Optical components for laser generators

Abstract

A method and apparatus for an optical assembly for a laser generator includes: a laser source that generates a first light beam and an optical assembly. The optical assembly includes a prism. The prism has: a bottom surface configured to receive a first light beam at an incident angle relative to a normal to the first surface; and a hypotenuse surface configured to emit a second light beam having a second aspect ratio at an exit angle relative to a normal to the second surface. The optical assembly also includes a plano-convex lens configured to transmit the second light beam to a coupler. The coupler includes a first coupling plane at a first distance from the plano-convex lens and a second coupling plane at a second distance from the plano-convex lens. The combination of the prism and the plano-convex lens is configured to change the beam divergence so that the first coupling plane has a third aspect ratio and the second coupling plane has a fourth aspect ratio.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to apparatus, methods, and systems for laser generators, and more particularly, to laser generators having an optical assembly that allows a fiber optic conduit to be coupled to the laser generator while delivering a laser beam having consistent beam aspect ratio and beam divergence characteristics. Background Art

[0002] When performing laser atherectomy in a patient's vasculature and utilizing a disposable fiberoptic catheter, the catheter is typically coupled to a laser generator, such as the CVX-300 manufactured by SpeAtics Corporation of Colorado Springs, CO. TM Excimer laser systems. Different laser generators typically produce different laser beams with different aspect ratios and beam divergence characteristics. Therefore, the laser beam produced by one laser generator can have a size and divergence characteristics that are significantly different from another laser generator due to the electrode width and spacing within the laser cavity. The length of the cavity in the laser generator system and the radius of curvature of the laser cavity optics also contribute to the location of the laser beam waist and divergence. The beam characteristics of the laser generator system need to be optically adjusted to manufacture a disposable fiber optic catheter that is compatible with multiple laser generator systems. Summary of the invention

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus, method and / or laser generator system including an optical assembly device that has the ability to adjust the aspect ratio of a beam generated by a laser generator, so that a disposable fiber optic catheter has the ability to couple to multiple laser generator systems. The present disclosure discusses a method, apparatus and system for a laser generator that meets this need.

[0004] A laser generator device according to the present disclosure may include a laser source that generates a first light beam having a first aspect ratio and an optical component. The optical component may include a prism having: a surface configured to receive the first light beam at an incident angle relative to a normal to a first surface and an additional surface configured to transmit a second light beam having a second aspect ratio at an exit angle relative to a normal to a second surface; and a lens configured to transmit the second light beam to a coupler. The coupler may include a first coupling plane at a first distance from the lens and a second coupling plane at a second distance from the plano-convex lens. The combination of the prism and the lens may be configured to change the beam divergence so that the first coupling plane has a third aspect ratio and the second coupling plane has a fourth aspect ratio.

[0005] The apparatus according to the preceding paragraph may further or alternatively include: wherein the prism is a wedge prism.

[0006] The apparatus of any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include: wherein the prism is a right angle wedge prism.

[0007] The device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may also or alternatively include: wherein the optical component also includes a first sensor and a reflector, which is arranged at an angle between the laser source and the prism, the reflector reflects the first light beam onto the prism, and the reflector also transmits at least a portion of the first light beam to the first sensor, the first sensor is configured to measure a first density of the first light beam, and the reflector transmits approximately 1% of the first light beam to the first sensor.

[0008] The apparatus of any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include: wherein the optical assembly further includes a second sensor configured to measure a second energy of the second light beam.

[0009] The apparatus of any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include: wherein the hypotenuse surface of the prism includes a coating configured to reflect at least a portion of the second light beam to the second sensor.

[0010] The apparatus of any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include: wherein the coating reflects approximately 2% of the second light beam to the second sensor.

[0011] The apparatus of any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include: wherein the optical assembly further includes a third sensor configured to calibrate the laser source to a selected conduit coupled to the optical assembly via the coupler.

[0012] The device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include a microprocessor executable controller and a safety shutter, wherein the safety shutter is arranged between the prism and the plano-convex lens, and the microprocessor executable controller closes the safety shutter upon receiving a fault signal.

[0013] The apparatus of any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include: wherein the prism comprises fused silica.

[0014] The apparatus of any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include: wherein the optical assembly further includes an attenuator disposed between the laser source and the prism, the attenuator being configured to adjust the first energy of the first light beam.

[0015] The device described in any of the preceding paragraphs may also or alternatively include a microprocessor executable controller coupled to an attenuator, wherein the microprocessor executable controller uses the attenuator to adjust the first energy of the first light beam based on the second energy of the second light beam measured by the second sensor.

[0016] The apparatus of any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include wherein the microprocessor executable controller adjusts the first energy of the first light beam measured by the first sensor using an attenuator based on the second energy of the second light beam measured by the second sensor.

[0017] The apparatus of any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include: wherein the optical assembly further includes a reflector that reflects the first light beam onto the prism, the reflector further transmitting at least a portion of the first light beam to the first sensor.

[0018] The device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may also or alternatively include, wherein the prism includes: a bottom incident surface, which is configured to receive a first light beam at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees relative to the normal of the bottom incident surface, the first light beam having a first width and a first height; a side surface connected to the bottom incident surface by an edge at an angle of 90 degrees; and a hypotenuse exit surface connecting the bottom incident surface and the side surface, the hypotenuse exit surface being configured to emit a second light beam at an angle of 50 to 70 degrees to the normal of the hypotenuse exit surface, the second light beam having a second width and a second height, wherein the second width is smaller than the first width, and the second height is the same as or equal to the first height.

[0019] The apparatus of any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include wherein the prism is configured to receive the first light beam along the optical path and affect at least one of a beam size, a beam divergence, a beam major axis, and a beam aspect ratio.

