Methods and systems are disclosed for detecting overheating in an optical device before harmful consequences, such as severe local heating, can result. In one embodiment of the invention, a blackbody emitter is disposed in close proximity to a therapeutic optical fiber to absorb therapeutic radiation...http://www.google.com/patents/US6932809?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6932809 - Safety shut-off device for laser surgical instruments employing blackbody emitters
