Laser alignment system and method for laser alignment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for laser alignment, and more particularly to systems and methods for aligning optical elements to enable laser transmission. In some embodiments, the cover plate is configured to slide into position on the optics mounting plate. The positioning cover plate is to apply a force to the biasing element to press the optical element against the registration surface of the optical device mounting plate to align the optical element with the optical aperture. The cover plate may be fixed relative to the optic mounting plate to retain the biasing element and the optical element.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] In a wide variety of medical procedures, lasers are used to assist in the procedure and to treat anatomical structures of a patient. For example, in laser photocoagulation performed during a retinal detachment procedure, a laser probe is used to cauterize blood vessels at laser cauterization points on the retina.

[0002] Certain types of laser probes cauterize multiple points at a time, which can enable faster and more efficient photocoagulation. For example, a laser probe can be coupled by a fiber cable to a surgical laser system that splits a single laser beam into multiple laser beams exhibiting a laser point pattern, and delivers these laser beams into an array of multiple independent optical fibers ("optical fibers") exhibiting a corresponding optical fiber pattern in the fiber cable. The optical fibers are coupled at their distal ends to the laser probe and project the laser beam points having the laser point pattern onto the retina. Typically, the optical fibers are tightly packed together so that the optical fiber pattern matches the laser point pattern. The laser point pattern can be created by passing the laser through a diffraction element to split the laser into a point pattern and align the laser point pattern with the corresponding optical fibers.

[0003] Generally, the diffraction elements are precisely positioned and angularly oriented to properly form the multi-point laser point pattern and accurately direct the laser point pattern to the corresponding cores or optical fibers of the fiber cable. The complexity of positioning the diffraction elements includes the cooperative use of an aiming laser with the treatment laser. In such a system, the aiming laser also passes through the diffraction element to align with the optical fibers in the fiber cable, as does the treatment laser. Thus, maintaining the alignment of the two diffraction elements is both sensitive and critical. SUMMARY

[0004] According to certain embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a laser alignment system. In certain embodiments, the laser alignment system includes an optical mount plate, a biasing element, and a cover plate. The optical mount plate includes an optical mount receptacle, an optical aperture, and a biasing recess. The optical mount receptacle is formed on a first side of the optical mount plate. The optical mount receptacle is configured to receive an optical element. The optical mount receptacle includes a registration surface formed on a perimeter of the mount receptacle. The registration surface faces inward over the optical mount receptacle. The optical aperture is disposed within the optical mount receptacle. The optical aperture extends from the first side of the optical mount plate through a thickness of the optical mount plate to a second side of the optical mount plate. The biasing recess is formed in the optical mount plate and extends along two sides of the optical mount receptacle. The biasing element is disposed in the biasing recess and is shaped to extend along the two sides of the optical mount receptacle to apply a biasing force to the optical element to press the optical element against the registration surface to align the optical element relative to the optical mount plate. The cover plate is configured to couple to the first side of the optical mount plate to cover the biasing recess. The cover plate is configured to engage the biasing element with a contact surface of the cover plate and to load the biasing element to apply the biasing force to the optical element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0005] For a more complete understanding of the technology of the present application, its features, and its benefits, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006] Figure 1 A plan view of a system for generating a laser beam for delivery to a surgical target is shown in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 A plan view of an example of a surgical laser system and components therein is shown in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 3 A perspective view of an optical mount system that can be used in conjunction with a surgical laser system, such as the surgical laser system of Figure 2 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 4 A perspective view of an optical mount plate of the optical mount system of Figure 3 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 5 An assembled view of the optical mount system of Figure 3 , in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 6The use of certain embodiments according to this disclosure is illustrated. Figure 3 Methods for mounting optical components.

[0012] For ease of understanding, the same reference numerals have been used where possible to refer to the same elements common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements and features of one embodiment can be advantageously combined in other embodiments without further description. Detailed Implementation

[0013] In the following description, details are illustrated by way of example to aid understanding of the disclosed subject matter. However, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments are exemplary and not an exhaustive list of all possible embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that references to the described examples are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will generally be fully capable of conceiving any changes and further modifications to the described apparatus, instruments, and methods, as well as any further applications of the principles of this disclosure. In particular, it will be fully contemplated that features, components, and / or steps described for one embodiment can be combined with features, components, and / or steps described for other embodiments of this disclosure.

[0014] It should be noted that, as described herein, the distal end, distal segment, or distal portion of a component refers to the end, segment, or portion of the component that is closer to the patient's body during use. On the other hand, the proximal end, proximal segment, or proximal portion of a component refers to the end, segment, or portion that is further away from the patient's body and closer to, for example, a surgical laser system.

[0015] As used herein, the term "about" can refer to a variation of + / - 10% from the nominal value. It should be understood that any value provided herein may include such variation.

[0016] The specific embodiments disclosed herein provide methods and systems for aligning multi-core optical fibers with multi-point laser beam patterns in a laser surgical system.

[0017] Some ophthalmic surgical laser systems generate both a targeting beam and a treatment beam, allowing surgeons to visualize and position the targeting beam before delivering pulses of the treatment beam to treat the target surgical site. Such surgical laser systems can also provide delivery of diffracted multi-beam patterns, where both the targeting and treatment beams are diffracted into the same pattern, which is then combined into the same optical path for delivery to the patient via a multi-core fiber, a focusing objective, or a combination thereof or other means.

