A spark delivery system for generating a spark using a laser beam is
provided, the spark delivery system including a laser light source and a
laser delivery assembly. The laser delivery assembly includes a hollow
fiber and a launch assembly comprising launch focusing optics to input
the laser beam in the hollow fiber. In addition, the laser delivery
assembly includes exit focusing optics that demagnify an exit beam of
laser light from the hollow fiber, thereby increasing the intensity of
the laser beam and creating a spark. In accordance with embodiments of
the present invention, the assembly may be used to create a spark in a
combustion engine. In accordance with other embodiments of the present
invention, a method of using the spark delivery system is provided. In
addition, a method of choosing an appropriate fiber for creating a spark
using a laser beam is also presented.