[0020] The apparatus of any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include: wherein the prism comprises a bottom surface, and the surface is the bottom surface.

[0021] The apparatus of any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively comprise: wherein the prism comprises a hypotenuse surface, and the additional surface is the hypotenuse surface.

[0022] The device according to any of the preceding paragraphs may further or alternatively include: wherein the lens is a plano-convex lens.

[0023] A system according to the present disclosure may include a laser generator and a catheter including a plurality of optical fibers, wherein the catheter includes a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to a coupler of the laser generator. The laser generator may include a laser source that generates a first light beam and an optical component. The optical component may include a prism and a lens configured to transmit a second light beam to the coupler. The prism may have a surface configured to receive the first light beam at an incident angle relative to a normal to a first surface and an additional surface configured to transmit a second light beam having a second aspect ratio at an exit angle relative to a normal to a second surface. The coupler may include a first coupling plane at a first distance from the lens and a second coupling plane at a second distance from the lens. The combination of the prism and the lens may be configured to change the beam divergence so that the first coupling plane has a third aspect ratio and the second coupling plane has a fourth aspect ratio.

[0024] As described above, a method of using a laser generator device or system may include: providing a catheter including a plurality of optical fibers, wherein the catheter includes a proximal end and a distal end; coupling the proximal end of the catheter to a coupler of a laser generator; inserting the distal end of the catheter into a patient's vasculature; and actuating the laser generator.

[0025] The method may include wherein the laser generator is actuated by a foot switch.

[0026] The method may also or alternatively include: sensing a first energy of the first light beam via a first sensor; sensing a second energy of the second light beam via a second sensor; and calibrating the second energy to the provided catheter via a third sensor.

[0027] The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and / or" are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C", and "A, B, and / or C" means only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together. When each of A, B, and C in the above expressions refers to an element such as X, Y, and Z or an element such as X1-X n 、Y1-Y m and Z1-Z o When the phrase refers to a class of elements such as X, Y, and Z, the phrase is intended to mean a single element selected from X, Y, and Z, a combination of elements selected from the same class (e.g., X1 and X2), and a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Y1 and Z o ).

[0028] The term "a" or "an" individual refers to one or more of that individual. Therefore, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" may be used interchangeably herein. It will be noted that the terms "including", "comprising" and "having" may be used interchangeably.

[0029] It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include every lower numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include every higher numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were expressly written herein.

[0030] The foregoing is a simplified overview of the present disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. This overview is neither a broad or detailed overview of the present disclosure and its multiple aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is neither intended to identify the key or important elements of the present disclosure nor to describe the scope of the present disclosure, but rather to present the selected concepts of the present disclosure as an introduction to the more detailed description given below in a simplified form. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the present disclosure are possible, utilizing one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail hereinafter, either individually or in combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of this patent specification to illustrate several examples of the present disclosure. These drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of the present disclosure. The drawings only show preferred and alternative examples of how the present disclosure can be made and used, and should not be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure to only the examples shown and described. As shown by the drawings referenced below, other features and advantages will become apparent from the following more detailed description of various aspects, embodiments and configurations of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a laser generator of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 1B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a laser catheter or fiber optic catheter of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an optical assembly of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 2A side view of the optical assembly depicted in ;

[0036] Figure 4A yes Figure 2 A perspective view of an attenuator of the optical assembly depicted in FIG.

[0037] Figure 4B yes Figure 3 An enlarged side view of an attenuator of the optical assembly depicted in FIG.

[0038] Figure 5A yes Figure 3 an enlarged side view of a prism and a prism energy sensor of the optical assembly depicted in;

[0039] Figure 5B yes Figure 6 A perspective view of the prism depicted in ;

[0040] Figure 5C is incident on, through and from Figure 6 A two-dimensional view of the ray paths of the prism depicted in ;

[0041] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 An enlarged side view of the reflector and pulse energy sensor of the optical assembly depicted in FIG.

[0042] Fig. 7A yes Figure 3 A perspective view of a rectangular fiber coupler of the optical assembly depicted in FIG.

[0043] Figure 7B Arrival Fig. 7A Another perspective view of the laser beam path of the rectangular fiber coupler depicted in FIG.

[0044] Figure 7C yes Figure 7B A view of a rectangular fiber coupler of the embodiment of the present invention showing a channel toward an end of the optical fiber;

[0045] Fig.7D yes Figure 7B an angled side view of a coupler of showing a coupling plane of a beam envelope at the conduit coupler;

[0046] Fig. 7E Schematically shows a Fig.7D The beam envelope at the coupling plane shown in ;

[0047] Figure 7F It shows that Fig.7D a cross-sectional representation of the coupling plane shown in ; and

[0048] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a system of the present disclosure.

[0049] It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. In some cases, details that are not necessary for understanding the present disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. Of course, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the specific embodiments shown herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Before explaining any embodiment of the present disclosure in detail, it will be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of the structure and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The present disclosure can have other embodiments and can be practiced or executed in a variety of ways. In addition, it will be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and its variants herein is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents and additional items.

[0051] Embodiments consistent with the present disclosure include a laser generator having an optical assembly that provides a light beam having certain optical properties at a coupler to match the optical properties of a light beam produced by a different laser generator or source. Figure 1A A laser generator 100 is depicted, which has a laser generator housing 102 and a catheter coupler 106. The laser generator 100 may also include a switch unit located away from the housing, such as a switch controller 108, such as a foot switch. In various embodiments, the switch controller 108 may be wired or connected to the housing, such as via a tether, or alternatively, the switch controller 108 may be wireless. The laser generator 100 also includes a calibration sensor 137 to calibrate the laser according to the selected catheter.

