Use Of Optical Fibers Research Articles

Synthesis and characterization of Er2O3-doped Y2O3 nanoparticle incorporated optical fiber for use as optical amplifier

Erbium oxide (Er2O3)-doped optical fibers (EDF) are well-known for their applications in optical amplification at 1550 nm. In this study, we present the synthesis of Er2O3-doped yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) using a homogeneous coprecipitation technique and their integration into optical fibers for enhanced optical amplification. A series of NP samples with varying Y/Er molar ratios were synthesized to identify the optimal composition for incorporation into optical fibers. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the nanoparticles crystallize in a cubic geometry (space group Ia3) with crystallite sizes ranging from 20 to 41 nm. These sizes increased approximately to 90 nm as the calcination temperature was raised from 1000°C to 1400°C. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) corroborated the XRD results, while high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirmed the crystalline structure and an average particle size of approximately 100 nm. Photoluminescence studies showed that emission and excitation intensities were functions of the Y/Er molar concentration ratio and calcination temperature, with the lifetime extending up to 6.86 ms for a sample with a 0.25:0.01 Y2O3:Er2O3 ratio calcined at 1400°C. To assess the performance of the synthesized NPs, an optical preform was prepared using the Vapor Phase Delivery (VPD) method combined with the Solution Doping (SD) technique. The preform was then drawn into fiber, and its amplification performance was evaluated. The resulting fiber demonstrated efficient amplification with a gain of 14.9 dB with respect to 0 dBm input signal at 1550 nm under 150 mW pump power from 9 m active fiber, indicating its potential as a gain medium for constructing erbium-doped fiber amplifiers (EDFAs).

Development of Photonic Smart Veil for Structural Health Monitoring

The use of fiber optics as structural health monitoring (SHM) systems is now widespread. This technology is ideal for the creation of monitoring algorithms thanks to the creation of individual Bragg grating sensors (FBGS) or arrays of sensors, the small size, durability, real-time monitoring capabilities, and the ability to place these elements within composite structures. One of the issues in using FBG sensors is the placement of these local transducers at the point where measurement is to be made, during the composite component creation process. Positioning a sensor array along a complex path in the lamination sequence and ensuring that the position of the sensors is maintained during the autoclave curing process is a decisive challenge to enable this technology to spread rapidly in the market. Starting with the configuration of the Quick Pack, a thin membrane that incorporates optical fiber, methods of manufacturing the component were improved by minimizing its size to reduce its invasiveness. New materials to incorporate the optical fiber and different configurations to reduce its stiffness were considered. Configurations with different degrees of polymerization of the constituent materials were studied to improve the adhesion of the component to the composite structure. To validate the performance improvement, specimens were created in order to perform peel tests (ASTM D 3167-10). The results demonstrate the improvement in adhesion and the advantage of including the partially cured element in the lamination sequence. Further prototyping identified the minimum degree of polymerization required to hold the optical fiber in place. This new transducer, Photonic Smart Veil, allows FBG sensors to be properly inserted in the desired positions and locked in place during the production of composite components, improving their performance.

Fiber Optic Devices for Diagnostics and Therapy in Photomedicine

AbstractPhotonic technologies have made enormous impacts on modern medicine, advancing disease diagnostics and treatments as well as health monitoring. A long‐standing challenge in the use of light and its widespread effects in photomedicine is the finite penetration of light in tissues. However, judiciously engineered optical fibers helped overcome this challenge and advance light delivery to deep tissues with spatial precision and desired accessibility. In recent years, the development of photonic technologies including optical biomaterials, fiber functionalization, and biomedical device innovations has greatly expanded the scope of light‐based healthcare. Here, the fundamentals and materials of fiber optics to endow themselves with biocompatibility, flexibility, and diverse functionalities required for long‐term implantation are overviewed. The design strategies of lab‐on‐fiber techniques, operation requirements to construct fiber optic sensors, and their health monitoring applications as wearable and implantable devices are presented. The use of fiber optics in major light‐based therapeutic modalities including optogenetics, photodynamic therapy, photobiomodulation, photochemical cross–linking, and photothermal therapy is illustrated to enhance their effectiveness, specificity, and feasibility. In short, a comprehensive review is provided on the fiber optic techniques and the latest photonic devices, which are envisioned to evolve photomedicine in clinical and point‐of‐care practices.

