Temperature measurement for fiber-based laser therapy

Abstract

The invention provides a method and a system for estimating the temperature of a working environment. Treatment using laser and fiber optic techniques may result in an undesirable increase in the temperature of the working environment. To this end, a laser source that is sensitive to a temperature variation may be generated, and the temperature is determined based on the distance between the distal end of the optical fiber and the target and the generated temperature-sensitive beam.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 338,950, filed on May 6, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] The introduction of lasers into the medical field and the development of fiber optic technology using lasers have opened up numerous applications in treatment, diagnosis, therapy and the like. Such applications range from invasive and non-invasive treatments to endoscopic surgery and image diagnosis. For example, in the treatment of urinary stones, stones need to be broken into smaller fragments. A technique called laser lithotripsy can be used for such a fragmentation process, wherein for small to medium-sized urinary stones, a rigid or flexible ureteroscope is placed through the urethra for illumination and imaging. At the same time, the optical fiber is inserted into the target position (for example, the position where the stone exists in the bladder, ureter or kidney) through the working channel of the ureteroscope. Then, the laser is activated to break the stone into smaller fragments or powder. In another example, laser and fiber optic technology are used for coagulation or ablation therapy. During ablation therapy, the laser is delivered to the tissue to evaporate the tissue. During coagulation therapy, the laser is used to cause thermal damage in the tissue. Such ablation therapy can be used to treat various clinical conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), cancer (such as prostate cancer). Summary of the invention

[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce selected concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to necessarily identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising a light source arranged to generate a source light beam, wherein a coefficient or absorption of the source light beam in a liquid medium is a function of a temperature of the liquid medium; a first detector arranged to measure an intensity of the source light beam; an optical component arranged to transmit the source light beam to an optical fiber and receive a reflected light beam in response to the source light beam being directed to a target via the optical fiber; a second detector arranged to measure the intensity of the reflected light beam; and a processing circuit arranged to determine a temperature of a working environment based on the measured intensity of the source light beam, the measured intensity of the reflected light beam, and the distance between a distal end of the optical fiber and the target.

[0006] In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a beam splitter arranged to receive the light beam and direct a first portion of the light beam to the first detector and a second portion of the light beam to the optical component.

[0007] In another further embodiment the apparatus comprises a therapeutic light source arranged to generate a therapeutic light beam, wherein the optical component comprises a beam combiner arranged to combine the therapeutic light beam and the second portion of the light beam.

[0008] In another further embodiment, the device comprises at least one of a focusing lens, a burst shield, and a port arranged to optically transmit the combined treatment beam and the second portion of the beam to an optical fiber.

[0009] In another further embodiment, the device comprises a therapeutic light source, wherein the therapeutic light source is a holmium gas laser or a thulium fiber laser.

[0010] In another further embodiment the apparatus comprises a beam splitter, wherein the beam splitter is arranged to direct the reflected light beam to the second detector.

[0011] In another further embodiment, the device includes a light source and a light beam, wherein the light source is a first light source and the light beam is a first light beam, the device includes: a second light source, which is arranged to generate a second light beam, wherein the coefficient or absorption of the second light beam in the liquid medium is a function of the temperature of the liquid medium, and wherein the wavelength of the first light beam is different from the wavelength of the second light beam; and an optical multiplexer, which is arranged to combine the first light beam and the second light beam.

[0012] In another further embodiment, the device includes a processing circuit, which includes a processing unit and a memory device storing instructions, which when executed by the processing unit causes the processing unit to: determine an absorption coefficient based on the measured light beam intensity, the measured intensity of the reflected light beam and the distance; and determine the temperature based on the absorption coefficient.

[0013] In another further embodiment, the apparatus comprises instructions, wherein when executed by the processing unit, the instructions cause the processing unit to determine the absorption coefficient based on the following formula: I=I0e 2λD , where D is the distance, λ is the absorption coefficient, I0 is the measured beam intensity, I is the measured intensity of the reflected beam, and e is the Euler number.

[0014] In another further embodiment, the apparatus includes a distal end of an optical fiber and a target, wherein the distal end of the optical fiber and the target are disposed in a working environment.

[0015] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method comprising generating a light beam wherein a coefficient or absorption of the light beam in a liquid medium is a function of a temperature of the liquid medium; measuring an intensity of the light beam; transmitting the light beam to an optical fiber; receiving a reflected light beam in response to the light beam being directed to a target via the optical fiber; measuring an intensity of the reflected light beam; and determining a temperature of a working environment based on the measured light beam intensity, the measured reflected light beam intensity, and a distance between a distal end of the optical fiber and the target.

[0016] In another embodiment, the method includes splitting a light beam into a first portion and a second portion at a beam splitter; directing the first portion of the light beam to a reference detector via the beam splitter; and directing the second portion of the light beam to an optical component via the beam splitter, the optical component being arranged to transmit the light beam to an optical fiber.

[0017] In another embodiment, the method includes generating a therapeutic beam; and combining the therapeutic beam with a second portion of the beam.

[0018] In another embodiment, the method includes where the optical component includes at least one of a focusing lens, a explosion proof shield, and a port.

[0019] In another embodiment, the method includes wherein the therapeutic beam is generated via a holmium gas laser or a thulium fiber laser.

[0020] In another embodiment, the method includes directing the reflected light beam to a reflectance detector via a beam splitter.

[0021] In another embodiment, the light beam is a first light beam, and the method further includes: generating a second light beam, wherein a coefficient or absorption of the second light beam in a liquid medium is a function of a temperature of the liquid medium, and wherein a wavelength of the first light beam is different from a wavelength of the second light beam; and combining the first light beam and the second light beam.