[0018] To align the aiming beam and the treatment beam, separate diffractive optical elements (DOEs) can be used for each. However, when using separate DOEs, the precise clock orientation of each of these different DOEs (ensuring accurate angular registration and that the diffraction angles of the aiming beam wavelength and the treatment beam wavelength are the same) is crucial. This disclosure provides a system and method for precisely aligning the aiming beam and the treatment beam using two separate DOEs.

[0019] Figure 1 An example system 100 for performing laser-assisted ophthalmic surgery is shown. System 100 includes a surgical laser system 102 having one or more laser sources for generating a laser beam. For example, a first laser source within the surgical laser system 102 can generate a treatment beam having a first wavelength (e.g., about 532 nanometers (nm)), while a second laser source can generate a targeting beam having a second wavelength (e.g., about 639 nm). A user (e.g., a surgeon) can first trigger the surgical laser system 102 (e.g., via a foot switch, voice command, etc.) to fire the targeting beam at a desired retinal point. Once the surgeon has positioned the laser probe to illuminate the desired retinal point with the targeting beam, the surgeon activates the treatment beam, for example via a foot pedal or other means, to treat the patient's anatomy (e.g., using the treatment beam to photocoagulate the desired retinal point).

[0020] As shown in the figure, the surgical laser system 102 includes a connector or port adapter 114 that is connected to the optical port of the surgical laser system 102. Figure 1 Also shown is an optical fiber 110 within an optical fiber cable 111, having a distal end coupled to and extending through a probe 108, and a proximal end coupled to and extending through a port adapter 114. In some cases, as further described herein, optical fiber 110 may include more than one optical fiber. Figure 1 In the example, port adapter 114 includes a ferrule with an opening into which the proximal end of fiber optic cable 110 is inserted. The proximal end of fiber optic cable 110 includes an interface plane (also referred to as a proximal entry plane) on which a laser beam from surgical laser system 102 can be focused when the proximal end of fiber optic cable 110 is inserted into the ferrule. The interface plane of fiber optic cable 110 includes one or more exposed proximal ends onto which the laser beam can be directed. Figure 1 In the example, fiber 110 is a multi-core fiber (MCF) with four cores. Thus, the interface plane at the near end of fiber 110 includes the near ends of the four cores, on which the laser beam can be focused.

[0021] The surgical laser system 102 can be configured to split a single laser beam generated by a laser source into multiple laser beams exhibiting a laser dot pattern. For example, the surgical laser system 102 can split a targeting beam into four targeting beams and then deliver these four targeting beams to the interface plane of the fiber optic 110 through an opening in the ferrule of the port adapter 114. The surgical laser system 102 can be further configured to split a treatment beam into four treatment beams and deliver these four treatment beams to the interface plane of the fiber optic 110 through an opening in the ferrule. In this example, each core of the fiber optic 110 will then transmit a multi-wavelength beam or a combined beam, which could refer to a combination of the treatment beam and the targeting beam. While some aspects are described with regard to the transmission of combined beams by the core of the fiber, it should be noted that the core of the fiber optic 110 can also transmit a treatment beam or a targeting beam individually, depending on which beam is initiated and incident on the fiber optic 110.

[0022] In some examples, the surgical laser system 102 can also propagate an illumination beam into the interface plane of the optical fiber 110 (e.g., the interface plane of the optical fiber may also include the proximal end of the cladding that holds the core within the optical fiber 110) to illuminate the interior of the eye, particularly the area of ​​the retina 120 to be photocoagulated. In some aspects, the illumination beam can be generated by a white light-emitting diode (LED).

[0023] Fiber optic cable 110 delivers a combined beam to probe 108, which propagates a multi-point pattern (e.g., four points) of the combined beam to the retina 120 of the patient's eye 125. Probe 108 includes a probe body 112 that houses and protects the distal end of fiber optic cable 110 and a probe tip 140. The distal portion 145 of probe tip 140 may also accommodate a lens that focuses the combined beam onto the retina 120.

[0024] Figure 2 An example of a surgical laser system 202 and its components, which can be implemented according to the embodiments described herein, is shown. The surgical laser system 202 includes: a laser source 204 that propagates a therapeutic beam 210; a laser source 206 that propagates a targeting beam 212; and a light source 208 that propagates an illumination beam 214. The surgical laser system 202 further includes a plurality of lenses, diffraction elements, beam splitters, and other optical relay devices for relaying the laser beam and illumination beam between their respective sources and desired ports; these may be collectively referred to as an "optical relay system".

[0025] At the start of surgery, the surgeon can activate light source 208 to illuminate the inside of the eye and make it easier to view the retina. As shown, once emitted by light source 208, the illumination beam 214 (dotted segment) is received by collimating lens 222, which is configured to produce a beam with parallel rays. In some embodiments, collimating lens 222 may be a multi-element achromatic lens comprising two singleton lenses and one doubleton lens. Thus, as shown, the illumination beam 214 exits as parallel rays from the other side of collimating lens 222 and passes through beam splitters 228 and 226 (which may also be referred to as dichroic mirrors) to reach converging lens 224.

