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Abstract

An optical fiber includes a transparent core having a generally rectangular cross section covered by a transparent cladding having a generally elliptical outer surface. The rectangular cross section has a width-to-thickness ratio substantially equal to a length-to-width ratio of a laser source such as, for example, a laser diode. The equality of dimensional ratios permits efficient coupling of laser radiation to the transparent core. The rectangular cross section, thus, avoids reduction in energy density at the output end of the fiber core, as occurs when a rectangular output of a solid state laser is coupled to a fiber core having a circular cross section. Embodiments are disclosed having dimensional ratios of from about 2:1 to 20:1 and beyond. The improved dimensional matching permits delivery of radiation from laser diodes at energy densities useful for medical treatments.

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First Claim