).

[0051] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing one embodiment 1000 of a light-emitting segment 140 with a focusing lens 1010. In addition to simply changing directionality (as shown in FIG. 9), the addition of a focusing lens 1010 permits the now-reflected light to be focused to a particular target. Insofar as focusing lenses are known in the art, further discussion of the focusing lens 1010 is omitted herein.

[0052] As an alternative to a focusing lens 1010, the end surface itself can be shaped. This is shown in FIG. 11, which illustrates one embodiment 1100 of a light-emitting segment 140 in which the light-emitting segment comprises a reflective, polished, curved end 1110. Unlike the flat end 910, the curved end 1110 permits simultaneous focusing and reflecting, thereby allowing for a change in direction while concurrently focusing the light as it emits from the light-emitting segment 140. As one can appreciate, and as shown in the embodiment 1200 of FIG. 12, the light-emitting segment 140 is configurable with dual (or multiple) reflective, polished, curved ends (e.g., a first reflective, polished end 1210 and a second reflective, polished end 1220), thereby illuminating multiple targets from a single light emission segment 140. As one can appreciate, different combinations of flat, curved, single, or multiple ends can be combined and configured as needed.

[0053] Unlike conventional systems that are difficult to control precisely, implementing the different light-emitting segments 140 (as shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12) with the different optical systems 100, 200, 600, 700, 800 allows for enormous flexibility and precise control of beam shape, beam brightness, beam quality, illumination location, and illumination direction.

[0054] Having discussed different combinations and permutations of optical components, attention is now turned to FIG. 13, FIG. 14, and FIG. 15, which show graphs of data for several embodiments of the system. Insofar as the graphs are readily understandable to those having ordinary skill in the art, only a truncated discussion of the graphs are provided herein.

[0055] Specifically, FIG. 13 shows efficiency (in percent (%)) as a function of fiber end-face angle (in degrees) for both a glass-to-air coupling (closed circles) and a glass-to- metal coupling (circle-enclosed "x") for an optical fiber with NA = 0.22. As shown in FIG. 13, for efficiency of approximately eighty percent (80%), an optimal angle is approximately thirty-seven degrees (37°).

[0056] Next, FIG. 14 shows output power (Pout) as a function of input power (Pin) for one embodiment of an optical system in which an input diode NA = 0.16, while FIG. 1 shows Pout as a function of Pin for another embodiment of an optical system in which an input diode numerical aperture NA = 0.16. As shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, coupling is slightly higher at approximately 83% at NA = 0.16 (as compared to an optimal value of 80% as calculated in FIG. 13.

[0057] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing one embodiment of an optical system 1600 with multiple light sources (with arrows illustrating incoming light), each of which is optically coupled through its respective NA-converter 1602, 1606 to its respective tapered optical fiber 1604, 1608. The tapered optical fibers 1604, 1608 comprise at least three (3) distinct segments, namely, a larger-core-diameter segment 1610, a tapered segment 1620, and a smaller-core-diameter segment 1630. In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the smaller-core- diameter segment 1630 is covered by an encapsulation 1632 (such as a sheath or other known cover).

[0058] By providing independent light inputs to each of the tapered optical fibers 1604, 1608, the optical system 1600 of FIG. 16 permits independent control of brightness, pulse characteristics, wavelength, power, and any other optical property for each tapered optical fiber 1604, 1608.

[0059] As one can appreciate, the NA increases within the tapered segment 1620 as the diameters of the optical fibers transition from the larger-core-diameter segment 1610 to the smaller-core-diameter segment 1630. Thus, by way of example, if the larger-core-diameter segment 1610 has a core diameter of 110pm and a NA of 0.22, and that larger-core- diameter segment 1610 is tapered down to a smaller-core-diameter segment 1630 in which the core diameter is 55pm, then the smaller-core-diameter segment will need to support NA that is at least 0.44.

[0060] In endoscopic applications where the input diodes do not normally support high NA, the NA-converters 1602, 1606 converts the NA at the input end to an acceptably high NA, thereby permitting each optical fiber 1604, 1608 to be tapered into smaller core diameter segments 1630 (and hence higher NA) without losses due to increases in NA. As an illustrative example, if the NA-converters 1602, 1606 convert the incoming light to an NA of 0.22 before it enters a 110pm larger-core-diameter segment 1610, then the tapered optical fibers 1604, 1608 can be tapered down to a 55pm smaller-core-diameter segment 1640 that supports NA > 0.44.

[0061] It should be appreciated that the tapered optical fibers 1604, 1608 can be terminated with any type of light-emitting end 140, such as those shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11, or FIG. 12 (or other known light-emitting end).

[0062] As shown through FIGS. 1 through 16, the disclosed systems and processes permit more precise control and greater flexibility in optical systems that are used for minimally invasive medical procedures. Specifically, one-to-many connectors allow for a single light input to be distributed to many target locations with greater precision and control. Furthermore, insofar as the disclosed systems and processes are optical fiber based, the precision and control can be achieved with a device that is sufficiently small to accommodate minimally invasive medical procedures.