[0026] In some embodiments, the converging lens 224 may be a multi-element achromatic lens comprising two single lenses and one double lens. In such embodiments, the converging lens 224 has the same design as the collimating lens 222, except that the components are inverted (e.g., rotated 180 degrees), thereby creating a one-to-one magnified imaging system. Each of the beam splitters 228 and 226 may have different coatings on its two sides 228a and 228b and 226a and 226b, respectively. For example, sides 228a and 226a are coated such that they allow light propagating thereon to pass through beam splitters 228 and 226. Thus, the illumination beam 214 propagating on sides 228a and 226a passes through those surfaces of beam splitters 228 and 226. On the other hand, sides 228b and 226b are coated to reflect light or laser beams (e.g., aiming beam 212 and treatment beam 210), respectively, as further described below.

[0027] The converging lens 224 then focuses the illumination beam 214 onto the interface plane of the near end of an optical fiber (e.g., fiber 110), which is connected to port 225 of the surgical laser system 202 via port adapter 114. (See also: Regarding...) Figure 1 As described, the optical fiber 110 may have four cores embedded within a larger diameter cladding. Thus, the converging lens 224 focuses the illumination beam 214 onto the interface plane of the optical fiber 110, causing the illumination beam 214 to propagate along the entire length of the cladding and the entire length of each of the four cores of the optical fiber 110 to a surgical probe (e.g., [missing information]) coupled to the optical fiber 110. Figure 1 The distal end of probe 108. As described above, the interface plane of optical fiber 110 includes the proximal ends of four cores and their cladding, which are exposed via ferrules 215 through openings 217 of port adapter 114.

[0028] Once the surgeon has access to the inside of the eye, they can project one or more desired targeting beams onto the retina from the distal end of a probe. More specifically, after initiation by the surgeon, laser source 206 radiates targeting beam 212 (e.g., a red laser beam) onto / through an optical element 314 (e.g., a diffractive optical element (DOE)) of optical device mounting system 220. In some embodiments, optical element 314 diffracts the targeting beam 212 into a desired number of targeting beams based on the area of ​​optical element 314 through which the targeting beam 212 passes (hereinafter referred to as the “DOE region” or “region”). Typically, optical device mounting system 220 may have two or more optical elements 314 coupled thereto, and each optical element 314 may have one or more regions for forming different numbers and / or different shapes of beams from the targeting beam 212.

[0029] exist Figure 2 In the example, the optics mounting system 220 is positioned such that the aiming beam 212 is aligned with one of the two optical elements 314a-b connected to the optics mounting system 220, and more specifically, with the region in optical element 314a that diffracts the aiming beam 212 into aiming beams 212a-d (e.g., four aiming beams). However, the surgeon can change the position of the optics mounting system 220, and thus the position of the optical elements 314a-b, to diffract the beam into different numbers of beams (e.g., two or one). For example, by using voice commands or some other feature of the surgical laser system 202, the surgeon can position the optics mounting system 220 and thereby position the optical elements 314a to align the aiming beam 212 with different regions of optical element 314a, which can diffract the aiming beam 212 into two, one, or other numbers of beams.

[0030] Once diffracted, the resulting aiming beam can be reflected by beam splitter 228, pass through beam splitter 226, and reach converging lens 224. In the example where aiming beams 212a-d are red aiming beams, beam splitter 228 can be a red dichroic optical element, and aiming beams 212a-d can be reflected by a narrow-band red spectral notch in beam splitter 228. Converging lens 224 can then focus the four aiming beams onto the interface plane at the near end of fiber 110, such that each aiming beam propagates along the entire length of the corresponding core of fiber 110 to the surgical probe (e.g., Figure 1 The distal end of the probe (108). Each of the four aiming beams is focused with high coupling efficiency into a corresponding core within the 4-core MCF and propagates along the length of the core to the distal end of the MCF. This allows the surgeon to project four desired aiming beam points onto the retina from the distal end of the probe.

[0031] In some embodiments, the light source 208 propagates a white light illumination beam 214 that passes through a side 228a of the beam splitter 228, which may have an anti-reflective coating, and is incident on a side 228b of the beam splitter 228, which may have a red dichroic coating. In such an embodiment, a portion of the red light illumination beam 214 in the red dichroic region reflected by the red dichroic coating on side 228b is strongly reflected by the red dichroic coating, while the remainder of the white light illumination beam 214 is substantially transmitted through the coating.

[0032] In some embodiments, the white light illumination beam 214 further passes through a beamsplitter 226, which may have corresponding coatings on one or both sides to filter light incident on the beamsplitter 226. For example, the beamsplitter 226 may include an anti-reflective coating on side 226a and a green dichroic coating on side 226b. Therefore, a portion of the narrow-band reflective green spectral region of the green dichroic coating on side 226b of the white light illumination beam 214 will be strongly reflected by the green dichroic coating, while the remainder of the white light illumination beam 214 will be substantially transmitted through the green dichroic coating. Although the red and green spectral portions of the white spectrum of the illumination beam 214 may be strongly reflected by the coatings on sides 228b and 226b, respectively, the transmitted portion of the white light illumination beam 214 reaching the lens 224 can remain substantially white.