[0052] Figure 1B A non-limiting example of a laser catheter 104 adapted to be coupled to a laser generator 100 at a catheter coupler 106 is depicted. For example, the laser catheter 104 includes a proximal end 110 and a distal end 116. The catheter coupler 106 is disposed at the catheter proximal end 110. The catheter coupler 106 includes a plurality of optical fibers 112 that may be arranged in one or more groups of optical fibers 112, wherein the optical fibers 112 are disposed throughout the entire length of the laser catheter 104, including being housed within the coupler 106 and exposed at a distal end 118 of the distal end 116. The laser catheter 104 may also include a T or Y-type connector 115, wherein the connector 115 has an entry port for inserting a guidewire 114 therein. The laser catheter 104 may also include an inner cavity extending from the connector 115 to the distal end 116 of the catheter 104 at the distal end 118, thereby allowing a guidewire to be inserted through the catheter 104.

[0053] In the housing 102, the laser generator 100 includes an optical assembly 120 and a laser source 122, such as Figure 2 In the perspective of Figure 3 1. The optical assembly 120 is coupled to the catheter 104 via the coupler 106. The optical assembly 120 is also coupled to the laser source 122, thereby providing an optical path 126 from the laser source 122 to the coupler 106.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the optical assembly 120 may include a reflector 130, an energy sensor 132, an attenuator 134, a prism 150, a prismatic energy sensor 136, and a plano-convex focusing lens 140. The laser source 122, the reflector 130, and the sensor 132 are aligned in a first plane, such as a lateral plane. The reflector 130, the attenuator 134, and the prism 150 are aligned in a second plane, such as a vertical plane. The prism 150, the plano-convex focusing lens 140, and the fiber coupler 142 of the catheter coupler 106 are aligned in another plane, such as a vertical offset plate. In addition, the first plane and the second plane may be offset relative to each other by an angle between 1 degree and 179 degrees, and preferably by an angle between 45 degrees and 135 degrees, and more preferably by an angle between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, and even more preferably by about 90 degrees. Furthermore, the second plane and the other planes may be offset relative to each other by an angle between 1 degree and 179 degrees (eg, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5° ... 10° ... 15° ... 30° ...

[0055] 45°…60°…75°…90°…105°…120°…135°…150°…165°…170°…175°…178°).

[0056] Typical prismatic optical elements are listed herein for refracting, bending, deflecting, or compressing the first light beam along at least one axis. However, it is contemplated that any suitable optical element may be used to refract, bend, deflect, or compress the first light beam along at least one axis, such as non-limiting examples of wedge-shaped optical elements, circular optical elements, and multi-faceted optical elements such as Fresnel prisms having segmented flat prism faces.

[0057] Optical assembly 120 receives laser beam 124 from laser source 122 along optical path 126 that extends from laser source 122 to coupler 106. Optical path 126 consists of Figure 31 and 12. The arrow on 12 is shown to indicate the direction of travel of the laser beam from the laser source to the catheter coupler. The optical path 126 originates from the laser source 122, and the optical path 126 extends in the lateral plane to the reflector 130, thereby changing direction to the vertical plane to reach the prism 150. At the prism 150, the optical path 126 changes direction to the vertical offset plane to reach the fiber coupler 142.

[0058] The laser beam 124 has a first beam aspect ratio. The aspect ratio can be calculated as the ratio of the width of the beam (w) to the height of the beam (h), which can be expressed as w:h. Alternatively, the aspect ratio can be calculated as the ratio of the height of the beam (h) to the width of the beam (w), which can be expressed as h:w. Therefore, the first aspect ratio can be calculated as the ratio of the first beam width (w1) to the first beam height (h1), and can be written as w1:h1, and vice versa. In multiple embodiments, the cross-section of the laser beam 124 is rectangular and the laser beam 124 has a first beam width (w1) and a first beam height (h1).

[0059] Laser beam 124 is directed from laser source 122 to reflector 130, and reflector 130 reflects laser beam 124' toward attenuator 134, which will be discussed in more detail below. The prime notation of laser beam 124' indicates that laser beam 124' has the same aspect ratio as laser beam 124, but may differ in energy and / or direction of travel. Typically, energy is measured in millijoules (mJ). Alternatively, in accordance with the present disclosure, power may be measured using a continuous wave (CW) laser or a pulsed laser. Reflector 130 is offset by an angle (θ) (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the path from laser source 122 to reflector 130. Reflector 130 may be configured to allow at least a portion of laser beam 124 (at Figure 2 and Figure 3 128) is transmitted through the reflector 130. For example, the reflector 130 can transmit about 1% to 5% of the energy of the beam 124 to the sensor 132, which is arranged in line with or along the same plane as the reflector 130 and the laser source 122, and the reflector 130 reflects about 95% to 99% of the energy of the beam toward the attenuator 134. If the reflector is so configured, the sensor 132 measures the energy of the laser beam leaving the laser source 122, and the sensor 132 transmits the energy measurement to the controller 520, which will be discussed in more detail below. If the sensor 132 is omitted from the optical assembly 120, the reflector 130 can be configured to reflect substantially all (i.e., 100%) of the energy of the laser beam 124' toward the attenuator 134'.

