Medical laser calibration system and method

A fiber optics calibration system (10) incorporated into a laser surgical system (12). A laser light source (14) produces a light beam (16), a portion of which is directed by a first beam splitter (18) into a radiation detector (26) and a further portion of which is directed by a safety detector (28) into a safety detector. A safety shutter (31) is interposed between the radiation detector (26) and the safety detector (28) and controlled by the safety detector (28). During calibration, the light beam is directed through a fiber optic cable (24) and then through a calibration adaptor (34) and calibration receptacle (36) a via a light pipe (38) to the safety detector (28). A calibration switch (40) locks out operation of the safety shutter (31) such that readings of the radiation detector (26) can be compared to those of the safety detector (28) and compensation from an expected standard value be made therefor by a controlling computer (42). In a preferred embodiment, the proximal end of the fiber or delivery device is a signature connector (23) which is uniquely recognized by the output port (22) as the proper fiber for the laser console (12). The calibration adaptor (34) is preferably adapted with appropriate internal and external contours to be complementary to the laser light output tip (33) of the fiber and to the internal contour (35) of the calibration receiver port (36). These features insure the correct fiber is employed with the console for which it was designed and helps prevent reuse of FDA cleared "single use only" fibers and delivery devices.