[0033] As described above, once the surgeon has positioned and activated the laser probe to project the aiming beam onto the retina, the surgeon activates the laser source 204, for example, via a foot pedal or other means, to treat the patient's anatomical structures (e.g., using a therapeutic beam to photocoagulate the desired retinal point). When activated, the laser source 204 emits a therapeutic beam 210, such as a green laser beam, as... Figure 2 As shown. The treatment beam 210 reaches the beam splitter 213, which is configured to allow most of the treatment beam 210 to pass through while reflecting a negligible portion 231 onto the sensor 223. The sensor 223 is a light sensor configured to detect whether the laser source 204 is operational and to monitor the power level of the treatment beam. After passing through the beam splitter 213 and as long as the shield 234 is in the open position to allow the treatment beam 210 to enter, the treatment beam 210 is received at the fixed folding mirror 219, which is configured to reflect the treatment beam 210 onto the beam splitter 218.

[0034] In some embodiments, the surgical laser system 202 may further include a shield 234 disposed between the laser source 204 and the fixation folding mirror 219. The shield 234 may be configured to alternately block or allow the therapeutic laser beam 210 to reach the fixation folding mirror 219. A surgeon or surgical staff may control the shield 234 (e.g., via a foot switch, voice command, etc.) to emit a laser aiming beam and a laser therapeutic beam (i.e., open the shield 234) to treat patient anatomical structures (e.g., photocoagulation). In each case, a beam splitter 218 may direct the laser beam toward the port adapter 114.

[0035] As shown in the figure, the treatment beam 210 passes through the beam splitter 218 and then reaches the second optical element 314b, which is connected to the optical device mounting system 220. Figure 2 In the diagram, the second optical element 314b of the optical mounting system 220 is shown to diffract the treatment beam 210 into treatment beams 210a-210d (e.g., four treatment beams). However, the surgeon can change the position of the optical mounting system 220 and thus the position of the second optical element 314b to align the treatment beam 210 with different areas of the second optical element 314b and diffract the beam 210 into different numbers of beams (e.g., two or one). For example, by using voice commands or some other feature of the surgical laser system 202, the surgeon can position the optical mounting system 220 to align the treatment beam 210 with different areas of the second optical element 314b, which can diffract the treatment beam 210 into two, one, or other numbers of beams.

[0036] The treatment beams 210a-210d are then received at beam splitter 226, which reflects them onto converging lens 224. In the example where the treatment beams 210a-d are green treatment beams, beam splitter 226 may be a green dichroic optics element, and the treatment beams 210a-d may be reflected by a narrow-band green spectral notch in beam splitter 226. The treatment beams 210a-d are reflected by beam splitter 226 at an angle relative to beam splitter 226, which is equal to the angle at which the aiming beams 212a-d pass through beam splitter 226. Therefore, when laser source 204 is operational, the transmitted treatment beams 210a-d and aiming beams 212a-d are combined (e.g., such that they overlap each other) to create a combined beam 211a-d, which then reaches converging lens 224.

[0037] Converging lens 224 focuses the combined beams 211a-211d onto the interface plane at the proximal end of fiber 110, such that each combined beam in 211a-211d propagates along the entire length of the corresponding core of fiber 110 to the surgical probe (e.g., Figure 1The distal end of probe 108. More specifically, in Figure 2 In this example, fiber 110 is an MCF with four cores (e.g., cores A, B, C, and D). In this example, converging lens 224 focuses the combined beams 211a-211d onto the interface plane near the end of fiber 110, such that, for example, combined beam 211a propagates to core A, combined beam 211b propagates to core B, combined beam 211c propagates to core C, and combined beam 211d propagates to core D.

[0038] Generally, the embodiments described herein offer several advantages. For example, some embodiments described herein provide consistent positioning and angular orientation of the DOE within an optical device mounting system by utilizing a biasing element to press one or more DOEs against a precise registration surface. Furthermore, some embodiments described herein provide simple assembly by incorporating a cover plate configured to at least partially enclose the DOE and biasing element while engaging the biasing element to apply a biasing force to the DOE. The mounting of the cover plate provides consistent engagement of the biasing element, allowing for repeatable and predictable self-alignment of the DOE and facilitating assembly. The embodiments described herein can also be scalable and provide a more compact size, for example, along the optical path. Some embodiments described herein are also compatible with translational and rotational movements, exhibiting high stability at relatively high movement rates. As described in more detail below, the combined optical elements can be interchangeable to suit specific functional or performance characteristics.

[0039] Figure 3 Showing Figure 2 A perspective view of the optical component mounting system 220. Again, the optical component mounting system 220 facilitates the positioning and alignment of optical elements 314 (shown as 314a and 314b) to produce a desired laser beam pattern and / or to perform other manipulations on the laser beam(s) guided through the optical elements 314, and to precisely guide the laser beam(s) to... Figure 2 Fiber optic cable 110.

[0040] As shown in the figure, the optical device mounting system 220 includes an optical device mounting plate 302. In some embodiments, the optical device mounting plate 302 has an L-shaped geometry, wherein vertical legs 304 are coupled to a base plate 331. In some embodiments, the vertical legs 304 and the base plate 332 provide translational positioning, for example, of an optical element 314. In some embodiments, the legs 304 may include other components to facilitate movement of the system 220, as described below. The optical device mounting plate 302 may be substantially planar and has a first side 306 and an opposite second side 308, which together define the thickness of the optical device mounting plate 302. In some embodiments, the optical device mounting plate 302 is formed of a metallic material (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.) or a composite material (e.g., a thermoplastic polymer). In some embodiments, the material of the optical device mounting plate 302 may provide desired thermal properties (e.g., heat dissipation), sufficient bending resistance to resist bending caused by relatively rapid movement, etc.