[0022] In another embodiment, the method includes determining an absorption coefficient based on the measured intensity of the light beam, the measured intensity of the reflected light beam, and the distance; and determining the temperature based on the absorption coefficient.

[0023] In another embodiment, the method includes determining the absorption coefficient based on the following formula: I = I0e 2λD , where D is the distance, λ is the absorption coefficient, I0 is the measured intensity of the beam, I is the measured intensity of the reflected beam, and e is the Euler number.

[0024] In another embodiment, the method includes where the distal end of the optical fiber and the target are positioned in a working environment.

[0025] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to: send a control signal to a light source to cause the light source to generate a light beam, wherein a coefficient or absorption of the light beam in a liquid medium is a function of a temperature of the liquid medium; receive an indication of an intensity of the light beam, wherein the light beam will be transmitted to a target via an optical fiber, and wherein a reflected light beam is received via the optical fiber; receive an indication of an intensity of the reflected light beam; and determine a temperature of a working environment based on the intensity of the light beam, the intensity of the reflected light beam, and the distance between a distal end of the optical fiber and the target.

[0026] In another embodiment, a computer readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to: send a control signal to a therapeutic light source to cause the therapeutic light source to generate a therapeutic beam, wherein the therapeutic beam and the beam are combined and delivered to a target.

[0027] In another further embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium includes a light source (first light source) and a light beam (first light beam), and the medium includes instructions, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to: send a control signal to a second light source to cause the second light source to generate a second light beam, wherein the coefficient or absorption of the second light beam in the liquid medium is a function of the temperature of the liquid medium, and wherein the wavelength of the first light beam is different from the wavelength of the second light beam.

[0028] In another further embodiment, a computer readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to: determine an absorption coefficient based on the measured intensity of the light beam, the measured intensity of the reflected light beam, and the distance; and determine a temperature based on the absorption coefficient.

[0029] In another further embodiment, a computer readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to determine an absorption coefficient based on the following formula: I = I0e 2λD , where D is the distance, λ is the absorption coefficient, I0 is the measured intensity of the beam, I is the measured intensity of the reflected beam, and e is the Euler number. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] To facilitate the discussion of identifying any element or action, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the drawing number in which the element is first introduced.

[0031] Figure 1A A system 100 is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 1B The present invention is shown in more detail according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1A Part of system 100.

[0033] Figure 2 A luminescence temperature measurement system (LETMS) 200 is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 3A A curve 300a describing a temperature sensing beam is shown.

[0035] Figure 3B A curve 300b describing a temperature sensing beam is shown.

[0036] Figure 4 Logic flow 400 is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5 A luminescence temperature measurement system (LETMS) 500 is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6 A luminescence temperature and distance measurement system (LETDMS) 600 is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 7 Logic flow 700 is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 8 A computing environment 800 is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The present disclosure provides a method and system for estimating the temperature in a working environment, and more specifically, estimating the temperature between the end of an optical fiber and a target. It should be understood that treatment using lasers can increase the temperature in the working environment, which may cause unnecessary tissue damage or other safety issues. Therefore, it is advantageous to determine the temperature of the working environment. However, current laser treatments and systems do not provide methods or means for measuring the temperature in many working environments (e.g., the urethra, kidneys, or similar organs).

[0042] To this end, a laser system and technique are provided that is capable of estimating the temperature between an optical fiber tip and a target (e.g., tissue, stone, or the like) based on the absorption coefficient of the wavelength of light in a liquid medium. The present disclosure can be used for the purpose of controlling and / or adjusting one or more operating parameters. For example, during treatment, the laser power can be adjusted to control or maintain the temperature of the working environment below a desired limit.

[0043] The foregoing generally summarizes the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure, so as to better understand the following detailed description of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments can be easily used as the basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same purpose of the present disclosure. When considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the novel features of the present disclosure (including both its organization and method of operation) and further purposes and advantages can be better understood from the following description. However, it should be clearly understood that each of the drawings provided is only for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be a definition of the limitation of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An exemplary system 100 for estimating the temperature between an optical fiber end and a target according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, the exemplary system 100 includes a target 102, an optical fiber 104, a light emitting temperature measurement system (LETMS) 200, a processing unit 106, and an indicator 108. In some embodiments, the target 102 may be tissue, a calculus, a tumor, a cyst, and the like in a subject that is to be treated, ablated, or destroyed. In some embodiments, the subject may be a human or an animal.

[0045] In addition, if Figure 1B , optical fiber 104 includes a proximal end 110 and a distal end 112. Proximal end 110 is the end of optical fiber 104 through which a light beam enters, and distal end 112 is the end of optical fiber 104 through which a light beam is emitted and through which the light beam can be directed onto target 102. For example, the figure depicts incident light 114 entering optical fiber 104 at proximal end 110, propagating along the length of optical fiber 104, exiting optical fiber 104 at distal end 112, and being incident on target 102 from distal end 112 of optical fiber 104.

[0046] In some embodiments, the light beam can be a light beam directed from a light source. For example, the light source can be a laser light source. As an example, the laser source can include, but is not limited to, a solid-state laser, a gas laser, a diode laser, and a fiber laser. The light beam can include one or more of an aiming beam, a treatment beam, and any other light beam transmitted through the optical fiber 104. In various embodiments, the aiming beam can include a low-intensity light beam transmitted through the optical fiber 104 to estimate the temperature of the environment (e.g., a liquid medium or the like) between the optical fiber end (e.g., distal end 112) and the target 102.

