As hospitals transition from traditional Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) lasers to the newer Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL), a common question arises: Can I use my existing laser fibers, or do I need specific “Thulium Fibers”?

This FAQ addresses the compatibility, safety, and performance requirements for using with modern TFL systems like the Olympus Soltive or Cook Quanta.

Q1: Are Holmium fibers physically compatible with TFL generators?

Yes. Most modern TFL generators use the standard SMA-905 interface, which is the same connector used by traditional Holmium:YAG lasers. This means a high-quality will physically screw into and interface with a TFL system without any adapters..

Q2: Is the 1940nm TFL wavelength safe for standard Holmium fibers?

Yes, but with conditions. The silica core of a Holmium fiber is designed to transmit mid-infrared light. However, TFL operates at 1940nm, which has a much higher water absorption rate than the 2100nm wavelength of Ho:YAG.

To ensure safety, the fiber must be made of high-purity silica to prevent internal energy absorption. Using a low-grade fiber can lead to the issues we described in our guide on.

Q3: Can I use the same fiber for both Dusting and Fragmenting?

Technically yes, but size matters. While the fiber material is compatible, the diameter affects your surgical outcome.

For Dusting, we recommend 200µm–270µm fibers to maximize flexibility.

For Fragmenting, larger 365µm+ fibers are more robust.

Detailed comparison can be found in our article:.

For a detailed comparison, please refer to our article: (Jump to: Sub-article 1).

Q4: Will using a Holmium fiber void my TFL machine’s warranty?

Most TFL manufacturers advocate for “validated” fibers. However, if a meets the required technical specifications (specifically regarding numerical aperture and cladding quality), it will function perfectly. Our fibers are engineered to meet or exceed these industry standards for TFL systems.

Q5: What is the main risk of using a low-quality fiber with TFL?

The primary risk is thermal failure. Because TFL runs at frequencies up to 2000Hz, any imperfection in the fiber is magnified. For a deep dive into the physics of this, refer back to our main pillar page:.