[0060] Regardless of the percentage of laser beam energy reflected by the reflector 130, the attenuator 134 receives a beam 124' having an aspect ratio identical to the first aspect ratio of the beam 124, because the reflector 130 does not change the first aspect ratio produced by the laser source 122. The attenuator is designed or configured to attenuate or reduce the energy of the beam 124' passing therethrough if necessary. For example, the attenuator 134 may have a plurality of positions or settings so that it is adjustable and interacts with the input / output ports and / or components. The attenuator 134 may be fully opened or fully closed. When the attenuator 134 is in the fully open position, the attenuator does not significantly reduce the energy of any laser beam. For example, when in the open position, there may be a 10% energy loss (or a 5% energy loss or a 3% energy loss). When the attenuator 134 is in the fully closed position, the attenuator 134 reduces all laser beam energy. In various embodiments, the attenuator 134 may be partially opened or partially closed to reduce the energy intensity of the light beam 124' passing therethrough, thereby providing a light beam 124". The double prime nomenclature of the laser beam 124" indicates that the laser beam 124" has the same aspect ratio as the laser beam 124' and the laser beam 124, but may differ in energy and / or direction of travel. That is, when the attenuator 134 is in a partially open or partially closed position, the attenuator 134 reduces a portion or percentage of the energy of the beam. Regardless of the position of the attenuator and whether the energy of the laser beam is not reduced or a portion thereof is reduced, the attenuator does not change the aspect ratio of the laser beam. The light beam 124" has the same aspect ratio as the light beam 124 and the light beam 124'. Therefore, the aspect ratio of the laser beam 124" exiting the attenuator 134 is the same as the aspect ratio of the first beam.

[0061] Figure 4A Describes the Figure 3 1 is a perspective view of an example of a type of attenuator 134 used with the optical assembly 120 shown in . The attenuator 134 includes a shutter 135 oriented in the direction of the optical path 126 in a first or open position to allow the light beam 124" to pass through at full beam density (the same beam density as the light beam 124'). The shutter 135 can be rotated to at least partially reduce the beam intensity without affecting the beam width w1. Figure 4B Depicted Figure 3, an enlarged side view of the attenuator of the optical assembly depicted in . The beam width w1 is maintained and does not change when passing through the attenuator 134. The shutter can be controlled by a stepper motor with encoder software, which is used to precisely adjust the beam energy by rotating the shutter 135 vertically aligned in a first or open position so as to rotate partially or fully horizontally to another or closed position. In the open position, the shutter does not affect the beam energy in question. By at least partially closing the shutter, the beam energy is reduced without affecting the beam size, width, or aspect ratio. For example, the beam energy of beam 124" may be lower than the beam energy of beam 124'. The stepper motor with encoder software can be controlled via a microprocessor executable controller (see e.g. Figure 8 The controller 520 shown in FIG. 5 is controlled.

[0062] Reference Figures 5A-5C , the light beam 124″ further traveling along the optical path 126 is then incident on the prism 150. Figure 3 As depicted in the side view of , an incident light beam 124" having a first aspect ratio enters prism 150 and passes through prism 150. Light beam 124" then exits the prism as light beam 138 having a second aspect ratio, wherein the first aspect ratio is different from the second aspect ratio. In other words, rather than all of laser beams 124, 124', and 124" having the same aspect ratio being assigned a prime designation, laser beam 138 representing the laser beam as it exits the prism is represented by a new element number 138 because laser beam 138 has an aspect ratio that is different from laser beam 124 (and also different from 124' and 124"). In various embodiments, the second aspect ratio is less than the first aspect ratio. In various embodiments, light beam 138 has a second width w2, wherein the second width w2 is less than the first width w1. In Figure 5A In the example shown in , light beam 124" has a width w1 and enters prism 150, where light beam 124" then exits prism 150 as light beam 138. Light beam 138 has a width w2, where w2 is less than w1.

[0063] In addition, at least a portion of the laser beam 138 that is at the exit surface (at Figure 5A150) can be reflected by a coating 162 applied to an exit or hypotenuse surface 158 of the prism 150. In other words, the light beam 129 can be directed toward and through the side 154 of the prism 150 to the energy sensor 136, where the prism energy or the second energy is determined. The energy sensor 136 can transmit a corresponding signal to the microprocessor executable controller via component 170B. For example, the coating 162 can be made of any material suitable for reflecting at least a portion of the surface 158 of the light beam 138 that exits the prism 150. The coating can be designed to reflect any desired energy to be directed toward the sensor 136. In various embodiments, the coating 162 has a thickness designed to maintain maximum flux while directing a desired percentage of energy to the sensor 136. The coating 162 can reflect about 1% to 5% of the energy of the light beam 138 to the sensor 136, which is co-linear with the prism 150 or arranged along the same plane as the prism 150, and the prism 150 with the coating 162 transmits about 95% to 99% of the energy of the light beam toward the plano-convex focusing lens 140. If the coating 162 is so configured, the sensor 136 measures the energy of the laser beam 138 leaving the prism 150, and the sensor 136 transmits the energy measurement to the controller 520, which will be discussed in more detail below. If the sensor 136 is omitted from the optical assembly 120, the prism 150 can be configured to transmit substantially all of the energy (i.e., 100%) of the laser beam 138 to the plano-convex focusing lens 140.

[0064] Figure 5A The prism 150 in Figure 5B and Figure 5C 150 is shown in detail in FIG. In various embodiments, prism 150 is a wedge prism. A prism may be a transparent optical element capable of refracting light and may include one or more surfaces that may or may not be polished. One type of prism may be a wedge prism, which may have two surfaces (which may be flat) and offset relative to each other. Additionally, prism 150 may be a right-angle wedge prism. Figure 5BThe prism 150 shown in perspective in FIG. 1 has a bottom surface 152 onto which the light beam 124″ can be incident. The side 154 is connected to the bottom surface by an edge 156. In various embodiments, the edge 156 connects the surfaces 152 and 154, which are at a 90 degree angle relative to each other. The bevel surface 158 connects the bottom surface 152 and the side 154 (at a chamfer 160 as shown), or alternatively can connect the surfaces 154 and 158 at an edge. For example, the chamfer 160 can be used to save space in the cavity of the optical component and does not affect the beam characteristics because the chamfer 160 is not in the optical path 126. The bottom surface 152 is connected to the bevel surface 158 at a certain angle (φ), which can be any angle between 1 degree and 90 degrees, and possibly between 15 degrees and 75 degrees, and possibly between 30 degrees and 60 degrees, and possibly between 40 degrees and 50 degrees, and between about 45 degrees and 50 degrees.