[0047] In several embodiments, the treatment beam may include a high intensity beam transmitted through the optical fiber 104 to treat the target 102. In some embodiments, the different beams may be generated by one or more laser sources. As a specific example, the aiming beam may be generated by one laser source, and the treatment beam may be generated by another laser source. In another example, both the aiming beam and the treatment beam may be generated by a single laser source. As another example, different laser sources may be used to generate beams of different wavelengths, characteristics, and similar properties. This will be described in more detail below.

[0048] The optical fiber 104 may be connected to Figure 1A The light emitting temperature measurement system (LETMS) 200 shown is in optical communication and is arranged to receive a light beam to be aimed at the target 102 and transmit a reflected light beam reflected from the surface and surrounding area of ​​the target 102. In some embodiments, the optical fiber 104 can be optically, mechanically and / or electrically coupled to the light emitting temperature measurement system (LETMS) 200 via a port (as shown in other figures herein).

[0049] In some embodiments, the light emitting temperature measurement system (LETMS) 200 includes optical components, which may include, but are not limited to, one or more of a laser source, a wavelength division multiplexer, a collimator, a polarizer, a beam splitter, a detector, a beam combiner, a focusing lens, etc., as explained in detail in other parts of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the laser source is configured to generate a laser beam, such as a low-intensity aiming beam for aiming the incident light 114 at the target 102 and a high-intensity treatment beam for treating the target 102, and / or a beam with different characteristics (e.g., intensity, wavelength, etc.) based on the application.

[0050] Typically, during operation, a portion of the incident light 114 will be reflected from the target 102 and / or the area around the target 102 and transmitted from the distal end 112 of the optical fiber 104 to the proximal end 110 of the optical fiber 104 and back to the LETMS 200. The present disclosure provides for determining the temperature of the working environment 116 based on the reflected light. For example, the light emitting temperature measurement system (LETMS) 200 is associated with the processing unit 106 and / or a communication network (not shown). In some embodiments, the communication network can be a wired communication network or a wireless communication network. The processing unit 106 can be configured to receive measurements related to the incident light 114 and the reflected light (not shown) from the light emitting temperature measurement system (LETMS) 200, and estimate the temperature of the working environment 116 based on the measurements. In some embodiments, the processing unit 106 can be a stand-alone device with the processing capabilities required for temperature estimation. For example, the processing unit 106 can include a circuit arranged to determine the distance based on the electrical signal received from the light emitting temperature measurement system (LETMS) 200. As another example, the processing unit 106 may include circuitry and a memory, the memory including instructions that, when executed by the circuitry, cause the circuitry to determine a temperature based on electrical signals received from the luminescence temperature measurement system (LETMS) 200. However, in some other embodiments, the processing unit 106 may be computing devices (such as laptops, desktops, mobile phones, tablets, and similar devices) configured to use their processing power to perform distance estimation.

[0051] Processing unit 106 may be associated with indicator 108 to indicate the estimated temperature of working environment 116. Indicator 108 may include, but is not limited to, a visual indicator that displays an estimated distance, an audio indicator that announces the estimated temperature, or a tactile indicator that indicates the estimated temperature via a vibration pattern. In various embodiments, the indicator may be presented via a graphical user interface and / or superimposed on a graphical representation, such as a video feed. In some embodiments, a computing device including processing unit 106 may be configured to perform the functions of indicator 108. In some other embodiments, indicator 108 may be a stand-alone device that is configured to indicate the estimated temperature of working environment 116.

[0052] For some further embodiments, the processing unit 106 can be coupled to the LETMS 200 so that the processing unit 106 can control or adjust the treatment beam based on the estimated temperature (described in more detail below). As a specific example, the processing unit 106 can reduce the power of the treatment beam or pause the treatment beam based on a determination that the estimated temperature is above a threshold level.

[0053] Figure 2200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, LETMS 200 includes a treatment light source 202 and a measurement light source 204. Typically, LETMS 200 includes at least one measurement laser source (e.g., only measurement light source 204 or the like). However, as will be more fully described herein, a LETMS such as LETMS 200 may include multiple measurement light sources 204 (e.g., see Figure 5 ). The treatment light source 202 can be any of a variety of laser sources (e.g., a fiber laser, a gas laser, a diode laser, a solid-state laser, or the like) arranged to output a treatment beam 206. Similarly, the measurement light source 204 can be any of a variety of laser sources (e.g., a fiber laser, a gas laser, a diode laser, a solid-state laser, or the like) arranged to output a "low power" (e.g., lower power than the treatment beam 206) measurement beam 208, which are used to determine the temperature of the working environment 116.

[0054] LETMS 200 also includes a collimator 210, a polarizer 212, a beam splitter 214, a beam combiner 216, a focusing lens 218, an explosion proof cover 220, a port 222, a reference detector 224, a focusing lens 226, and a reflection detector 228. The collimator 210 can be optically coupled to the measurement light source 204 and arranged to narrow the measurement beam 208. For example, the collimator 210 can be configured to cause the direction of motion of the measurement beam 208 to become more aligned (e.g., parallel rays) in a particular direction, or to make the spatial cross-section of the beam smaller. In some embodiments, the collimator 210 can be used to change the divergent light from a point source into a parallel beam.

[0055] The polarizer 212 can be optically coupled to the collimator 210 and arranged to allow a light beam of a specific polarization to pass through and block a light beam of a different polarization. Thus, when an undefined light (or a light beam of mixed polarities) is provided as input to the polarizer, the polarizer provides a well-defined single polarization light beam as output.