[0041] In some embodiments, the optics mounting plate 302 includes at least one optics mounting receiver 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the optics mounting plate 302 is shown having two separate optics mounting receivers 310a and 310b. In some embodiments, each optics mounting receiver 310 may be designated for a specific purpose (e.g., one or more receivers 310 for allowing a therapeutic beam to pass through, and one or more receivers 310 for allowing a targeting beam to pass through). In some embodiments, the optics mounting receiver 310 may be independent of the beam passing through it. In other words, one or more of the optics mounting receivers 310 may be used for either a therapeutic beam or a targeting beam. However, other embodiments may include fewer or more optics mounting receivers 310.

[0042] Typically, the shape of each optical element mounting receiver 310 is determined to receive an optical element 314, which in some embodiments includes a diffractive optical element (DOE). The size of the optical element mounting receiver 310 can be determined to accommodate an optical element 314 (e.g., a DOE) having multiple regions with diffractive properties or characteristics. In the illustrated embodiment, the optical element 314 has three separate regions. In other embodiments, the optical element 314 may have fewer or more regions. In some embodiments, each optical element 314 may have regions arranged linearly to facilitate linear translational movement of the optical element mounting plate 302, thereby allowing a laser beam to pass through a desired region within these regions. In embodiments where multiple optical elements 314 are mounted in two or more optical element mounting receivers 310, each optical element 314 may have a region corresponding to the regions of other mounted optical elements 314, such that translational or rotational movement of the optical element mounting plate 302 causes a laser beam to pass through the desired corresponding region of each optical element 314. In other words, the multiple optical elements 314 may have corresponding or synchronized regions.

[0043] In some embodiments, the optical device mounting receiver 310 may each include one or more registration surfaces 316. The registration surfaces 316 may be formed on the periphery of the optical device mounting receiver 310. The registration surfaces 316 may be positioned within the optical device mounting receiver 310 to align the optical element 314 relative to the optical device mounting plate 302. In some embodiments, the registration surfaces 316 may project inward toward the aperture 312 and have a planar surface. However, other geometries may also be incorporated into the registration surfaces 316.

[0044] In some embodiments, the optical device mounting receiver 310 is each coupled to one or more bias recesses 322. In some examples, such as Figure 3As shown, each optical device mounting receiver 310 is coupled to two or more biasing recesses 322 formed in the optical device mounting plate 302. These biasing recesses receive and hold a biasing element 324 for biasing the optical element 314 against the registration surface 316. Biasing the optical element 314 against the registration surface 316 facilitates the alignment of the optical element 314 relative to the corresponding optical aperture 312. In some embodiments, the biasing recesses 322 may be formed in the optical device mounting plate 302 and extend along one or more sides of each of the optical device mounting receivers 310. In some embodiments, the biasing recesses 322 in the optical device mounting plate 302 are formed to have the same depth or thickness as the optical device mounting receivers 310. In other embodiments, the biasing recesses 322 may have a different depth within the optical device mounting plate 302 compared to the optical device mounting receivers 310. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the bias recesses 322 is formed along the bottom and leftmost side of each of the optical device mounting receivers 310. However, in other embodiments, at least one of the bias recesses 322 may be positioned at least partially along the top or another side of the optical device mounting receiver 310. In some embodiments, the bias recesses 322 may have one or more geometries that are longer or shorter than the optical device mounting receiver 310. In other words, one or more of the bias recesses 322 may extend beyond the edge of one or more of the optical device mounting receivers 310, or may not extend to that edge. In other embodiments, the bias recesses 322 may mate with the optical device mounting receiver 310 along at least one edge.

[0045] In some embodiments, one or more biasing elements 324 are provided in each biasing recess 322. The shape of the biasing element 324 may be determined to extend along one of the sides of the optical device mounting receiver 310. The biasing element 324 may be configured to press the optical element 314 against the registration surface 316 to align the optical element 314 relative to the optical device mounting plate 302. In some embodiments, the biasing element 324 includes a spring. For example, the biasing element 324 may be a flat spring or a "blade" spring with a multi-curve geometry, which is flexible and elastically deforms in response to a compressive force applied to the biasing element 324. When compressed, each biasing element 324 may typically be angled to fit within the corresponding biasing recess 322. In some embodiments, the biasing element 324 is asymmetrical. For example, the biasing element 324 may have vertically oriented portions that are shorter than horizontally oriented portions, or vice versa. In other embodiments, the biasing element 324 is symmetrical. Embodiments of the optical device mounting receiver 310, registration surface 316, and bias element 324 are described in more detail below.

[0046] Embodiments of the optical device mounting plate 302 may include one or more optical apertures 312. In some embodiments, the optical aperture 312 is disposed within the optical device mounting receiver 310. The optical aperture 312 extends through the thickness of the optical device mounting plate 302. In other words, the optical aperture 312 forms a through-hole in the optical device mounting plate 302. The shape of the optical aperture 312 may be determined to allow laser light to pass through the optical device mounting plate 302. In some embodiments, the various optical apertures 312 may have similar geometries. In other embodiments, one or more optical apertures 312 may have a different geometry than another optical aperture 312.

