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Demands for technological advances in the areas of communications, medicine, the military, and industry are constantly increasing. Long repeaterless communication links, remote optical powering, flexible laser surgery, remote sensing and imaging, and a greater degree of freedom in electro-optical system design are some of these desired advances. Infrared (IR) fiber optics offers an answer to many of these needs. Development of ultra-low-loss communication links is possible with IR fiber optics, as is remote optical powering. CO2 and other IR laser outputs can be flexibly guided by IR fibers. IR fibers and bundles also offer a new degree of freedom in system design such that remote thermal sensing and imaging are possible, along with increased system capabilities and functional design. They also offer a variety of novel fiber optic sensors for various temperature, pressure, and chemical environments, and other applications in military, medical, commercial, and industrial settings. IR fiber optics is a new technology that will both impact many of today's technological needs and provide a basis for future needs.
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