[0056] The beam splitter 214 can be optically coupled to the polarizer 212 and arranged to split the incident light (e.g., the measurement beam 208) into two separate beams (e.g., beam portions 230a and 230b) at a specified ratio. In addition, the beam splitter can be arranged to manipulate the light to be incident at a desired angle of incidence (AOI). Therefore, in many embodiments, the beam splitter can be configured primarily with two parameters, namely the separation ratio and the AOI. As depicted in the figure, the beam splitter 214 is arranged to direct a portion of the measurement beam 208 to the reference detector 224 and another portion of the measurement beam 208 to the beam combiner 216.

[0057] The beam combiner 216 may be optically coupled to the beam splitter 214 and the treatment light source 202 and arranged to combine the treatment beam 206 and the measurement beam 208. For example, the beam combiner 216 may include a partial reflector that combines two or more wavelengths of light, such as by using the principles of transmission and reflection. In some embodiments, the beam combiner may be a combination of a beam splitter and a mirror that perform the function of combining two or more wavelengths of light.

[0058] The focusing lens 218 and the explosion proof shield 220 can be optically coupled to the beam combiner 216 and arranged to focus the treatment beam 206 and the measurement beam 208, and guide the treatment beam 206 and the measurement beam 208 through the explosion proof shield 220 to the port 222, so that the treatment beam 206 and the measurement beam 208 can be transmitted to the target 102 through the measurement light source 204. In particular, the beam portion 230b and the treatment beam 206 are guided to the target 102 via the optical fiber 104, and the light is incident on the target 102, and the target 102 is a known distance 234 from the distal end 112 of the optical fiber 104. In some examples, the distance 234 can be measured in real time, while the temperature is also measured in real time (for example, see Figure 6 ).

[0059] As described above, a portion of the measurement beam 208 is reflected back to the optical fiber 104 and transmitted through the LETMS 200 as a reflected beam 232. In particular, the reflected beam 232 is directed by the beam combiner 216 to the beam splitter 214, and by the beam splitter 214 to the reflection detector 228. In addition, in some embodiments, the reflection detector 228 is disposed in the optical path between the beam splitter 214 and the reflection detector 228, and is arranged to focus or amplify the reflected beam 232.

[0060] Reference detector 224 and reflection detector 228 may include devices that detect and / or measure characteristics of a light beam and encode the detected and / or measured characteristics into electrical signals. For example, a light detector may detect a particular type of light beam (such as pre-configured) and convert light energy associated with the detected light beam into an electrical signal.

[0061] It should be noted that the LETMS 200 depicted in the figure is given as an example only, and some components may be omitted (or replaced with other components) in alternative embodiments. For example, in the case where the measurement light source 204 is not based on optical fiber, the collimator 210 may be omitted. As another example, the polarizer 212 may be omitted for the measurement light source 204, which is arranged to output the measurement beam 208 with sufficient power and / or stability to perform measurements without polarization separation. As another example, the focusing lens 218 and / or the focusing lens 226 and the explosion proof cover 220 may be omitted according to other design considerations.

[0062] Typically, the reference detector 224 and the reflection detector 228 may be electrically and / or communicatively coupled to the processing unit 106, such that the processing unit 106 may receive signals including an indication of the measurement beam 208 and the reflection beam 232 from the reference detectors 224, 228. The processing unit 106 may be arranged to determine the temperature of the working environment 116 based on these signals, as will be described in more detail below.

[0063] In general, the present disclosure provides for determining temperature based on the measured properties and the wavelength of light associated with the measurement beam 208 and the known distance 234 between the distal end 112 of the optical fiber 104 and the target 102. It should be noted that the distance 234 itself can be measured. The measurement relies on the fact that for certain wavelengths of light, the absorption coefficient of light in the liquid medium varies with the temperature of the liquid medium. It should be understood that for many wavelengths, the absorption coefficient of different temperatures does not vary significantly. However, there are some isobars in physics that create this exact phenomenon. The measurement beam 208 provided by the present disclosure is generated at a wavelength whose absorption coefficient in the liquid medium varies with the temperature of the liquid medium.

[0064] For example, Figure 3A and Figure 3B Curves 300a and 300b are shown, respectively, depicting a number of curves 302 associated with various temperatures. Each curve 302 is plotted as wavelength in nanometers (nm) on the x-axis and as centimeters (cm) on the y-axis. -1 It can be seen that for certain wavelengths of light (such as 975nm, 1075nm, 1160nm, 1250nm to 1260nm, etc.), the absorption coefficient of light in the liquid medium will change with the change of the temperature of the liquid medium.

[0065] It should be understood that the wavelengths depicted in curve 302 of graphs 300a and 300b are given by way of example only, and that there are many other wavelengths of light where the absorption coefficient varies with temperature, such as, for example, wavelengths in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, wavelengths in the visible spectrum, wavelengths in the infrared (IR) spectrum, or the like.

[0066] Typically, the measurement light source 204 is arranged to generate light having a wavelength whose absorption coefficient varies with temperature.

[0067] Figure 4400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, LETMS 200 and system 100 may be arranged to implement logic flow 400 to determine the ambient temperature as outlined herein. However, although logic flow 400 is described with reference to system 100 and LETMS 200, logic flow 400 may be implemented by Figure 1A , Figure 1B and Figure 2 The system 100 may be implemented in different systems.

