Light irradiation device and in-vivo light irradiation assembly using the same

Abstract

Provided is a small light irradiation device having both heat dissipation and electrical insulation. The light irradiation device has a light emitting element having a first surface that emits light of a predetermined wavelength; a support body for mounting the light emitting element; a first insulating layer that covers at least a portion of the light emitting element other than the first surface; an insulated wire that is electrically connected to the light emitting element in a region other than the first surface; and a housing that seals the first surface in a first space.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a light irradiation device and an in vivo light irradiation component using the light irradiation device. Background Technology

[0002] Endoscopes are used for diagnosis and treatment within biological systems. When inserting an endoscope into a body cavity to observe the affected area, there are two configurations: one where illumination light is guided through an optical fiber, and another where a light-emitting element (LED) for emitting illumination light is mounted at the front end of the endoscope. As for the latter configuration, a solution has been proposed where a portion of the outer tube is used as a heat dissipation component to improve the heat dissipation of the light-emitting element in the endoscope and to miniaturize the front end (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this type of endoscope, a flexible printed circuit board with multiple light-emitting elements (LEDs) arranged in a row is rolled into a cylindrical shape and inserted into the outer tube, allowing the heat generated by the LEDs to be released from the flexible printed circuit board to the outer tube.

[0003] Besides the illumination light from endoscopy, light introduced into the body also includes light used for treatment. In photoimmunotherapy, which has received considerable attention in recent years, if the affected area is located on the body surface or in a superficial location, light of a specific (predetermined) wavelength is irradiated from the body surface. This light reacts with photosensitizers accumulated in cancer cells. If the affected area is located deeper within the body, laser light can be irradiated into the affected area through puncture. Furthermore, optical fibers can be inserted into blood vessels, the digestive tract, or other lumens to irradiate the affected area with laser light of a specific wavelength from an external light source.

[0004] <Cited Documents>

[0005] <Patent Documents>

[0006] <Patent Document 1> Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-272298 Summary of the Invention

[0007] <Technical problems to be solved>

[0008] The structure of optical fibers used for laser irradiation into living organisms is prone to bending, and optical loss increases proportionally with fiber length. Therefore, there is a need for an ultra-miniature light source that can be inserted near the affected area without the need for optical fibers. One aspect of this disclosure provides a miniature light irradiation device that combines heat dissipation and electrical insulation.

[0009] <Technical Solution>

[0010] In one embodiment, the light irradiation device has:

[0011] A light-emitting element having a first surface that emits light of a predetermined wavelength;

[0012] A support body for mounting the light-emitting element;

[0013] The first insulating layer covers at least a portion of the light-emitting element other than the first surface;

[0014] An insulated wire is electrically connected to the light-emitting element in the area other than the first surface; and,

[0015] A housing for sealing the first surface within the first space.

[0016] <Beneficial Effects>

[0017] It is possible to realize a small light irradiation device that combines heat dissipation and electrical insulation. Attached Figure Description

[0018] [ Figure 1 [A schematic diagram of an example of a biological light irradiation component using the light irradiation device of the first embodiment.]

[0019] [ Figure 2A A schematic diagram of an example of the configuration of a light irradiation device.

[0020] [ Figure 2B A schematic diagram of a modified example of a light irradiation device.

[0021] [ Figure 3 A side view showing the appearance of the light-emitting element mounting part of the light irradiation device.

[0022] [ Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an optical component.

[0023] [ Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another variation of the light irradiation device.

[0024] [ Figure 6 [Schematic diagram of the light irradiation device according to the second embodiment.]

[0025] [ Figure 7 [Schematic diagram of the light irradiation device according to the third embodiment.] Detailed Implementation

[0026] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is intended to illustrate the technical concept of this disclosure, and unless otherwise stated, this disclosure is not limited to the following description. In the various drawings, components with the same function may be given the same symbols (reference numerals). For ease of explanation and understanding, the description may sometimes be divided into multiple embodiments, but partial substitutions or combinations of the configurations described in different embodiments and examples are also possible. In subsequent embodiments, the differences from the previous embodiments will be mainly described, and repeated descriptions of the same aspects as the previous embodiments will be omitted. Furthermore, for ease of explanation, the size, positional relationships, etc., of components in the various drawings may be enlarged.