Proton Dosimetry Using Radiation-Induced Luminescence in Micrometer-Core Germanosilicate Optical Fibers

We investigated the radiation-induced luminescence of 62.5 μm, 10 μm and 3 μm germanosilicate single- and multi-mode telecom-grade optical fibers for use as high-resolution dosimeters at dose rates ranging between 5 Gy s <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">-1</sup> and 120 Gy s <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">-1</sup> using proton beams of varying currents and energies. Only one of the two single-mode fibers under investigation had a detectable light yield, with a dose rate threshold around 20 Gy s <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">-1</sup> . All tested multi-mode fibers showed a detectable response over the whole accessible dose rate range. All tested multi-mode fibers displayed a linear dose rate response when the proton beam energy was fixed. However, the slope of the response curve showed a strong dependence on the proton beam energy. Geometry and material differences, as well as radiation-induced attenuation effects have been ruled out as sources for the observed proton energy dependence of the dose rate response.

Analysis of Optical Communications, Fiber Optics, Sensors and Laser Applications

The fields of optical communications, fiber optics, and sensors and laser applications have undergone significant evolution, revolutionizing the way we transmit and receive data and having a profound impact on various industries. With ongoing advancements and research, these fields hold immense potential for future developments. In-depth information on optical communications, fiber optics, and sensors may be found in this study. The constraints and limits of optical communications as well as the qualities of optical fibers and the many kinds of optical fibers utilized in optical communications are discussed. Additionally, it also covers the use of fiber optics in sensing applications, different types of fiber-optic sensors, and recent developments and future trends in the field. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field, highlighting the significance of technology and its impact on various industries. The article also aims to give readers a better understanding of the current state of the field and its potential for future developments.

Utility of Advanced Airway Assessment in the Awake Patient: Case Series

The assessment and management of the difficult airway represents one of the primary topics addressed in anesthesiology. A number of recommendations regarding airway management have been issued by various associations. Awake intubation has been described as a viable option among patients with a predicted difficult airway, with possibilities for its achievement that include the use of fiber optics, for which experience is required. The use of the videolaryngoscope is another reported technique, which similarly requires a learning curve. In reported studies, the probability of failure is similar between both devices, despite the causes of failure differing from each other. Airway evaluation includes both clinical assessment and the support of imaging studies, such as tomography, magnetic resonance or ultrasound. Successful awake intubation is highly dependent on patient communication and adequate upper airway preparation. The following article describes four case reports outlining the management of awake intubation and emphasizing the importance of teaching tools for the improvement of the awake intubation technique.

Informing Performance Metrics of Advanced I&C Systems for Liquid Fueled Fast Molten Salt Reactors

This work establishes a generic multiphysics tool for liquid-fueled molten salt reactors (LFMSRs) to select key installation locations and specify the expected operating temperature range for the development of advanced instrumentation and control systems, particularly distributed temperature sensors using fiber optics. A commercial computation fluid dynamics package (STAR-CCM+) is used to formulate a neutronics and thermal-hydraulic coupled solver, showing good agreement with a recent benchmark problem developed for evaluating the coupling methodology of neutronics and thermal hydraulics. The multiphysics model is then applied to the reference molten chloride salt fast reactor (MCFR) design under development by TerraPower based on publicly available information. The available two-dimensional axisymmetric model for the reactor core is used for coupling calculations, and system component details are leveraged using the lumped method to complete the energy balance. The dynamic responses of the MCFR model are investigated during operational transients, such as unprotected loss-of-flow and uniform perturbation scenarios. Maximum temperature and local temperature distributions are characterized during unprotected loss of flow and unprotected loss of heat sink events. The thermal responses of the fuel salt and core components are analyzed from induced perturbation of the system parameters, such as the flow rate and the heat sink capacity. The results motivate the use of continuous monitoring of the temperature variation in real time along the reflector region with the use of fiber optics to validate the multiphysics code to support a reactor’s licensing basis, as well as to support the structural longevity and improve safety in LFMSRs.