[0068] Logic flow 400 may start at block 402. At block 402, "Generate a beam," a beam may be generated. For example, measurement beam 208 may be generated. In some embodiments, processing unit 106 may send a control signal to measurement light source 204 to cause the light source to generate a corresponding beam, thereby forming measurement beam 208. Continuing to block 404, "Split the beam into at least a first portion and a second portion," the generated beam is split, such as, for example, by a beam splitter. For example, beam splitter 214 may be operated to split measurement beam 208 into beam portions 230a and 230b.

[0069] Continuing to block 406, "Measure a characteristic of a first portion of the light beam," a characteristic of the first portion of the light beam generated at block 402 may be measured. For example, reference detector 224 may be arranged to measure the intensity (or other characteristic) of beam portion 230a. Continuing to block 408, "Direct a second portion of the light beam to a target," a third portion of the light beam generated at block 402 may be directed to and / or over the target. For example, as described above, LETMS 200 may direct beam portion 230b to target 102 via optical fiber 104.

[0070] Continuing to block 410 “RECEIVE A REFLECTION ASSOCIATED WITH A SECOND PORTION OF THE BEAM”, the reflection associated with the second portion of the beam generated at block 402 may be received. For example, the LETMS 200 may receive a reflected beam 232 in response to the beam portion 230b being incident on the target 102. In particular, the reflected beam 232 may be received via the distal end 112 of the optical fiber 104. Continuing to block 412 “MEASURE A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE REFLECTION ASSOCIATED WITH THE SECOND PORTION OF THE BEAM”, the characteristic of the reflection associated with the second portion of the beam generated at block 402 may be measured. For example, the reflection detector 228 may be arranged to measure the intensity (or other characteristic) of the reflected beam 232.

[0071] Continuing to block 414, “Determine a temperature of an environment of the target based on measured characteristics of the first portion and measured characteristics of the reflection associated with the second portion,” a temperature of an environment of the target (e.g., adjacent to, associated with, etc.) may be determined based on the characteristics measured at blocks 406 and 412. In particular, the processing unit 106 may determine the temperature of the working environment 116 based on the characteristics of the beam portion 230a and the beam portion 230b indicated in the signals received from the reference detector 224 and the reflection detector 228.

[0072] In some examples, processing unit 106 can determine the temperature based on the measured characteristic and the wavelength of light associated with measurement beam 208. In particular, for some wavelengths of light, the absorption coefficient of light in the liquid medium changes as the temperature of the liquid medium changes. Processing unit 106 can determine the temperature based on the following formula: I = I0e 2λD , where D is the distance between the distal end 112 of the optical fiber 104 and the target 102 (e.g., distance 234), λ is the absorption coefficient, I0 is the measured intensity of the beam portion 230a (e.g., the output of the reference detector 224), and I is the measured intensity of the reflected beam 232, (e.g., the output of the reflection detector 228). The processing unit 106 can be arranged to solve the above λ equation and then determine the temperature of the working environment 116 based on the derived λ. In some examples, the processing unit 106 may include a memory storing a lookup table, the lookup table including an indication of λ and an associated temperature. The processing unit 106 can be arranged to determine the temperature based on the derived λ and the lookup table. In another example, the processing unit 106 can be arranged to derive the temperature based on λ and another function or formula. As another example, a model (e.g., a machine learning model or the like) can be trained to output a temperature given λ or even D, I, and I0. In such an example, the processing unit 106 may be arranged to execute the model using the inputs (eg, D, I, and I0) and receive outputs (eg, temperature) from the model.

[0073] In addition, in some embodiments, the LETMS 200 can be configured with a safety feature to reduce the output power of the treatment light source 202 based on the temperature. For example, the processing unit 106 can derive the temperature as outlined above and can determine whether the temperature is greater than a threshold. Based on the determination that the temperature is greater than (or equal to) the threshold, the processing unit 106 can send a control signal to the treatment light source 202 to cause the treatment light source 202 to reduce power, pause, or terminate the generation of the treatment beam 206.

[0074] In some embodiments, the treatment beam 206 can be provided in conjunction with an irrigation fluid, such as a cooled irrigation fluid. In such an example, for some embodiments, the LETMS 200 can be configured to periodically pause (e.g., 100 milliseconds to 1 second or the like) the flow of irrigation fluid and measure the temperature while the flow of irrigation fluid is paused.

[0075] Figure 5 FIG. 5 shows a luminescence temperature measurement system (LETMS) 500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. LETMS 500 includes Figure 2 The LETMS 500 has many of the same components as the LETMS 200, with the primary difference being that the LETMS 500 includes multiple treatment light sources. As shown, the LETMS 500 includes measurement light sources 502a, 502b, and 502c. The measurement light sources 502a, 502b, and 502c can be any of a variety of laser sources (e.g., fiber lasers, gas lasers, diode lasers, solid-state lasers, or the like) that are arranged to output "low power" (e.g., lower power than the treatment beam) measurement light beams 504a, 504b, and 504c that are used to determine the temperature of the working environment 116.

[0076] The LETMS 500 also includes a wavelength division multiplexer 506, a collimator 210, a polarizer 212, a beam splitter 214, a beam combiner 216, a focusing lens 218, a blast shield 220, a port 222, a reference detector 224, a focusing lens 226, and a reflection detector 228. Each measurement light source 502a, 502b, and 502c can be configured to generate a corresponding measurement light beam 504a, 504b, and 504c having a different wavelength, wherein each different wavelength can have a different water absorption coefficient. In addition, the wavelength division multiplexer 506 can be optically coupled to the measurement light sources 502a, 502b, and 502c and arranged to multiplex the measurement light beams 504a, 504b, and 504c to form the measurement light beam 208.

