Penetration of high-intensity Er:YAG laser light emitted by IR hollow optical fibers with sealing caps in water.

ABSTRACT

The penetration depth in water was measured for ErYAG laser light in a high density relevant to clinical applications. Various types of focusing elements were used to guide the light efficiently. We found that the transmission distance depended strongly on the beam shape in the water. When we used a plano-convex type of focusing cap, the penetration depth was larger than that when a dome- or ball-type cap were used.