[0047] In some embodiments, the optical mounting plate 302 includes one or more through holes 318. In the illustrated embodiment, an example of the through holes 318 is disposed between optical apertures 312. The through holes 318 may be formed in the optical mounting plate 302 to allow a first laser to pass through the optical mounting system 220 without impacting the optical element 314. For example, the through holes 318 may be used to allow a single laser beam to enter an optical fiber cable, be transmitted to a laser power measurement device, etc., without being diffracted or otherwise manipulated by the optical element 314. In some embodiments, a cutout 320 may be formed in the edge of the optical mounting system 220 to allow a second laser to bypass the optical mounting system 220 while the first laser passes through the through hole 318. In some embodiments, the spacing between the cut 320 and the through hole 318 is similar to the spacing of the optical aperture 312, so that the corresponding one of the aiming laser and the treatment laser passes through, such that repositioning the optical device mounting system 220 causes the laser that previously passed through the optical aperture 312 to then pass through the through hole 318 and the cut 320 to avoid any influence from the optical element 314.

[0048] Embodiments of the optical component mounting system 220 may include a cover plate 326. The cover plate 326 may be configured to engage with a first side 306 of the optical component mounting plate 302 to hold the optical element 314 and the biasing element 324, and to apply a biasing force to align the optical element 314 within the optical component mounting system 220. In some embodiments, the cover plate 326 may be engaged with the optical component mounting plate 302 via a hardware coupling element 328. In other embodiments, the cover plate 326 may be engaged with the optical component mounting plate 302 via adhesive, chemical bonding, magnetic bonding, electromagnetic bonding, or other coupling means. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware coupling element 328 includes a machine screw. In other embodiments, other hardware coupling elements may be used. Other examples of the hardware coupling element 328 include pins, latches, clips, snaps, nuts, bolts, etc.

[0049] In some embodiments, the cover plate 326 has a geometry that matches at least a portion of the geometry of the base plate 332 of the optical device mounting plate 302. For example, the cover plate 326 may have a geometry that matches at least a portion of the geometry of the optical device mounting plate 302. Similar to the optical device mounting plate 302, the cover plate 326 may include optical apertures 313 and through holes 319, which correspond to or are aligned with optical aperture 312, and the through holes correspond to or are aligned with through holes 318. Additional details relating to embodiments of the cover plate 326 are provided below.

[0050] In some embodiments, such as Figure 3 As shown, legs 304 of the optical component mounting plate 302 extend vertically downward from the optical component mounting plate 302. Legs 304 can be configured to connect the mounting plate 302 to the translation system 330. The translation system 330 can be configured to facilitate in-plane translation of the optical component mounting system 220, such as... Figure 3 As shown. In other embodiments, additional or supplementary hardware may be incorporated to allow further movement or positional adjustments (e.g., rotational movement) of the optics mounting system 220. Movement of the optics mounting system 220 may be performed to adjust the positioning of the optical elements(s) 314 relative to the beam paths of the incident aiming beam and / or the treatment beam.

[0051] In some embodiments, the translation system 330 may include a C-shaped channel 334 configured to mate with a slider 336, such that the slider 336 translates within the C-shaped channel 334 to allow relative movement of the optics mounting system 220 relative to the base plate 332. The base plate 332 may be fixed, while the optics mounting system 220 is coupled to a motor (e.g., a servo motor, stepper motor, solenoid motor, or other type of electromechanical or pneumatic motor) to translate the optics mounting system 220.

[0052] Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of the optical mounting plate 302 is shown. As shown, when the bias element 324 is located in the bias recess 322, the bias element 324 has contact points 402 that abut against the surface of the bias recess 322 and the surface of the optical element 314. In some embodiments, the bias element 324 and / or the contact points 402 may slide relative to the bias recess 322 and the optical element 314, for example, against the surface of the bias recess 322 and the surface of the optical element 314. In other words, some embodiments of the bias element 324 may not be adhered to or otherwise secured to the bias recess 322 or the optical element 314. This allows the bias element 324 to mate with the optical element 314 with large tolerances for initial mounting of the optical element 314, and still allows alignment of the optical element 314 by pressing it against the alignment surface 316.

[0053] When the biasing element 324 applies a biasing force to the optical element 314, the optical element 314 presses against the registration surface 316. The registration surface 316 is formed within a tolerance range configured to provide precise positioning and angular orientation of the optical element 314 so as to guide incident laser light (e.g., a treatment beam 210 or a targeting beam 212) toward an optical fiber or other target in a correctly patterned and precisely aligned manner. In some embodiments, the registration surface 316 extends inward into the optical device mounting receiver 310. In some embodiments, the registration surface 316 is flat where it contacts the optical element 314. In other embodiments, the registration surface 316 may be partially cylindrical. In some embodiments, the registration surface 316 may be partially spherical. In yet another embodiment, the registration surface 316 may have a pointed tip where it contacts the optical element 314. However, other shapes are also contemplated.

[0054] In some embodiments, the registration surface 316 is formed near one or more corners of the optical element 314, such as the three corners of the optical element 314. Additional registration surfaces 316 may be positioned more centrally relative to the optical element 314. In the illustrated embodiment, three registration surfaces 316 are shown for each optical element 314. However, fewer or more registration surfaces 316 may be used.