[0063] Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the disclosure as described may be made. For example, although one-to-many connectors (such as TFBs) are taught, those having skill in the art will appreciate that few-to- many connectors can be readily implemented, thereby allowing for few light sources to be distributed to many illumination points. All such changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An optical system comprising:(a) an input optical fiber adapted to carry light along a primary transmission axis;(b) a tapered fiber bundle (TFB) adapted to propagate the light along the primary transmission axis, the TFB comprising:(bl) a TFB input optically coupled to the input optical fiber, the connector input configured to receive the light from the input optical fiber;(b2) a first TFB output configured to transmit a first portion of the light; and(b3) a second TFB output configured to transmit a second portion of the light;(c) a first output optical fiber comprising:(cl) a first output fiber proximal end optically coupled to the first TFB output, the first output fiber proximal end configured to receive the first portion of the light from the first TFB output;(c2) a first output fiber length extending from the first output fiber proximal end, the first output fiber length configured to transmit the first portion of the light along the transmission axis;(c3) a first geometrically keyed surface; and(c4) a first output fiber distal end located at the end of the first output fiber length, the first output fiber distal end adapted to emit light at a first azimuthal angle, the first output distal end comprising an end selected from the group consisting of:(c4A) a first reflective, polished, angled end;(c4B) a first reflective, polished, angled end optically coupled to a focusing lens; and(c4C) a first reflective, polished, curved end; and(d) a second output optical fiber comprising:(dl) a second output fiber proximal end optically coupled to the second connector output, the second output fiber proximal end configured to receive the second portion of the light from the second connector output;(d2) a second output fiber length extending from the second output fiberproximal end, the second output fiber length being different than the first output fiber length, the second output fiber length configured to transmit the second portion of the light along the transmission axis; and(d3) a second geometrically keyed surface adapted to geometrically mate with the first geometrically keyed surface to azimuthally secure the first output optical fiber with reference to the second output optical fiber; and(d4) a second output fiber distal end located at the end of the second output fiber length, the second output fiber distal end adapted to emit light at a second azimuthal angle, the second azimuthal angle being different from the first azimuthal angle, the first output distal end comprising an end selected from the group consisting of:(d4A) a second reflective, polished, angled end;(d4B) a second reflective, polished, angled end optically coupled to a focusing lens; and(d4C) a second reflective, polished, curved end.

2. An optical system comprising: an input optical fiber adapted to carry light along a primary transmission axis; a one-to-many connector adapted to propagate the light along the primary transmission axis, the one-to-many connector comprising: a connector input optically coupled to the input optical fiber, the connector input configured to receive the light from the input optical fiber; a first connector output configured to transmit a first portion of the light; and a second connector output configured to transmit a second portion of the light; a first output optical fiber comprising: a first output fiber proximal end optically coupled to the first connector output, the first output fiber proximal end configured to receive the first portion of the light from the first connector output; a first output fiber length extending from the first output fiber proximal end, the first output fiber length configured to transmit the first portion of the light along the transmission axis; and a first output fiber distal end located at the end of the first output fiber length,the first output fiber distal end configured to emit the first portion of the light, the first portion of the light being emitted at a first non-zero angle from the transmission axis, the first portion of the light further being emitted at a first azimuthal angle; and a second output optical fiber comprising: a second output fiber proximal end optically coupled to the second connector output, the second output fiber proximal end configured to receive the second portion of the light from the second connector output; a second output fiber length extending from the second output fiber proximal end, the second output fiber length configured to transmit the second portion of the light along the transmission axis; and a second output fiber distal end located at the end of the second output fiber length, the second output fiber distal end configured to emit the second portion of the light, the second portion of the light being emitted at a second non-zero angle from the transmission axis, the second portion of the light further being emitted at a second azimuthal angle.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the one-to-many connector comprises a tapered fiber bundle (TFB).

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the TFB is adapted to receive light from the input optical fiber and evenly distribute the received light to the first output optical fiber and the second output optical fiber.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the first output fiber length is different from the second output fiber length.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the first non-zero angle is different from the second non-zero angle.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the first azimuthal angle is different from the second azimuthal angle.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein the first output fiber distal end comprises a reflective, polished, angled end configured to emit the first portion of the light.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a focusing lens optically coupled to the first reflective, polished, angled end.

10. The system of claim 2, wherein the first output fiber distal end comprises a reflective, polished, curved end configured to focus and emit the first portion of the light.

11. An optical system comprising: an input optical fiber adapted to carry light along a primary transmission axis; output optical fibers adapted to emit light in directions that are not along the primary transmission axis; and a one-to-many connector located between the input optical fiber and the output optical fiber, the one-to-many connector adapted to receive light from the input optical fiber, the one-to-many connector adapted to distribute the received light to the output optical fibers.

12. The optical system of 11, wherein the one-to-many connector is a tapered fiber bundle (TFB) adapted to receive the light from the input optical fiber and evenly distribute the light to the output optical fibers.

13. The optical system of 11, wherein the output optical fibers comprise: a first output optical fiber comprising a first length; and a second output optical fiber comprising a second length that is different from the first length.

14. The optical system of 11, wherein the output optical fibers comprise: a first output optical fiber comprising a first distal end that emits light in a first azimuthal direction; and a second output optical fiber comprising a second distal end that emits light in asecond azimuthal direction, the second azimuthal direction being different from the first azimuthal direction.

15. The optical system of 11, wherein the output optical fibers comprise: a first output optical fiber comprising a first geometrically keyed surface; and a second output optical fiber comprising a second geometrically keyed surface adapted to mate with the first geometrically keyed surface to azimuthally secure the first optical fiber with reference to the second optical fiber.

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