[0027] (First Embodiment)

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example of an in vivo photoirradiation assembly 100 using the photoirradiation device 10 of the first embodiment. The in vivo photoirradiation assembly 100 includes a catheter 50 and a photoirradiation device 10 inserted into the catheter 50. The catheter 50 is filled with a refrigerant 51 at least during use. The in vivo photoirradiation assembly 100 is used for treatment, diagnosis, sensing, etc. The photoirradiation device 10 is inserted into the catheter 50, for example, in the "insertion direction" (note: "") indicated by the white arrow in the figure, thereby being introduced into the biological body. The photoirradiation device 10 is a heating element, therefore, the refrigerant 51 is supplied into the catheter 50, and the heating part is used in a cooled state. The refrigerant 51 is, for example, physiological saline, blood, lymph, etc., and the refrigerant temperature is, for example, about 10°C to 36°C. The light irradiation device 10 is inserted into the vicinity of the target area such as the diseased area in the body through the conduit 50. Therefore, it can directly irradiate the diseased area such as the tumor without the need for optical fiber, or examine and confirm the area that is the object of diagnosis, perception, etc.

[0029] Figure 2AThis is a schematic diagram of a light irradiation device 10A, which is one example of the configuration of a light irradiation device 10. The light irradiation device 10A includes a light-emitting element 11 that emits light of a specific wavelength, a support 12 for mounting the light-emitting element 11, a first insulating layer 16 covering at least a portion of the light-emitting element 11, insulated wires 14a and 14b electrically connected to the light-emitting element 11, and a case 15. In the first embodiment, the case 15 includes a first case portion 15-1 and a second case portion 15-2; however, as will be described later, the case does not necessarily have to be divided into two parts, and the second case portion may be omitted. The light-emitting element 11 has a first surface 111 that emits light of a specific wavelength and a second surface 112 located on the opposite side of the first surface 111. The first insulating layer 16 is, for example, an insulating resin layer, used to cover a portion of the light-emitting element 11 other than the first surface 111. The insulated wires 14a and 14b are electrically connected to the light-emitting element 11 in the area other than the first surface 111. The first housing portion 15-1 seals the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 within the first space 153, and the second housing portion 15-2 seals the second surface 112 of the light-emitting element 11 within the second space 154. At least the portion of the housing 15 used to extract (extract) light emitted from the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 to the outside is light-transmitting.

[0030] The light-emitting element 11 is held on the support 12 in such a way that its first surface 111, which serves as the light-emitting surface (light-emitting surface), and its second surface 112, which serves as the reflective surface, do not come into contact with other components. Figure 2A In the coordinate system, let the optical axis direction of the light-emitting element 11 be the Z direction, let the mounting direction of the light-emitting element 11 towards the support 12 be the Y direction, and let the direction orthogonal to the Z and Y directions be the X direction. The long side of the support 12 is parallel to the Z direction. The light irradiation device 10A is inserted into the conduit 50 along the +Z direction. The insulated wires 14a and 14b extend along the -Z direction. The support 12 is formed of an insulating material such as silicon (Si), aluminum nitride (AlN), silicon nitride (SiN), sapphire (Al2O3), glass, quartz, or ceramic. The light-emitting element 11 is disposed on the light-emitting element mounting surface 121 of the support 12.

[0031] The first insulating layer 16 completely covers at least a portion of the light-emitting element 11, excluding the first surface 111 and the second surface 112; the electrical connection between the light-emitting element 11 and the insulated wires 14a and 14b; and a portion of the support 12. The first insulating layer 16 is preferably a resin with high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation. The first insulating layer 16 seals the stacked portion of the support 12, the light-emitting element 11, and the insulated wires 14a and 14b in a manner that prevents the refrigerant 51 from entering the first space 153 and the second space 154, and contacts the refrigerant 51 at its outer surface, thereby releasing heat from the light-emitting element 11.

