ABSTRACT
Since its inception, laser innovation has led to great technological achievements within various markets, including medical and industrial. Some of the most notable advancements from an early industrial perspective were the work conducted by individuals at major corporations such as General Electric (GE). 1 Over the period between 1964 and 1985, the application of fibers for the delivery of laser light to a surface accelerated. Looking back over history, the growth and diversity of fiber beam delivery and its application to industrial material processing, medical therapy, surgery, and communication technology are staggering. After half a century, fiber optic beam delivery has become a mainstay for providing flexibility to the delivery of laser light by reducing the limits inherent with standard geometric optical-based mirror beam delivery systems. Some of the most influential research and development of fiber optic-based laser beam delivery for industrial applications were conducted by corporations such as GE. 2