[0065] The prism 150 can be made of any suitable material having the desired optical properties (e.g., refractive index) for refracting laser beams having different wavelengths to suit a variety of laser generator systems. The refractive index value (n) provides a quantitative expression of the optical density of a given medium. Materials with different refractive indices increase or decrease the dispersion (the rate at which light is angularly deviated and / or compressed) of light of a desired wavelength. Suitable materials include silicon dioxide or calcium fluoride. In various embodiments, the prism 150 includes a material having a refractive index (n) equal to about 1.5 to about 1.4. In various embodiments, the prism 150 includes fused silica having a refractive index (n) equal to 1.458 for use in a laser generator system that produces a laser beam having a wavelength of 308 nm. Exemplary prism materials suitable for use in the present disclosure can be selected from Corning 7980 (Corning Inc., Corning, NY 14831, USA), Dynasil 1103 (Dynasil Corporation, Newton, MA 02458, USA) and 2(Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG, 63450 Hanau, Germany).

[0066] The prism 150 has a refractive index (n) and is oriented to not only change the optical path 126, but the prism can be oriented within the optical path 126 in a manner that refracts the laser beam so as to obtain certain beam characteristics. According to the configuration of the prism 150, wherein the entrance surface and the exit surface (surfaces 152 and 158) are angularly offset relative to each other - not parallel to each other. Figure 5C As depicted in FIG. 1 , there is an axis 152N that is perpendicular (90 degrees) to the bottom surface 152 , and there is an axis 158N that is perpendicular to the hypotenuse surface 158 .

[0067] The bottom surface 152 receives the light beam 124" at an angle (α) to the axis 152N and at 90° minus the angle (α) to the bottom surface 152. The angle (α) may be 0 degrees, thereby indicating that the bottom surface receives the light beam 124" from a direction along the normal axis 152N. Alternatively, the light beam 124" may be directed toward the bottom surface 152 at an angle (α) or at an angle offset relative to the normal axis 152N. If the light beam 124" is received at an offset angle (α) relative to the normal 152N, the angle (α) may be about 1 degree to about 89 degrees, and possibly about 5 degrees to about 75 degrees, and possibly about 10 degrees to about 60 degrees, and conceivably about 15 degrees to about 45 degrees, and even 20 degrees to about 30 degrees, and even about 20 degrees to about 25 degrees, and possibly even about 21.404 degrees.

[0068] Based on the refractive index (n) of the prism, prism 150 can cause light beam 124" to be deflected by an angle (β) relative to axis 152N within prism 150. Angle (β) can be the same as or different from angle (α). Assuming that angle (β) is the same as angle (α), prism 150 does not have any internal reflection. However, if angle (β) is different from angle (α), prism 150 internally reflects light beam 124" within prism 150. Therefore, angle (β) can be between 0 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0069] Light beam 138 exits prism 150 at an angle (γ) from hypotenuse surface 158 relative to normal axis 158N. Angle (γ) may be 0 degrees, indicating that light beam 138 exits hypotenuse surface 158 along normal axis 158N. Alternatively, light beam 138 may exit at an offset angle (γ) relative to normal axis 158N. Angle (γ) may be about 1 degree to about 89 degrees, and may be about 15 degrees to about 85 degrees, and may be about 30 degrees to about 75 degrees, and may conceivably be about 45 degrees to about 65 degrees, and may even be about 55 degrees to about 65 degrees, and may even be about 60 degrees to about 65 degrees, and may even be about 60 degrees or about 59.416 degrees.

[0070] Refraction of the light beam passing through prism 150 affects beam characteristics including at least one of beam size, beam width, beam height, beam aspect ratio, beam major axis, and beam divergence. As described above, laser beam 124" entering prism 150 at surface 152 has a first aspect ratio. It may be desirable that laser beam 138 exiting hypotenuse surface 158 has a second aspect ratio.

[0071] The second aspect ratio can be calculated as the ratio of the second beam width (w2) to the second beam height (h2) and can be written as w2:h2. The cross-section of the laser beam 138 can be rectangular and the laser beam 138 has a second beam width (w2) and a second beam height (h2).

[0072] In multiple embodiments, the second width w2 can be less than, equal to, or greater than the first width w1. The second height h2 can be less than, equal to, or greater than the first height h1. The second aspect ratio can be less than, equal to, or greater than the first aspect ratio. The aspect ratio of the beam 138 is optically adjusted via the prism 150 to change the beam characteristics of the laser generator system (i.e., those beam characteristics of the laser beam 124) to produce a beam 138 suitable for coupling to a disposable fiber optic catheter at the fiber coupler 142. For example, the first aspect ratio of the beam 124 (124', 124") can be approximately 2.22:1.00 and the second aspect ratio of the beam 138 can be approximately 1.45:1.00. Prism variables that affect the output include the angle of incidence into the bottom surface 152, the angle of the prism (Φ), the refractive index of the prism material, and the wavelength of the laser input.

