Glass Fiber Could Aid Laser Surgery

A hollow glass fiber promises improved performance for next-generation IR sensors and fiber delivery systems used in laser surgery. James Harrington, a professor of ceramic and materials engineering at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, N.J., designed the flexible fibers, which feature an interior coated with a silver compound to create a mirrorlike surface to conduct IR radiation.

Polymicro Technologies of Phoenix has licensed the technology and is eyeing the fiber for printing, materials processing, sensors and spectroscopy. Among potential applications, Harrington said the fibers might be used in sensors to measure extremely high temperatures such as jet engine exhaust.