Non-contact endoscopic temperature measurement

We demonstrate a pyrometric contactless temperature sensor using a flexible fused silica fiber of 360 mu m diameter for endoscopic/laparoscopic surgery equipment. The large bandwidth (up to several kilohertz), and the broad temperature range (from 35 degrees C to 250 degrees C) of the sensor can be instrumental for time-resolved analysis and control of laser ablation and electrothermal surgery procedures. Fused silica fibers, as opposed to dedicated MIR fibers, are non-degrading, low-cost and biocompatible. Through dual-band detection, we also demonstrate a ratio-pyrometric measurement scheme, which improves the detection of hot-spots, providing a helpful tool for focused thermal processes observed, for example, in pulsed laser ablation.