SCHOTT® Luminous Diffusers Excel For NIR Wavelengths

New SCHOTT^® Luminous Diffusers are a high-performance laser delivery solution for light-based therapies. The glass-based diffusers uniquely combine extremely homogenous light output with the ability to efficiently transmit all wavelengths, including the important near-infrared (NIR) band, with high power throughput up to 20 W. The Luminous Diffusers are available in various shapes designed to make light-based therapies more efficient and easier to perform. Ideally suited for medical treatments such as photodynamic therapy or laser-induced thermal therapy, the diffusers support the fight against cancer and other medical treatments. SCHOTT will exhibit its new Luminous Diffuser family at Photonics West in San Francisco, February 4-6 (Booth #841).

The international technology group presents its new SCHOTT^® Luminous Diffusers that deliver extremely homogeneous laser light while boasting an optical efficiency of more than 80%. While many diffusers are designed to transmit visible wavelengths, these new glass-based diffusers perform particularly well at the NIR wavelengths up to 2000 nm, which can be used for high-power applications such as vein sclerotherapy.

The glass material is well-suited to fulfill the demands of high-power applications with throughput up to 20 W. With this special glass composition, the SCHOTT^® Luminous Diffusers efficiently scatter light allowing each cell to receive the exact amount of light required for treatment. The high melting point of glass also means that the diffusers offer high temperature-resistance and keep heat emissions low, thus outperforming other materials on the market.

“Thanks to our patent-pending glass-based materials, these diffusers offer an unprecedented optical performance,” says Juergen Hammerschmidt, head of new business development at SCHOTT Lighting and Imaging. “We have carefully verified their excellent radiation homogeneity and optical efficiency through extensive testing.”

Various geometries available

• Cylindrical diffusers, typically 5 mm to 50 mm in length, radiate light to the side but not the front, with a power output of up to 500 mW/cm². Directed or sectional radiation profiles are also possible. Typical applications are photodynamic therapy and vein sclerotherapy.

• Front-emitting diffusers radiate light only from the tip. Optical components can be combined with the fiber to achieve a specific light homogeneity or beam shape. These diffusers can be used for various medical applications. Customized shapes are available upon request.

• Spherical diffusers with a typical diameter of 0.3 mm to 1.0 mm are composed of a fiber with a ball-shaped tip and are used for laser-induced thermal therapies. SCHOTT’s glass-based materials offer extremely homogeneous radiation characteristics and support power up to 20 W.

• Special-shaped diffuser solutions are also available.

Outlook: Imaging applications possible

The new Luminous Diffusers are poised to enable a host of new applications, including biomedical imaging. “Because the diffusers are based on optical fibers, they could potentially deliver light into the body and transport an image back to a screen for viewing,” said Hammerschmidt. “This would allow light-based therapy to be combined with human tissue analysis using methods such as fluorescence analysis, light dosimetry analysis and spectroscopy.”

SCHOTT has more than 50 years of experience in the medical device industry and offers a full range of services along the development pipeline: from early-stage development, component design and prototyping, application engineering, customization and micro-assembly to high volume serial production. The company’s production sites for medical components are certified according to ISO 13485 and are FDA registered.

The SCHOTT^® Luminous Diffusers perform well at NIR wavelengths up to 2000 nm with high power throughput up to the 20 W, suited for medical treatments such as vein sclerotherapy. Images: SCHOTT.

For more information: https://www.us.schott.com/lightingimaging/english/medical/medical-products/transmitting-light_laser-delivery.html

About SCHOTT

SCHOTT is a leading international technology group in the areas of specialty glass, glass-ceramics and related high-tech materials. With over 130 years of experience, the company is an innovative partner to many industries, including the home appliance, pharma, electronics, optics, life sciences, automotive and aviation industries. SCHOTT has a global presence with production sites and sales offices in 34 countries. In the 2018/2019 fiscal year, the group generated sales of around $2.54 billion with over 16,200 employees.