Investigation of Strain Fields Generated by Hydraulic Fracturing with Analytical and Numerical Modeling of Fiber Optic Response

Summary The use of fiber optics in reservoir surveillance is bringing valuable insights into fracture geometry and fracture-hit identification, stage communication, and perforation cluster fluid distribution in many hydraulic fracturing processes. However, given the complexity associated with field data, its interpretation is a major challenge faced by engineers and geoscientists. In this work, we propose to generate distributed strain sensing (DSS)/distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) synthetic data of a crosswell fiber deployment that incorporates the physics governing hydraulic fracturing treatments. Our forward modeling can be used to add value to the interpretation task. The forward modeling is based on analytical and numerical solutions. The analytical solution is developed integrating two models: 2D fracture (e.g., Khristianovic-Geertsma-de Klerk known as KGD) and Sneddon’s induced stress. DSS is estimated using the plane strain approach that combines calculated stresses and rock properties (e.g., Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio). On the other hand, the numerical solution is implemented using the displacement discontinuity method (DDM), a type of boundary element method, with net pressure and/or shear stress as the boundary condition. In this case, the fiber gauge length concept is incorporated deriving displacement (i.e., DDM output) in space to obtain DSS values. In both methods, DAS is estimated by the differentiation of DSS in time. The analytical technique considers a single fracture opening and is used in a sensitivity analysis to evaluate the impact that rock/fluid parameters can promote on strain time histories. Moreover, advanced cases including multiple fractures failing in tensile or shear mode are simulated applying the numerical technique. Results indicate that our models are able to capture typical characteristics present in field data: heart-shaped pattern from a fracture approaching the fiber, stress shadow, and fracture hits. In particular, the numerical methodology captures relevant phenomenon associated with hydraulic and natural fractures interaction, which is often interpreted purely in terms of opening fractures. We can anticipate that the developed forward modeling, when embedded in a classification or regression artificial intelligence framework, will be an important tool adding substantial insights related to field fracture systems that ultimately can lead to production optimization. Also, the development of specific packages (commercial or otherwise) that explicitly model both DSS and DAS, incorporating the impact of fracture opening and slippage on strain and strain rate is still in its infancy. This paper is novel in this regard and opens up new avenues of research and applications of synthetic DAS/DSS in hydraulic fracturing processes.

Exploration of New Sensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy Targeting Deep Cancer Treatment

Despite its advantages, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has one major drawback: penetration depth. This limits the use of conventional PDT methods to skin (surface) tumors only, making it ineffective for deep tumors. There are four possible solutions for the light delivery for deep tumor treatment: particles activated by near-infrared (NIR) light, up-conversion of nanoparticles that absorb NIR light and emit visible light for other photosensitizers (PSs), fiber optics and ionizing X-rays. Of these options, the best is X-rays. Near-infrared light can penetrate only 5[Formula: see text]mm in tissue while retaining enough energy to activate the PSs. The use of fiber optics is neither convenient nor efficient as it cannot effectively and evenly activate the photosensitizers. It is also almost impossible for the treatment of metastatic sites or lymph nodes involved with this disease, unless they are located in the region where light delivery is feasible. In contrast with the other methods, X-rays can easily penetrate as deeply as necessary into the patients, and are convenient as they are commonly used in cancer therapy. The use of novel copper–cysteamine (Cu–Cy) nanoparticles is a good solution for overcoming these issues because Cu–Cy nanoparticles can be effectively activated by X-rays to produce singlet oxygen, which makes it very efficient for deep cancer treatment. Here, I will discuss the use of copper–cysteamine nanoparticles to enhance radiation therapy in combination with PDT and targeting therapies.

Connection-Adjustable Network Slicing Process for Heterogeneous Service Handling in Real-Time Applications

The use of fiber optics in computer networks improves the data handling rate and aids in high-level real-time application support for different user categories. Design and modeling of optical communications for computer networks requires difficult slicing and connectivity process for preventing signal losses. In this article, a Connection-Adjustable Network Slicing (CANS) process is introduced to prevent signal losses due to heterogeneous application support. The proposed process identifies service demands and the actual network transmit capacity for acknowledging services. The optical features are improved using the recommended learning preferences in order to achieve high service delivery. In the amplification process, the infrastructure support and slicing delays are accounted for preventing signal losses. To improve network stability with low-level computer networks, the service-to-loss forecast is predicted using recommendation learning. Therefore, the proposed process’s performance is validated using the metrics service latency, slicing rate, service sharing ratio, and outage.