[0055] Embodiments of the optical component mounting plate 302 may further include a hardware mounting point 404. The hardware mounting point 404 facilitates the attachment of the cover plate 326 to the optical component mounting plate 302. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware mounting point 404 is a countersunk screw hole with threaded holes. In other embodiments, the hardware mounting point 404 may facilitate the use of other attachment means (e.g., pins, latches, clips, magnets, etc.).

[0056] In some embodiments, the optical mounting plate 302 includes a guide channel 406. The guide channel 406 may be formed in the optical mounting plate 302 at the same or similar depth as at least one of the bias recess 322 and / or the optical mounting receiver 310. The guide channel 406 may extend from the periphery of the optical mounting plate 302 to the bias recess 322. The guide channel 406 may be oriented at an angle relative to the edge of the optical mounting plate 302 and / or the optical element 314. The guide channel 406 is described in more detail below.

[0057] Figure 5An assembled view of an optical mounting system 220 (including a cover plate 326), shown in dashed lines, is illustrated. In some embodiments, the cover plate 326 of the optical mounting system 220 is configured to slide onto an optical mounting plate 302. In such an embodiment, the cover plate 326 may include one or more contact blocks 502. Each contact block 502 may project outward from the cover plate 326 and is sized to mate with and slide along guide channels 406 of the optical mounting plate 302. Accordingly, the thickness of the contact block 502 may be approximately equal to the depth of the guide channels 406 of the optical mounting plate 302. As further shown, both the guide channels 406 and the contact blocks 502 include guide surfaces 504. Such guide surfaces 504 are formed in the guide channels 406 and on the contact blocks 502, parallel to each other, and allow the contact blocks 502 to slide along the guide channels 406 in a direction-controlled manner to apply a biasing force in a direction not perpendicular to the periphery of the optical element 314. In some embodiments, the guide surface 504 may be lubricated, treated, or otherwise comprised of a material or structure suitable for relative sliding of the contact block 502 within the guide channel 406.

[0058] As the contact block 502 slides diagonally toward the optical element 314 along the guide channel 406, the contact block 502 contacts the bias element 324. The contact block 502 may include a contact surface 506 formed therein for contacting the bias element 324. In some embodiments, the contact surface 506 is V-shaped to contact the bias element 324 and hold the bias element relative to the contact block 502. The contact surface 506 may be rounded to match the geometry of the bias element 324, or it may be angled or otherwise different from the geometry of the bias element 324. In some embodiments, the contact surface 506 is configured to match the geometry of the bias element 324 when the bias element 324 is fully compressed to maximize the stability of the bias element 324, and consequently, the stability of the optical element 314.

[0059] As described above, the cover plate 326 can be configured to slide or translate into position relative to the optical device mounting plate 302 after the cover plate 326 is pressed against the optical device mounting plate 302 by moving the contact block 502 through the guide channel 406. The sliding of the cover plate 326 can be along a relative angular direction 510. In response to the sliding of the cover plate 326 relative to the optical device mounting plate 302, the cover plate 326 engages the contact block 502 with the bias element 324 to apply a force to the bias element 324 at the contact surface 506 of the contact block 502. The force applied to the bias element 324 causes the bias element 324 to press against the optical element 314. The bias element 324 can elastically deform in response to the force between the contact block 502 and the optical element 314 and extend outward in the vertical and horizontal directions 508, such as... Figure 5 As shown. Then, the biasing element applies force to the optical element 314 to press the optical element 314 against the registration surface 316 and put it into place.

[0060] By pressing the optical element 314 against the registration surface 316, the optical element 314 is properly aligned to achieve laser transmission. The optical element 314 may be a diffractive optical element (DOE) or a similar element to form patterns or otherwise manipulate the laser based on surgical or other desired effects.

[0061] Figure 6 Demonstrated for assembly and use in surgical laser systems Figure 3 Method 600 for mounting optical components. At block 602, optical components (e.g., Figure 3 The optical element 314 is placed on the optical mounting plate of the optical device mounting system (e.g., Figure 3 Optical component mounting plate 302) optical component mounting receiver (e.g., Figure 3 The optical component mounting receiver 310 is located within the optical component mounting plate. The optical component mounting plate may have been positioned and aligned with other optical relay devices in the optical relay system of the surgical laser system.

[0062] At box 604, the bias element ( Figure 3 The biasing element 324 is positioned against at least two sides of the optical element. In some embodiments, the biasing element may be disposed in a biasing recess (e.g., Figure 3 In the bias recess 322), the bias recess is connected to the optical device mounting receiver and has a geometry that facilitates the movement of the bias element within the bias recess.

[0063] At frame 606, the cover plate (e.g., Figure 3The cover plate 326 is attached to the optical component mounting plate. Attaching the cover plate to the optical component mounting plate may include pressing the cover plate against the optical component mounting plate and then sliding or translating the cover plate (while pressing against the optical component mounting plate) to cause the biasing element to abut against the contact surface of the cover plate (e.g., Figure 5 The contact surface 506) is joined.

