05/18/2026
Candela Laser Fiber Damage: Why Inspection Matters
This image shows a damaged optical fiber end face from a Candela aesthetic laser system.
In laser repair, the fiber end face is one of the most critical areas to inspect. Even a small amount of contamination, burning, coating damage, or surface defect can affect laser transmission, reduce energy output, and may eventually cause calibration failure or no-firing issues.
Common signs of fiber-related problems may include:
• Calibration failure
• Low or unstable energy output
• “Machine not firing” issues
• Spot size or delivery problems
• Burn marks or visible defects on the fiber end face
• Repeated system warnings after cleaning or testing
For Candela systems, proper fiber handling is very important. The fiber connector and optical interface should always be kept clean, dry, and protected from dust, oil, moisture, or improper insertion.
If the fiber end face is contaminated, professional cleaning or polishing may help in some cases. However, if the fiber is cracked, internally damaged, burned, or the coating is severely affected, replacement may be required.
As a laser repair technician, I always recommend checking the optical path carefully before replacing major components. A small fiber issue can sometimes look like a larger system failure.