[0077] It should be noted that the LETMS 500 depicted in this figure is given as an example only, and some components may be omitted (or replaced with other components) in alternative embodiments. For example, if the measurement light sources 502a, 502b, and / or 502c are not fiber-based, or the wavelength division multiplexer 506 is not fiber-based, the collimator 210 may be omitted.

[0078] Furthermore, since a plurality of measurement light sources 502a, 502b and 502c are provided, the temperature associated with each respective measurement light beam 504a, 504b and 504c may be determined and then an average temperature derived, for example, to improve the accuracy of the overall temperature measurement system.

[0079] Figure 6 A light emitting temperature and distance measurement system (LETDMS) 600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the LETDMS 600 includes a therapeutic light source 202 and a temperature measurement subsystem 602 and a distance measurement subsystem 604. Generally, the temperature measurement subsystem 602 can be similar to the LETMS 200 and / or the LETMS 500, which is arranged to generate a light beam of a wavelength whose absorption coefficient changes with temperature. In other words, the temperature measurement subsystem 602 can be arranged to generate a temperature-sensitive wavelength light beam 606. Similarly, the distance measurement subsystem 604 can be arranged to generate a light beam of a wavelength whose absorption coefficient does not substantially change with temperature. In other words, the distance measurement subsystem 604 can be arranged to generate a temperature-insensitive wavelength light beam 608.

[0080] LETDMS 600 also includes a wavelength division multiplexer 610, which is in optical communication with the temperature measurement subsystem 602 and the distance measurement subsystem 604, and is arranged to generate a combined light beam 612, which includes a temperature-sensitive wavelength light beam 606 and a temperature-insensitive wavelength light beam 608. A beam combiner 614 (e.g., similar to beam combiner 216) can be optically coupled to the wavelength division multiplexer 610 and the treatment light source 202, and is arranged to combine the treatment beam 206 and the combined light beam 612, which can be delivered to the target 102 via the optical fiber 104 as described above.

[0081] As described above, a portion of the combined light beam 612 is reflected back to the optical fiber 104 and transmitted through the LETMS 200 as a reflected light beam 616. In particular, the reflected light beam 616 is directed by the beam combiner 614 to the wavelength division multiplexer 610, where the reflected light beam 616 is divided into a temperature-insensitive wavelength reflected light beam 618 and a temperature-sensitive wavelength reflected light beam 620, and directed to the temperature measurement subsystem 602 and the distance measurement subsystem 604, respectively.

[0082] It should be noted that measuring the distance 234 is beyond the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific components and arrangement of the distance measurement subsystem 604 are not described herein. However, in general, the distance measurement subsystem 604 may include one or more laser sources arranged to generate the temperature-insensitive wavelength beam 608, an optical detector arranged to measure the intensity of the optical signal, and other optical components (e.g., beam splitters, polarizers, combiners, lenses, mirrors, etc.), which are arranged so that the distance 234 can be determined based on the temperature-insensitive wavelength beam 608 and the temperature-insensitive wavelength reflected beam 618.

[0083] The temperature measurement subsystem 602 may include components similar to those of the above-described LETMS 200 or LETMS 500. Thus, the temperature measurement subsystem 602 may be arranged to generate a temperature sensing wavelength beam 606 and receive a temperature sensing wavelength reflected beam 620, and determine the temperature of the working environment 116 based on the temperature sensing wavelength beam 606 and the temperature sensing wavelength reflected beam 620 and the distance 234.

[0084] The LETDMS 600 may also include processing circuitry, such as a processing unit 106. The processing unit 106 may be coupled to the temperature measurement subsystem 602 and the distance measurement subsystem 604, and arranged to receive signals including indications of the intensities of the temperature-sensitive wavelength beam 606, the temperature-insensitive wavelength beam 608, the temperature-insensitive wavelength reflected beam 618, and the temperature-sensitive wavelength reflected beam 620, and determine the distance 234 and the temperature of the working environment 116 based on these signals.

[0085] Figure 7 Logic flow 700 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, LETDMS 600 can be arranged to implement logic flow 700 to determine the temperature of the environment as outlined herein. However, although logic flow 700 is described with reference to LETDMS 600, logic flow 700 can be implemented by a system different from LETDMS 600.

[0086] Logic flow 700 may start at block 702. At block 702, "Generate Temperature Insensitive Beam," a temperature insensitive beam may be generated. For example, distance measurement subsystem 604 may generate a temperature insensitive wavelength beam 608. In other words, distance measurement subsystem 604 may generate a beam (e.g., temperature insensitive wavelength beam 608) in which the absorption coefficient does not depend on the temperature of the liquid medium. In some embodiments, processing unit 106 may send a control signal to distance measurement subsystem 604 to cause distance measurement subsystem 604 to generate temperature insensitive wavelength beam 608.

[0087] Continuing to block 704, “Generate Temperature Sensing Light Beam,” a temperature sensing light beam may be generated. For example, the temperature measurement subsystem 602 may generate a temperature sensing wavelength light beam 606. In other words, the temperature measurement subsystem 602 may generate a light beam (e.g., a temperature sensing wavelength light beam 606) in which an absorption coefficient depends on (or varies with) the temperature of the liquid medium. In some embodiments, the processing unit 106 may send a control signal to the temperature measurement subsystem 602 to cause the temperature measurement subsystem 602 to generate the temperature sensing wavelength light beam 606.

