by Hui Li, Zhidong Yin, Jun Zhang, Zhikang Qian, Lei Sun, Rong Wang, Jianming Zhang, Qi Chen, Qiuyang Ding, Lei Zheng
2026,13(2);
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Abstract
Continuous breakthroughs in waveguide structure design, material composition control and
functional integration are transforming specialty optical fibers from conventional optical communication
media into enabling technologies covering medicine, industry and defence. This paper systematically
reviews the latest application progress of specialty optical fiber technology in two major areas: Medical
and industrial. In the medical field, the focus is on the core role of optical fibers in biochemical analyser
spectral analysis, holmium laser lithotripsy, endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) for varicose veins, and
excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA). In the industrial field, the paper analyses fiberbased precision
ranging technology, the application of OPGW power cables in temperature monitoring of converter valves,
and recent advances in distributed fiber-optic hydrophone technology. Incorporating the latest achievements
in novel fiber technologies such as midinfrared fluoride fibers, multimaterial fibers, and hollowcore fibers,
this review aims to provide a systematic reference framework for research and applications of specialty
optical fibers in interdisciplinary domains.
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