Application of fiber optics in water distribution networks for leak detection and localization: a mixed methodology-based review

AbstractThis study reviews the state-of-the-art application of fiber optics in water distribution networks for leak detection and localization. The use of fiber optics in the oil and gas sector has been well established; however, its potential in water pipelines is not evident owing to limited research. This study, therefore, presents the research developments of fiber optics in water leak detection and localization using the mixed methodology approach by integrating bibliometric and systematic analyses. A scientometric analysis is carried out to analyze the science maps of (1) journal sources, (2) contributing countries, and (3) co-occurrence of influential keywords. The systematic analysis evaluates the use of eight types of fiber optics, such as accelerometer-based fiber optics and hydrophone-based fiber optics, in water leak detection and localization. The review reveals five important directions for future research such as real network-based studies and the development of hybrid techniques.

Experimental analysis of fiber optic responses in ionizing radiation environments for distributed sensing applications

This research explored the use of fiber optics as a distributed sensing dosimeter. It had been demonstrated in previous research that Rayleigh scattering within a fiber increases with radiation dose. Therefore, measuring the increase over a spatial distribution would give a distributed measurement of dose if properly correlated. This is offered by the technology of the Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) and the more advanced Optical Frequency Domain Reflectometer (OFDR). As a scoping experimental study with OFDR, an ionizing radiation source was used at different orders of magnitude to irradiate several different test rigs. It was demonstrated at the 1 MGy dose range, the response was a discernible increase in scattering that was distributed spatially in the same manner as the dose, therefore suggesting such use in sensing applications.

Low Fidelity Trainer for Fiberoptic Scope Use in the Emergency Department.

The low fidelity trainer for fiberoptic scope is designed to train emergency medicine (EM) residents PGY I-IV, and medical students interested in EM. Fiberoptic intubation is a skill that Emergency Medicine (EM) providers should be familiar with, though it is a rarely encountered procedure in the clinical setting. Approximately 1% of endotracheal intubations are performed using fiberoptic intubation.1,2 The success rate of first attempt fiberoptic intubation is about 50%. When fiberoptic intubation is used as a rescue device it has been shown to be about 70 % successful.1 Despite being an important skill for emergency physicians to have, fiberoptic intubation competency is not required during emergency medicine residency1 and resident physicians have limited exposure to learning this life-saving skill.Given that fiberoptic intubation is a rarely performed procedure in the clinical setting, the most practical way for EM learners to gain proficiency would be through simulation. The use of fiberoptic trainers in anesthesiologist resident training has shown improvement in first pass success and overall skills with using the fiberoptic scope.3-6 Simulation has also been shown to improve resident procedural knowledge and skills in many other fields.7-11 Simulation offers training with seldom performed procedures, and there is evidence that simulation does improve patient outcomes and reduce errors.2,12-14 In order to help EM learners gain confidence and increase their comfort in using the fiberoptic scope, we developed a low fidelity training model that allows the learner to practice fiberoptic intubation. By the end of this training session, learners will be able to 1) list indications, contraindication, and complications in performing fiberoptic intubations, 2) know how to use and maneuver a fiberoptic scope, and 3) be able to successfully intubate the trainer model. The training model consists of a large 55-gallon tote with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes enclosed in the tote. The pipes were arranged in various manners: several pipes simulated the oropharynx and trachea, and others were arranged into a series of mazes, to require the learner to manipulate the scope through the maze to reach the end. The multiple stations within the model provided ample opportunity for the learner to acquire confidence with the fiberoptic scope and the movements required to maneuver the scope into position. The model was used in our weekly Emergency Medicine conference during a low fidelity simulation day. The residents were split into groups consisting of 5-6 learners. The residents and medical students were given a brief 5-minute lecture on fiberoptic intubation, which reviewed indications for fiberoptic intubation, and a demonstration on how to operate the fiberoptic scope. Following the briefing, each group had approximately 25-30 minutes to practice using the simulated fiberoptic scope model. Each learner in the group was then encouraged to practice navigating the other mazes at their own discretion. Residents and medical students were given a survey before and after using the fiberoptic training model to assess their knowledge and confidence in performing the procedure. The use of the fiberoptic trainer was successful in helping learners to become more familiar with the fiberoptic scope and learn the skills to maneuver the scope successfully through the trainer. Each resident performed a survey prior to and after the fiberoptic instruction and training. They were asked to rate their confidence in identifying airway landmarks, perform the procedure without supervision, and identify correct supplies needed for procedure. All areas increased in confidence except in identifying correct supplies for PGY-II (-0.1), and PGY-III (-0.4). The greatest increase was amongst PGY-I residents in confidence identifying airway landmarks, with an increase of 4.2. As with any simulation model, this model does not perfectly recreate human anatomy. For example, in our model there were no simulated secretions or blood. The actual appearance of the anatomy will be very different from that which was used in our model, which may lead to an unsuccessful intubation attempt. The scenarios in which we were using the trainer was a low stress environment, unlike the usual emergency setting. Despite this, there was an increase in learner confidence in using a fiberoptic scope to manage emergency airways. It also offered a unique experience and gave the learners an opportunity to learn how to manipulate the fiberoptic scope that a traditional high fidelity model may not offer. Future comparisons could be made between a low fidelity simulation and high fidelity simulation device, and the addition of simulated secretions could help increase learning and confidence in fiberoptic intubations. Difficult airway management, Fiberoptic intubation, fiberoptic use in emergency department.