[0032] In the first embodiment, the housing 15 has a first housing portion 15-1 that seals the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 within the first space 153 and a second housing portion 15-2 that seals the second surface 112 of the light-emitting element 11 within the second space 154. The front end of the first housing portion 15-1 on the +Z side is sealed by the second insulating layer 17, and the rear end of the second housing portion 15-2 on the -Z side is sealed by the third insulating layer 18.

[0033] The second insulating layer 17 and the third insulating layer 18 can be formed of a different type of resin than the first insulating layer 16. For example, the second insulating layer 17 and the third insulating layer 18 can be formed of a resin material with a higher viscosity than the first insulating layer 16. The first insulating layer 16 is applied in a manner that covers the larger portion between the first housing portion 15-1 and the second housing portion 15-2, which makes resin sealing easier. In contrast, the second insulating layer 17 and the third insulating layer 18 resin seal the small areas, namely, the opening at the front end of the first housing portion 15-1 and the opening at the rear end of the second housing portion 15-2. By making the viscosity of the second insulating layer 17 and the third insulating layer 18 higher than that of the first insulating layer 16, the opening at the front end of the first housing portion 15-1 and the opening at the rear end of the second housing portion 15-2 can be reliably sealed, thereby preventing refrigerant from entering the first space 153 and the second space 154.

[0034] The rear end of the -Z side of the first housing portion 15-1 is sealed by the first insulating layer 16, and the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 is exposed in the first space 153 between the first insulating layer 16 and the second insulating layer 17. The front end of the +Z side of the second housing portion 15-2 is sealed by the first insulating layer 16, and the second surface 112 of the light-emitting element 11 is exposed in the second space 154 between the first insulating layer 16 and the third insulating layer 18. The first insulating layer 16, the second insulating layer 17, and the third insulating layer 18 have different wetting properties and / or viscosities, but they are all insulating resin sealants. The wetting properties and / or viscosities can be adjusted by adding surface modifiers to epoxy resin, silicone resin, acrylic resin, thermoplastic resin, etc.

[0035] Preferably, the first insulating layer 16, the second insulating layer 17, and the third insulating layer 18 are insulating resins with biocompatibility and high thermal conductivity. As resin materials, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyurethane, polyesterimide, etc., can be used, as these materials can have their adverse effects on organisms reduced by adjusting their composition and structure. Alternatively, a coating (hereinafter referred to as a polysilazane coating) obtained by applying a polysilazane solution and then performing a silanization treatment can also be used. When a polysilazane coating is used on the first insulating layer 16, in addition to the polysilazane coating, additional resin can be provided to seal the rear end of the first outer shell portion 15-1 and additional resin to seal the front end of the second outer shell portion 15-2. These additional resins can be the same as or different from the resins used in the second insulating layer 17 and the third insulating layer 18. Furthermore, a polysilazane coating can be used to coat the entire light irradiation device 10A.

[0036] Inside the first housing portion 15-1, an optical component 13, opposite to the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11, is disposed on the support 12. The optical component 13 guides the light emitted from the light-emitting element 11 out of the first housing portion 15-1. The optical component 13 is a mirror or prism that has been machined into a thin plane. As the optical component 13, a metapolarizing element with a thin metasurface element inserted can be used. Alternatively, the optical component 13 can also be an optical element with a lens function, which can control the divergence angle of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 11. See below. Figure 4 The optical component 13 may have two or more optical elements. For example, it may have an optical element that functions as a lens to control the divergence angle of light emitted from the light-emitting element 11 and an optical element for reflecting light whose divergence angle is controlled by the optical element at a predetermined angle.

