| 主权项 |
1. A method of using a line structure for transmitting laser energy, the method comprising:
a. providing a line structure, b. the line structure comprising:
i. an optical fiber comprising a first end, a second end, a length (LF) defined between the first and second optical fiber ends, and a fiber core, wherein the optical fiber has an outer radius (RF), a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTEF), and a minimum bend radius (RFmin);ii. an outer protective member around the optical fiber, the outer protective member comprising a first end, a second end, and a length (LOPM) defined between the first and second outer protective member ends at ambient temperature and with no mechanical strain, wherein the outer protective member has an inner radius (ROPM), a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTEOPM), and the ROPM is greater than the RF;iii. the first and second ends of the outer protective member and the first and second ends of the optical fiber are substantially coterminous;iv. the line structure has a predetermined temperature range for use (ΔT), a predetermined mechanical strain (ε), and when the optical fiber is wound into a coil it has a predetermined inner radius of coil (Rcoil);v. wherein the LF is greater than the LOPM, so that LP−LOPM=AFL (additional fiber length);vi. the optical fiber taking a helical non-following path within the outer protective member;vii. the AFL is equal to or between at least one of: an AFL[L] from Formulas 2 and 4 as defined in Applicants' Specification; or an AFL[%] from Formulas 1 and 3 as defined in Applicants' Specification; c. deploying the line structure; d. transmitting laser energy through the optical fiber; and, e. recovering the line structure. |