Preparation and properties of Tm-doped SiO2-ZrO2 phase separated optical fibers for use in fiber lasers

Zirconium oxide (ZrO2) is a perspective co-dopant of rare-earth ions in silica fibers for use in fiber lasers. ZrO2 nanoparticles increase the solubility of rare-earth ions and enhance their luminescence properties. In this paper, we report on the fabrication of Zr-Tm codoped silica fibers using the MCVD method combined with modified solution-doping technique. Several fibers with different dopant concentrations were prepared and their optical properties were studied. It was found that increasing Zr concentration leads to the creation of larger ZrO2 nanoparticles which causes unwanted attenuation. Optimal Zr concentration was found to be 1 at. %. The fiber with optimal Zr concentration and Tm concentration of 260 ppm exhibited 1.8 µm fluorescence lifetime of 420 ± 10 µs. For the first time in literature, we have demonstrated laser operation in a Zr/Tm-codoped silica fiber. The threshold for laser operation was determined to be 233 mW and the slope efficiency of 72.7% was achieved. MCVD combined with modified solution doping proved to be a feasible method of preparation of Tm-doped SiO2-ZrO2 optical fibers for use in fiber lasers.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ ФОТОДИНАМИЧЕСКОЙ ТЕРАПИИ В ЛЕЧЕНИИ ЗЛОКАЧЕСТВЕННЫХ НОВООБРАЗОВАНИЙ ЦЕНТРАЛЬНОЙ НЕРВНОЙ СИСТЕМЫ

World literature data dedicated to the problem of application of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the neurooncology has been studied and analyzed, and also the prospects for development and improvement of surgical treatment for malignant neoplasms of CNS are covered. The following databases are used: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Biosis Citation Index, SciELO Citation Index, RSCI. Noted, that PDT treatment of tumors can be widely used in various areas of oncology demonstrating high efficiency and radical value. In particular, the method shows good treatment results for brain glioblastomas. At the same time, the use of modern photosensitizers and methods of delivering pharmaceutical drugs to affected cells in conjunction with the use of fiber optics makes it possible to minimize damage to surrounding tissues and possible neurological deficits. Keywords: Photodynamic therapy, CNS tumors, minimally invasive interventions.

Genuine time-bin-encoded quantum key distribution over a turbulent depolarizing free-space channel.

Despite its widespread use in fiber optics, encoding quantum information in photonic time-bin states is usually considered impractical for free-space quantum communication as turbulence-induced spatial distortion impedes the analysis of time-bin states at the receiver. Here, we demonstrate quantum key distribution using time-bin photonic states distorted by turbulence and depolarization during free-space transmission. Utilizing a novel analyzer apparatus, we observe stable quantum bit error ratios of 5.32 %, suitable for generating secure keys, despite significant wavefront distortions and polarization fluctuations across a 1.2 km channel. This shows the viability of time-bin quantum communication over long-distance free-space channels, which will simplify direct fiber/free-space interfaces and enable new approaches for practical free-space quantum communication over multi-mode, turbulent, or depolarizing channels.

