METHODS AND APPARATUS RELATED TO A DISTAL END PORTION OF AN OPTICAL FIBER HAVING A SUBSTANTIALLY SPHERICAL SHAPE

摘要

An apparatus includes an optical fiber extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The optical fiber may include a cladding layer circumferentially disposed about a core layer and a substantially spherically shaped portion at the distal end. The apparatus may also include a first coating circumferentially disposed on a first length of the cladding layer, and a second coating circumferentially disposed on a second length of the cladding layer. The second length may extend distally from a region proximate the distal end of the first coating.