Flexible plastic waveguides suitable for large interval of the infrared radiation spectrum

Flexible Plastic Waveguides (FPW) were first developed for Co laser radiation [1,2,3]. Further investigation of the factors whic influence the quality of the reflecting and refracting layers, have lead to the development of a method of smoothening of the substrate, and the layers. A mechanism of controling the dielectric layer thickness was also devised. Based on this knowledge we produced waveguides which can transmit several wavelengths of laser radiation. Measurements of the transmission characteristics of FPW coupled to Er-YAG (2.94μm), Ho-YAG (2.1μm), CO (5.5μm), CO., at 10.6μm and 9.6μm and TEA laser at 9.6μm, under various conditions (Power, bending) were made and showed good results. The use of the FPW in transmitting these types of laser radiation, may broaden the spectrum of uses of the waveguides in medical application, as: Hard tissues (bone, teeth) and in the eyes.