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Abstract

A low energy laser system for surgical purposes, in particular, ophthalmic surgery, comprises a source of pulsed laser energy. Er:YAG lasers having a wavelength of 3 microns are preferred. Optical fibers which are responsive to the laser energy deliver amounts of the laser energy to selected body tissue sufficient to perform delicate surgical procedures without adverse biological or chemical interaction with the tissue. In particular, a compound fiber assembly is preferred for delivery of laser energy having a wavelength above 2 microns which compound fiber comprises an elongated fiber body comprised of fluoride based glass, a surgical optical fiber tip of a hard, moderately transparent mineral, such as quartz or sapphire, and an element for coupling the optical fiber tip to the fluoride glass body.

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First Claim