[0073] Further in Figure 5A As depicted in FIG. 1 , the optical assembly 120 may include a safety shutter 144. The shutter 144 may be disposed anywhere along the optical path 126 between the laser source 122 and the coupler 142 to provide a means for interrupting the laser beam and preventing the beam from being delivered to the coupler 142. For example, the shutter 144 may be positioned between the prism 150 and the plano-convex lens 140, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A . In normal operation of the laser generator 100, the safety shutter 144 is opened to allow the beam 138 to pass from the prism 150 to the plano-convex lens 140 without obstruction. The laser generator 100 with the optional shutter 144 provides a fail-safe mechanism to limit the laser beam delivery to the patient as needed. The safety shutter 144 can be closed via the microprocessor executable controller when a fault signal is received. If at least one of the first energy measured for the beam 128 and / or the second energy measured for the beam 129 is determined to be outside the range of acceptable energies for delivery to the patient, a fault signal can be generated.

[0074] The memory 540 and the instructions 550 transmitted to the controller 520 can be programmed or set according to patient safety and needs. The laser generator 100 can include sensors as discussed. In addition Figure 5A In addition to the sensor 136, Figure 6 Depicted Figure 3 FIG. 1 is an enlarged side view of a pulse energy sensor 132 of the optical assembly 120 depicted in FIG. The pulse energy sensor 132 determines the pulse energy measured for the beam 128. Figure 6The prism energy sensor 136 determines the first energy transmitted through the side view of the reflector as shown in FIG. Figure 5A The second energy reflected from the coating 162 is shown in FIG. Figure 6 , the reflector 130 can be oriented at an angle (θ) relative to the optical path 126. The angle (θ) can be between 0 degrees and 90 degrees, including any increments therebetween. In many embodiments, the angle (θ) is about 45 degrees. Sensors 132 and 136 measure the first energy density and the second energy density, respectively, and provide information to a microprocessor executable controller, for example, via components 170A and 170B.

[0075] Fig. 7A Depicts being led to Figure 3 1. A perspective view of a laser beam 138 directed to a rectangular fiber coupler 142 of the optical assembly 120 is depicted in FIG. The rectangular fiber coupler 142 is coupled to the catheter coupler 106. Figure 7B Describes being led to Fig. 7A 1 is a perspective view of a laser beam 138 with a rectangular fiber coupler 142 shown in FIG. The rectangular fiber coupler 142 is disposed distally relative to a convergence point or focal point 172. The rectangular fiber coupler 142 may include a slide mount having a channel 146 adapted to receive an optical fiber (not shown). The channel extends from a proximal end 148 of the slide mount or a position adjacent to the proximal end 148 of the slide mount to a distal end of the slide mount. The proximal end of the slide mount is sized and configured to receive the laser beam 138 and to provide a distal end of the slide mount. Figure 7B The distal end of the concave sliding mount, viewed from the distal side, is sized and configured to transmit light to the fiber optic coupler. The coupler may also include a component 149 mounted on the sliding mount adjacent to its proximal end. Figure 7C As depicted in , channel 146 is rectangular and matches the size and aspect ratio of beam 138 having w2, h2 and an aspect ratio different from that of beam 124 in a plane including fiber end 170. Figure 7C is a view into channel 146 from the direction of optical path 126 .

[0076] Fig.7D An angled side view of an optical assembly is depicted having a coupler 142 to illustrate the Fig. 7E 225 at the catheter coupler schematically shown in FIG. The coupler includes multiple coupling planes to accommodate fibers of different sizes. For example, the coupler may include two coupling planes—a first coupling plane 230 at a first distance from the plano-convex lens and a second coupling plane 235 at a second distance from the plano-convex lens 140. Figure 7B, the plano-convex lens 140 is a distance away from the focal point 172. The coupling planes 230 and 235 extend at a first distance and a second distance away from the focal point 172 of the lens 140, respectively. The combination of the prism 150 and the plano-convex lens 140 changes the light beam 138, thereby affecting the divergence and aspect ratio of the light beam. In other words, the optical component 120 with the lens 140 and the prism 150 changes the light beam 138 so that at the coupling plane 230, the light beam (138A) has a third aspect ratio, and at the coupling plane 235, the light beam (138B) has a fourth aspect ratio. Therefore, the first coupling plane has the third aspect ratio, and the second coupling plane has the fourth aspect ratio. The coupling planes 230 and 235 are Figure 7F Shown in cross section.

[0077] Figure 8 is a functional block diagram depicting an illustrative system 500 according to an embodiment of the subject matter disclosed herein. As shown, the laser generator system 500 may include a laser source 122 and an optical assembly 120 as described herein. In various embodiments, the system 500 may be, be similar to, include, or be included in Figure 1A The device 100 (and / or any component thereof) depicted in Figure 1B 104 (and / or any of its components) depicted in FIG. 104. In various embodiments, component 120 may be similar to, include, or be included in Figure 2-7C The system 500 may also include the following: Figure 3 The microprocessor executable controller 520 shown in FIG. 5 is configured to obtain feedback from optical assembly components, such as components 170A and 170B coupled to sensors 132 and 136, respectively. System 500 also includes input and / or output ports and / or components 510 for laser source 122 and power supply 530.