[0088] Continuing to block 706, “receiving a reflected beam in response to the insensitive light beam and the temperature-sensitive light beam being incident on the target, wherein the temperature-sensitive light beam and the insensitive light beam are directed to the target via the fiber optic cable,” a reflected beam in response to the insensitive light beam and the temperature-sensitive light beam being incident on the target is received. For example, a combined light beam 612 may be generated by the temperature-sensitive wavelength light beam 606 and the insensitive wavelength light beam 608, and transmitted to the target 102 via the optical fiber 104. In response to the combined light beam 612 being transmitted to the target 102 via the optical fiber 104, a reflected light beam 616 may be received.

[0089] Continuing to block 708, “Determine a distance between the distal end of the fiber optic cable and the target based on the temperature-insensitive beam and a portion of the reflected beam associated with the temperature-insensitive beam,” the distance between the distal end of the fiber optic cable and the target can be determined. For example, the distance measurement subsystem 604 can receive a portion of the reflected beam 616 associated with the temperature-insensitive wavelength beam 608 (e.g., the temperature-insensitive wavelength reflected beam 618), and can determine the distance 234 based on the temperature-insensitive beam 608 and the temperature-insensitive wavelength reflected beam 618. As a specific example, the distance measurement subsystem 604 can include an optical detector that is arranged to measure the intensity of the temperature-insensitive wavelength beam 608 and the temperature-insensitive wavelength reflected beam 618. The processing unit 106 can be arranged to determine the distance 234 based on the measured intensity and absorption coefficient of the temperature-insensitive wavelength beam 608 and the temperature-insensitive wavelength reflected beam 618. That is, since the absorption coefficient does not substantially change based on the temperature of the liquid medium, the distance can be determined using, for example, the above equation.

[0090] Continuing to block 710, “Determine a temperature of an environment of a target based on a temperature sensing beam, a portion of a reflected beam associated with the temperature sensing beam, and a distance,” the temperature of the working environment 116 can be determined. For example, the temperature measurement subsystem 602 can receive a portion of the reflected beam 616 associated with the temperature sensing wavelength beam 606 (e.g., the temperature sensing wavelength reflected beam 620), and can determine the temperature based on the temperature sensing wavelength beam 606, the temperature sensing wavelength reflected beam 620, and the distance 234. As a specific example, the temperature measurement subsystem 602 can include an optical detector that is arranged to measure the intensity of the temperature sensing wavelength beam 606 and the temperature sensing wavelength reflected beam 620. The processing unit 106 can be arranged to determine the temperature based on the measured intensity and the distance 234 determined at block 708, using, for example, the above equation. By way of some examples, the logic flow 700 can be repeated iteratively to determine the distance and temperature in a “real-time” manner.

[0091] Figure 8800 is a block diagram of a computing environment 800 including a computer system 802 for implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the computing environment 800 or a portion thereof (e.g., the computer system 802) may include or be included in a laser system (e.g., the system 100, LETMS 200, LETMS 500, LETDMS 600 may embody a portion of the computing environment 800). Thus, in various embodiments, the computer system 802 may determine a temperature (or a distance and a temperature) and control the laser system based on the determined temperature as described herein.

[0092] The computer system 802 may include a central processing unit ("CPU" or "processor") 804. The processor 804 may include at least one data processor for executing instructions and / or program components to perform user or system generated processes. The user may include a person, a person using a device such as included in the present disclosure, or another device (e.g., a doctor, nurse, technician, or the like). The processor 804 may include a special processing unit such as an integrated system (bus) controller, a memory management control unit, a floating point unit, a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit, a digital signal processing unit, etc. The processor 804 may be arranged to communicate with an input device 814 and an output device 816 via an I / O interface 812. The I / O interface 812 may employ communication protocols / methods such as, but not limited to, audio, analog, digital, stereo, IEEE-1394, serial bus, universal serial bus (USB), infrared, PS / 2, BNC, coaxial, component, composite, digital video interface (DVI), high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), radio frequency (RF) antenna, S-Video, video graphics array (VGA), IEEE 802.n / b / g / n / x, Bluetooth, cellular (e.g., code division multiple access (CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA+), global system for mobile communications (GSM), long term evolution (LTE), WiMAX, or the like), etc.

[0093] Using the I / O interface 812, the computer system 802 can communicate with input devices 814 and output devices 816. In some embodiments, the processor 804 can be configured to communicate with a communication network 820 via a network interface 810. In various embodiments, the communication network 820 can be used to communicate with a remote device 818 to access external storage or computing resources. The network interface 810 can communicate with the communication network 820. The network interface 810 can use a connection protocol, including but not limited to a direct connection, Ethernet (e.g., twisted pair 10 / 100 / 1000Base T), Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Token Ring, IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / x, etc.

[0094] The communication network 820 may be implemented as one of different types of networks, such as an intranet or local area network (LAN), a closed area network (CAN), etc. The communication network 820 may be a dedicated network or a shared network, which represents an association of different types of networks that communicate with each other using various protocols, such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), CAN protocol, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), etc. In addition, the communication network 820 may include various network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, etc.

[0095] In some embodiments, the processor 804 may be configured to communicate with the memory storage device 806 via a storage interface 808. The storage interface 808 may be connected to the memory storage device 806, including but not limited to a memory drive, a removable disk drive, etc., using connection protocols such as Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE), IEEE-1394, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Fibre Channel, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), etc. The memory drive may also include a magnetic drum, a magnetic disk drive, a magneto-optical drive, an optical disk drive, a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), a solid-state storage device, a solid-state drive, etc.