Particle-modified polymeric cladding on glass optical fibers enhances radial light scattering

Radially light-emitting optical fibers are of increasing interest for applications in medicine, visible aesthetics, and environmental remediation. Optical fibers contain a light guiding core coated by protective polymer layers (cladding and coating), which assure both the strength and flexibility of the optical fiber. This paper examines the feasibility of scattering light radially from fibers by loading the fiber cladding with particle scattering centers during the optical fiber fabrication process. This work uses an in-line full-scale scalable facility to coat the fibers and control the polymer cladding and silica sphere. Loadings up to 2.0 wt. % of 500 nm silica particles on the cladding of the optical fiber led to an average of 80 times higher scattering for visible light and up to 30 times higher in the UVA wavelength range compared against cladding without particle modifications. This study illustrated the feasibility of fabricating broadband light scattering optical fibers for use with modified polymeric cladding.

The Efficacy and Safety of Flexible Ureterorenoscopy in Treatment of Kidney Stones &gt;2 cm: A Review of the Literature

With the advancement of technology, flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) has gained popularity among urologists, and fURS is widely accepted as an alternative to extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Recent technological and surgical innovations have promoted less invasive treatment options, such as fURS. The use of fibre optics in imaging, an increased deflection capability, and more appropriate dimensions of the device have increased the efficiency of fURS in stone disease treatment. However, there are limited data evaluating the efficacy of fURS in kidney stones &gt;2 cm. Thus, in this review article, the authors assess the efficacy and complications of fURS for the treatment of kidney stones &gt;2 cm.

Measuring variable amplitude loading with fibre optic

Cyclic loading is known to be responsible for fatigue failure. The variable amplitude loading is a general type of fatigue load and the most common one in practice. Monitoring of fatigue loading such as variable amplitude loads is commonly conducted using strain gauges. The use of fibre optics like fibre Bragg gratings (FBG) is attractive because this type of sensor is not easily interfered by the electromagnetic fields. Its suitability for measuring accurately the cyclic loadings need to be investigated. This paper is reporting the experiments to investigate the suitability of FBG to measure variable amplitude loadings. FBG test setup using a standard fiber optic measurement system was prepared and the cyclic test was conducted using universal testing machine. The fatigue test specimens used were prepared according to the ASTM E606 standards. The obtained result shows that FBG is able to measure variable amplitude loads and this means that FBG can potentially be used for fatigue monitoring of structures.

Comparison of the Efficacy and Efficiency of the Use of Virtual Reality Simulation With High-Fidelity Mannequins for Simulation-Based Training of Fiberoptic Bronchoscope Manipulation.

This study compared the efficacy and efficiency of virtual reality simulation (VRS) with high-fidelity mannequin in the simulation-based training of fiberoptic bronchoscope manipulation in novices. Forty-six anesthesia residents with no experience in fiberoptic intubation were divided into two groups: VRS (group VRS) and mannequin (group M). After a standard didactic teaching session, group VRS trained 25 times on VRS, whereas group M performed the same process on a mannequin. After training, participants' performance was assessed on a mannequin five consecutive times. Procedure times during training were recorded as pooled data to construct learning curves. Procedure time and global rating scale scores of manipulation ability were compared between groups, as well as changes in participants' confidence after training. Plateaus in the learning curves were achieved after 19 (95% confidence interval = 15-26) practice sessions in group VRS and 24 (95% confidence interval = 20-32) in group M. There was no significant difference in procedure time [13.7 (6.6) vs. 11.9 (4.1) seconds, t' = 1.101, P = 0.278] or global rating scale [3.9 (0.4) vs. 3.8 (0.4), t = 0.791, P = 0.433] between groups. Participants' confidence increased after training [group VRS: 1.8 (0.7) vs. 3.9 (0.8), t = 8.321, P < 0.001; group M = 2.0 (0.7) vs. 4.0 (0.6), t = 13.948, P < 0.001] but did not differ significantly between groups. Virtual reality simulation is more efficient than mannequin in simulation-based training of flexible fiberoptic manipulation in novices, but similar effects can be achieved in both modalities after adequate training.