[0078] In general, the controller 520 may include one or more processors 560, a memory 540, and one or more modules containing logic or instructions 550 stored in the memory 540 for controlling the operation of the system 500. For example, when the clinician actuates the switch controller 108, the switch controller 108 creates and transmits a signal to the controller 520, which in turn allows current to flow from the power supply 530 to the laser source 122 and actuates the laser generator, which transmits a laser beam along an optical path in the optical assembly 120, which in turn provides the laser beam to the catheter coupler 106. The controller 520 may include any type of computing device suitable for implementing multiple aspects of the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Examples of computing devices include dedicated computing devices or general-purpose computing devices, such as "workstations", "servers", "laptops", "desktop computers", "tablet computers", "handheld devices", "smart phones", "general purpose graphics processing units (GPGPUs)", etc., all of which are in Figure 8 is envisaged within the scope of

[0079] In various embodiments, the controller 520 may include a bus (not shown) that directly and / or indirectly couples the following devices: input / output (I / O) ports and / or components 510, power supply 530, processor 560, and memory 540 including instructions 5502. Any number of additional components, different components, and / or combinations of components may also be included in the controller 520 or system 500. Feedback, such as in the form of signals, provided to the controller 520 from the switch controller 108, sensor 132, and / or sensor 136 is utilized by the processor 560, which has instructions 550 stored in the memory 540 to actuate the laser source 122, attenuator 134, and / or shutter 144 as needed. For example, the sensor 132 measures the energy of the laser beam leaving the laser source 122, and the sensor 136 measures the energy of the laser beam entering and / or leaving the prism 150 before the laser beam enters the plano-convex focusing lens 140. And it may be desirable for controller 520 to adjust power supply 530 (or laser source 122) and / or attenuator 134 to modify the energy of the laser beam exiting laser source 122 and the energy of the laser beam entering and / or exiting prism 150, respectively.

[0080] The input / output ports and / or components 510 of the system 500 provide an interactive means for the clinician to select appropriate settings for the operation of the system 500 with the controller 520. One setting that the clinician may select includes an appropriate setting for the beam density (or flux) to be delivered to the patient based on the patient's medical procedure. The system 500 may include a component 510, such as a density (or flux) button or selector, that allows the clinician to adjust the output energy of the system 500. The flux value (in mJ / mm2) is increased or decreased by pressing the appropriate button selector switch. 2 104). For example, an energy (or flux) button or selector can allow a clinician to adjust and set the output energy of the system 500 to one or more of a plurality of settings. Likewise, the system 500 can include a separate component in the form of a pulse rate button or selector that allows a clinician to adjust the pulse rate (pulses / second) of the laser beam emitted by the source 122. When the controller 520 (including the processor 560) receives an actuation signal ("on" signal) from the switch controller 108, the laser source 122 and the system 500 generate a laser beam that travels through the optical assembly 120 and is emitted by the laser catheter 104. Likewise, when the controller 520 (including the processor 560) stops receiving the actuation signal ("on" signal) from the switch controller 108 or when the controller 520 (including the processor 560) receives a deactivation signal ("off" signal) from the switch controller 108, the laser source 122 and the system 500 stop generating a laser beam.

[0081] The clinician performs the selection of the catheter according to the surgery / treatment to be delivered. According to the selected catheter, the laser has a specified target energy (flux) and pulse rate and the range in which these parameters can vary. As a choice, the clinician can be able to adjust the output energy of the system 500 by selecting the corresponding position for the density (or flux) button or selector. The beam energy can then be determined at the sensor 132 and / or 136, and the value of the beam energy is transmitted to the controller 520 via components 170A and 170B or other. According to the initial selection of the clinician, the controller 520 transmits a signal to the power supply 530 and the laser source 122 to generate a corresponding amount of power and laser energy. The sensor 132 determines the energy generated and emitted in the form of a beam by the laser source 122, and the sensor 136 determines the energy of the beam after the beam is refracted by the prism 150 and transmitted to the coupler. Based on the command, selector switch position or setting signal, and the measured value of energy from sensors 132 and 136, the controller can transmit a signal to the attenuator 134, thereby causing the attenuator 134 to rotate the shutter of the attenuator 134 and affect the beam intensity. Depending on the command and input signal, the attenuator 134 can increase the beam intensity, decrease the beam intensity, or keep the beam intensity constant.

[0082] The calibration of the laser depends on the selected catheter and utilizes sensor 137. The calibration process determines the ratio between sensor 136 and sensor 137 over the energy range specified for the catheter (as selected by the clinician). This is done so that once the catheter is in the body and its energy output is no longer directly measured, the energy at sensor 136 can be used to infer the energy being directed out of the distal end of the catheter.

[0083] Selection of the desired catheter energy is accomplished by pressing the appropriate push button selector switch 510. Upon selection of the desired energy, the controller 520 will determine the appropriate laser source energy 122 and attenuator 134 to optimize the desired energy such that the minimum laser source 122 energy is utilized.

[0084] When the switch controller 108 is actuated to cause the laser source 122 and the system 500 to generate a pulsed laser beam, the delivery of the selected energy is actuated. The energy at the sensor 136 is monitored when each pulse is generated, and the energy at the sensor 136 is processed by the controller 520 according to the servo control algorithm so that the energy is maintained at a specified level. If necessary, the controller 520 will adjust the laser energy source 122 to obtain the required energy. If a more coarse adjustment is required, the attenuator 134 can also be adjusted. In this way, the controller 520 continuously monitors and adjusts the laser energy source 122 and the attenuator 134 so that the minimum laser source 122 energy is maintained.

[0085] Once the system 500 is powered on, the shutter 144 is initialized to a closed position. When the controller 520 begins processing the transition from ready to energized (i.e., when the switch controller 108 is actuated), the shutter 144 opens. Based on the instructions 550, a fault signal can be generated, thereby directing the controller to provide a signal to the shutter 144 to cause it to close and prevent the light beam from reaching the optical fiber. The fault signal can be generated in the following manner: (i) when the controller 520 begins processing the transition from energized to ready (i.e., when the switch controller 108 is deactivated); (ii) when the energy read at the sensor 136 exceeds the desired pulse energy by a safety margin after generating a pulse; and (iii) when the controller 520 determines that an anomaly has occurred that may impair the ability of the system 500 to control the pulsed laser energy.