[0064] At frame 608, a biasing element is engaged in response to the contact surface of the cover plate, and the biasing element applies a biasing force to the optical element. The biasing force can be in a direction relative to the angular direction (e.g., Figure 5 The force is applied in the angular direction 510, causing the bias element to elastically deform and apply force to press the optical element against the registration surface formed on the periphery of the optical device mounting receiver (e.g., ). Figure 3 On the registration surface 316). Applying a bias force to the optical element by a biasing element can make the optical element relative to the optical aperture (e.g., within the optical device mounting receiver) within the optical device mounting housing. Figure 3 The optical element is aligned with the optical aperture 312. By positioning the optical element within the optical device mounting receiver, the optical element can be at least partially aligned with the optical aperture and allows the optical element to be properly aligned with other optical relays in the surgical laser system. This enables the laser beam to be precisely transmitted through the desired area of ​​the optical element and, in some embodiments, facilitates precise optical manipulation of the optical element with respect to the laser beam(s).

[0065] At frame 610, an optical element may be positioned in a first location to receive at least one of a targeting beam and / or a treatment beam at a first region of the optical element.

[0066] At frame 612, the optical mounting plate of the optical mounting system can be translated to position the optical element in a second location to receive at least one of a targeting beam or a treatment beam in a second region of the optical element.

[0067] As described above, an optical device mounting system may include one or more optical elements. In an example of an optical device mounting system with a single optical element, the optical element may be positioned to guide a targeting beam to a treatment site, and similarly to guide a treatment beam to a treatment site. Each of the targeting beam and the treatment beam may pass through a first region of the optical element to apply a first effect to the targeting beam and the treatment beam. The optical device mounting system may be translated to then allow the targeting beam and the treatment beam to pass through a second region of the optical element to apply a second effect to the targeting beam and the treatment beam, different from the first effect. The first effect and the second effect may, for example, form different patterns, beam widths, etc.

[0068] In an example of an optical device mounting system having multiple optical elements, a targeting optics element can be positioned in the optical device mounting system to receive a targeting beam, and a treatment optics element can be positioned in the optical device mounting system to receive a treatment beam. Each of the targeting optics element and the treatment optics element may have corresponding first and second regions formed therein. Translation of the optical device mounting system causes the targeting beam and the treatment beam to shift from the first region to the second region of each optics element.

[0069] Accordingly, the embodiments described herein allow for the use of an optical mounting system to align optical elements for more accurate laser transmission. The assembly of the optical mounting system is repeatable, and the consistency of optical element alignment is improved. The arrangement of the optical mounting system can withstand high-speed movement without causing misalignment of optical elements or relative displacement of other components of the optical mounting system.

[0070] The subject matter disclosed above should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments falling within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the scope of this disclosure shall be determined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the appended claims and their equivalents, and should not be limited to or restricted by the foregoing detailed description.

Claims

1. A system for laser alignment, the system comprising: Optical component mounting plate, the optical component mounting plate comprising: An optical component mounting receiver is formed on a first side of the optical component mounting plate and is configured to receive an optical element. The optical component mounting receiver includes: A registration surface is formed on the periphery of the optical device mounting receiver, and the registration surface faces inward on the upper surface of the optical device mounting receiver; An optical aperture, wherein the optical aperture is disposed within the optical device mounting receiver, the optical aperture extending from a first side of the optical device mounting plate through the thickness of the optical device mounting plate to a second side of the optical device mounting plate; and A biasing recess is formed in the optical device mounting plate and extends along both sides of the optical device mounting receiver. A biasing element, disposed in the biasing recess and shaped to extend along both sides of the optical device mounting receiver, applies a biasing force to the optical element to press it against the registration surface, thereby aligning the optical element relative to the optical device mounting plate; and A cover plate, configured to be coupled to a first side of the optical device mounting plate to cover the bias recess, wherein the cover plate is configured to: Engage the biasing element with the contact surface of the cover plate; and A load is applied to the biasing element to apply the biasing force to the optical element.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The biasing element is a spring.

3. The system as described in claim 1, wherein, The optical element is a diffractive optical element.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The optical device mounting plate includes a guide surface for aligning the cover plate relative to the optical device mounting plate.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The optical device mounting base includes a first optical device mounting base and a second optical device mounting base; and The optical aperture includes a first optical aperture and a second optical aperture, the first optical aperture corresponding to the first optical device mounting receiver, and the second optical aperture corresponding to the second optical device mounting receiver.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein, The optical device mounting plate further includes a through hole, which is disposed in the optical device mounting plate and between the first optical device mounting receiver and the second optical device mounting receiver.

7. A method for laser alignment, the method comprising: Optical components are received in the optical component mounting bracket of the optical component mounting plate; The biasing element is positioned along both sides of the optical element; The cover plate is attached to the optical device mounting plate, wherein attaching the cover plate to the optical device mounting plate causes the biasing element to engage with the contact surface of the cover plate; and In response to the contact surface of the cover plate engaging the biasing element, the biasing element applies a biasing force to press the optical element against a registration surface formed on the periphery of the optical device mounting receiver, wherein the biasing force is applied such that the optical element is aligned with respect to the optical aperture within the optical device mounting receiver.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, Applying the biasing force to the biasing element includes causing the biasing element to elastically deform.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein, Connecting the cover plate to the optical device mounting plate includes translating the cover plate along the guide surface of the optical device mounting plate.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, The translation direction of the cover plate is the same as the direction in which the biasing element applies the biasing force to press the optical element against the registration surface.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein, Connecting the cover plate to the optical device mounting plate includes positioning the connecting element to extend through the cover plate and dock with the optical device mounting plate.

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