[0096] In addition, the memory storage device 806 may include one or more computer-readable storage media used in the implementation of the embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Generally, a computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory in which information or data readable by a processor can be stored. Therefore, a computer-readable storage medium can store instructions for one or more processors to execute, including instructions for causing one or more processors to execute steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term "computer-readable medium" should be understood to include tangible items and does not include carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., non-transient signals. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard disk drive, compact disk (CD) ROM, digital video disk (DVD), flash drive, disk, and any other known physical storage medium.

[0097] The memory storage device 806 may store a collection of program or database components, including, but not limited to, an operating system 822, application instructions 824, and user interface elements 826. In various embodiments, the operating system 822 may facilitate resource management and operation of the computer system 802. Examples of operating systems include, but are not limited to, UNIX-like system distributions (for example, BERKELEY SOFTWARE (BSD), OPENBSD, etc.), DISTRIBUTION (for example, RED wait), 7 / 8, 10, etc.), GOOGLE TM ANDROID TM , operating system or similar.

[0098] The application instructions 824 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 804, cause the processor 804 to perform one or more techniques, steps, procedures, and / or methods described herein, such as determining the temperature of the working environment 116 or the distance (e.g., distance 234) and temperature between the remote end 112 and the target 102. For example, when executed by the processor 804, the application instructions 824 may cause the processor 804 to perform the logic flow 400 and / or the logic flow 700.

[0099] User interface elements 826 may facilitate the display, execution, interaction, manipulation, or operation of program components through text or graphical tools. For example, a user interface may provide computer interaction interface elements such as cursors, icons, check boxes, menus, scroll bars, windows, widgets, etc. on a display system operably connected to the computer system 802. User interface elements 826 may be employed by application instructions 824 and / or operating system 822 to provide, for example, a user interface with which a user may interact with the computer system 802. In some embodiments, user interface elements 826 may be integrated into a display or provided with a display.

[0100] Regarding the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as the context and / or application requires. For clarity and not limitation, various singular and / or plural arrangements are expressly set forth herein.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will understand that, in general, the terms used herein are generally intended to be used as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least", the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to", etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended. For example, to aid understanding, the detailed description may contain the use of introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as implying that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite article "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to a disclosure containing only one such recitation, even if the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" and "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should generally be interpreted as "at least one" or "one or more"); the same is true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should generally be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., a simple recitation of "two recitations" without other modifiers generally means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).

[0102] In accordance with the present disclosure, all devices and / or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and performed without undue experimentation. Although the devices and methods of the present disclosure have been described according to preferred embodiments, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that changes can be applied to the devices and / or methods and the steps or sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All such similar substitutions and modifications obvious to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method, comprising: generating a light beam, wherein a coefficient or absorption of the light beam in a liquid medium is a function of a temperature of the liquid medium; measuring the intensity of the light beam; delivering the light beam to an optical fiber; receiving a reflected light beam in response to the light beam being directed to a target via the optical fiber; measuring the intensity of the reflected light beam; as well as The temperature of the operating environment is determined based on the measured intensity of the light beam, the measured intensity of the reflected light beam, and the distance between the distal end of the optical fiber and the target.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising: splitting the light beam into a first portion and a second portion at a beam splitter; directing a first portion of the light beam to a reference detector via the beam splitter; as well as A second portion of the light beam is directed via the beam splitter to an optical component arranged to transmit the light beam to the optical fiber.

3. The method according to claim 2, comprising: Generates a healing beam; as well as The treatment beam and a second portion of the beam are combined.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The optical component includes at least one of a focusing lens, an explosion proof shield, and a port.

5. The method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The treatment beam is generated via a holmium gas laser or a thulium fiber laser.

6. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 5, directing the reflected light beam to a reflection detector via the beam splitter.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the light beam is a first light beam, and the method comprises: generating a second light beam, wherein a coefficient or absorption of the second light beam in a liquid medium is a function of a temperature of the liquid medium, and wherein a wavelength of the first light beam is different from a wavelength of the second light beam; and The first light beam and the second light beam are combined.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: determining an absorption coefficient based on the measured intensity of the light beam, the measured intensity of the reflected light beam, and the distance; as well as The temperature is determined based on the absorption coefficient.

9. The method of claim 8, comprising determining the absorption coefficient based on the following formula: I = I0e 2λD , where D is the distance, λ is the absorption coefficient, I0 is the measured intensity of the light beam, I is the measured intensity of the reflected light beam, and e is the Euler number.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The distal end of the optical fiber and the target are disposed in the working environment.

11. A device, comprising: a light source arranged to generate a source light beam, wherein a coefficient or absorption of the source light beam in a liquid medium is a function of a temperature of the liquid medium; a first detector arranged to measure the intensity of the source light beam; an optical component arranged to transmit the source light beam to an optical fiber and to receive a reflected light beam in response to the source light beam being directed to the target via the optical fiber; a second detector arranged to measure the intensity of the reflected light beam; as well as Processing circuitry is arranged to determine a temperature of an operating environment based on the measured intensity of the source light beam, the measured intensity of the reflected light beam, and the distance between the distal end of the optical fiber and the target.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, comprising a beam splitter arranged to receive the light beam and direct a first portion of the light beam to the first detector and a second portion of the light beam to the optical component.

13. The device according to claim 12, comprising: a therapeutic light source arranged to generate a therapeutic light beam, Wherein the optical component comprises a beam combiner arranged to combine the treatment beam and the second portion of the beam.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, comprising at least one of a focusing lens, a burst shield, and a port arranged to optically transmit the combined treatment beam and the second portion of the beam to the optical fiber.

15. The device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The therapeutic light source is a holmium gas laser or a thulium fiber laser.

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