[0086] The foregoing discussion is given for the purpose of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the present disclosure to one or more forms disclosed herein. In the above overview, for the purpose of simplifying the present disclosure, multiple features in one or more aspects, embodiments and / or configurations of the present disclosure are combined together. The features of multiple aspects, embodiments and / or configurations of the present disclosure can be combined in multiple alternative aspects, embodiments and / or configurations different from those discussed above. This method of the present disclosure will not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claims require more features than the features clearly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the attached claims, the creative aspect lies in less than all the features of the single aforementioned disclosed aspects, embodiments and / or configurations. Therefore, the attached claims are thus incorporated into this specific embodiment, wherein each claim is individually as a separate preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] In addition, although the description has included descriptions of one or more aspects, embodiments and / or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure after understanding the present disclosure, for example, as within the skill and knowledge of those skilled in the art. It is intended to obtain the right to include, to the extent permitted, multiple alternative aspects, embodiments and / or configurations, including alternative, interchangeable and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps as claimed, whether or not such alternative, interchangeable and / or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and is not intended to publicly contribute any patentable subject matter.

Claims

1. A laser generator, comprising: a laser source generating a first light beam having a first aspect ratio; An optical component, the optical component comprising: A prism, the prism having: a surface configured to receive the first light beam at an angle of incidence relative to a normal to the first surface; and an additional surface configured to transmit a second light beam having a second aspect ratio at an exit angle relative to a normal to the second surface; coupler; and a lens disposed between the prism and the coupler, the lens being configured to converge the second light beam and transmit the second light beam to the coupler, Wherein, the coupler comprises: a first coupling plane, the first coupling plane being at a first distance from the lens; a second coupling plane, the second coupling plane being at a second distance from the lens, the second distance being greater than the first distance; and wherein the combination of the prism and the lens is configured to converge the second light beam to a focus between the lens and the coupler, such that the second light beam diverges between the focus and the coupler, the second light beam comprises a third aspect ratio at the first coupling plane and a fourth aspect ratio at the second coupling plane, the third aspect ratio and the fourth aspect ratio being different from each other.

2. The laser generator according to claim 1, wherein: The prism is a wedge-shaped prism.

3. The laser generator according to claim 2, wherein: The wedge prism is a right-angle wedge prism.

4. The laser generator according to claim 1, wherein: The optical assembly also includes a first sensor and a reflector, wherein the reflector is arranged at an angle between the laser source and the prism, the reflector reflects the first light beam onto the prism, the reflector further transmits at least a portion of the first light beam to the first sensor, the first sensor is configured to measure a first energy of the first light beam, and the reflector transmits approximately 1% of the first light beam to the first sensor.

5. The laser generator according to claim 4, wherein: The laser generator also includes a second sensor configured to measure a second energy of the second light beam.

6. The laser generator according to claim 5, wherein: The additional surface of the prism includes a coating configured to reflect at least a portion of the second light beam to the second sensor.

7. The laser generator according to claim 6, wherein: The coating reflects approximately 2% of the second light beam to the second sensor.

8. The laser generator according to claim 7, wherein: The laser generator also includes a third sensor configured to calibrate the laser source to a selected conduit that is coupled to the optical assembly via the coupler.

9. The laser generator according to claim 1, wherein: The laser generator further includes a microprocessor executable controller and a safety shutter, wherein the safety shutter is disposed between the prism and the lens, and the microprocessor executable controller closes the safety shutter upon receiving a fault signal.

10. The laser generator according to claim 1, wherein: The prisms include fused silica.

11. The laser generator according to claim 1, wherein: The optical assembly also includes an attenuator disposed between the laser source and the prism, the attenuator being configured to adjust a first energy of the first light beam.

12. The laser generator according to claim 11, wherein: The laser generator also includes a microprocessor-executable controller coupled to the attenuator, the microprocessor-executable controller utilizing the attenuator to adjust a first energy of the first beam measured by the first sensor based on a second energy of the second beam measured by the second sensor.

13. The laser generator according to claim 12, wherein: The microprocessor executable controller adjusts the first energy of the first beam using the attenuator based on the second energy of the second beam measured by the second sensor and the first energy of the first beam measured by the first sensor.

14. The laser generator according to claim 13, wherein: The optical assembly also includes a reflector that reflects the first light beam onto the prism, and the reflector further transmits at least a portion of the first light beam to the first sensor.

15. The laser generator according to claim 1, wherein: The prism includes a bottom surface, and the surface is the bottom surface.

16. The laser generator according to claim 1, wherein: The prism includes a hypotenuse surface, and the additional surface is the hypotenuse surface.

17. The laser generator according to claim 1, wherein: The lens is a plano-convex lens.

18. The laser generator according to claim 1, wherein: The prism comprises: a bottom incident surface configured to receive the first light beam at an angle of 15 to 30 degrees relative to a normal to the bottom incident surface, the first light beam having a first width and a first height; A side surface, the side surface being connected to the bottom incident surface at an angle of 90 degrees through an edge; and A beveled exit surface, wherein the beveled exit surface connects the bottom incident surface and the side surface, and the beveled exit surface is configured to emit the second light beam at an angle of 50 to 70 degrees relative to a normal line of the beveled exit surface, and the second light beam has a second width and a second height, the second width is less than the first width, and the second height is the same as or equal to the first height.

19. The laser generator according to claim 1, wherein: The prism is configured to receive the first light beam along an optical path and affect at least one of: Beam size; Beam divergence; the major axis of the beam; and Beam aspect ratio.

20. A laser system comprising: A laser generator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19; as well as A catheter comprising a plurality of optical fibers, wherein the catheter comprises a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being coupled to the coupler of the laser generator.

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