[0037] The portion of the first outer casing 15-1 that extracts light from the optical component 13 to the outside is formed of a light-transmitting material. Figure 2A In this example, light emitted from the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 along the +Z direction is emitted along the +Y direction via the optical component 13, but this is not limited to this example. As long as the light can be emitted towards the outside of the first housing portion 15-1 without being obstructed by the second insulating layer 17 and the light-emitting element mounting surface 121 of the support 12, the light can be emitted in any direction between the -X direction and the +X direction in the XY plane. Furthermore, as long as the light is not obstructed by the second insulating layer 17 and the light-emitting element 11, the light can be emitted at an angle that is tilted from the normal of the light-emitting element mounting surface 121 of the support 12 towards the +Z direction or the -Z direction.

[0038] The first outer shell portion 15-1 and the second outer shell portion 15-2 can be transparent cylindrical bodies made of glass, quartz, biocompatible plastic, etc. The outer diameter of the first outer shell portion 15-1 and the second outer shell portion 15-2 is, for example, 0.4 mm or more and 2.0 mm or less, and the inner diameter is, for example, 0.3 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. As an example, a biocompatible plastic tube with an outer diameter of 0.5 mm and an inner diameter of 0.38 mm can be used. The Z-direction lengths of the first outer shell portion 15-1 and the second outer shell portion 15-2 can be the same or different. Figure 2A In this case, the optical component 13 is disposed in the first space 153, so the length of the first outer shell portion 15-1 in the Z direction is greater than the length of the second outer shell portion 15-2 in the Z direction.

[0039] The support 12 for mounting the light-emitting element 11 protrudes outward from at least one of the first housing portion 15-1 and the second housing portion 15-2. Figure 2A In this configuration, the support body 12 protrudes from the rear end of the second outer casing 15-2. The support body 12 is located between the insulated wires 14a and 14b in the Y direction, thereby protruding from the third insulation layer 18 along the -Z direction at the rear end of the second outer casing 15-2 together with the insulated wires 14a and 14b. The insulated wires 14a and 14b and the support body 12 are in contact with the cooling medium, thus functioning as a heat dissipation material that allows heat from the light-emitting element 11 to be dissipated to the outside.

[0040] The width of the support 12 in the X direction is smaller than the inner diameter of the first outer shell portion 15-1 and the second outer shell portion 15-2, but it can be widened as much as possible within the accommodating range of the first outer shell portion 15-1 and the second outer shell portion 15-2 from the perspective of increasing the contact area with the refrigerant 51. The thickness of the support 12 in the Y direction is sufficient to stably support the light-emitting element 11, for example, 0.1 mm.

[0041] The insulated wires 14a and 14b extending from the rear end of the second outer casing 15-2 along the -Z direction are, for example, enameled wires. They are made by insulatingly coating good conductor metal wires such as Cu and Ni with polyurethane as an insulating film (coating). In addition to polyurethane, insulating resins such as polyester, polyesterimide, polyesterimide, and polyimide can also be used for coating. By using the insulating film, which is the surface film of the insulated wires 14a and 14b, as a heat dissipation material, heat from the light-emitting element 11 can be released. When quadrilateral enameled wires are used as insulated wires 14a and 14b, the wiring is widened, and the area of ​​contact with the support 12 is also increased. Furthermore, for the same cross-sectional area, the thickness of quadrilateral enameled wires is smaller than that of round enameled wires, thus enabling miniaturization.

[0042] As described above, the light irradiation device 10A has a configuration that combines heat dissipation and electrical insulation. The first surface 111 and the second surface 112 of the light-emitting element 11 are held in a manner that does not interfere with other components within the first housing portion 15-1 and the second housing portion 15-2, respectively. At least a portion of the light irradiation device 10A, except for the first surface 111 and the second surface, is sealed by the first insulating layer 16. This reduces the overall diameter of the light irradiation device 10A, thereby facilitating its insertion into the conduit 50.

[0043] <Modifications of the light irradiation device>

[0044] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a modified example of the light irradiation device 10A, namely, a light irradiation device 10B. In the light irradiation device 10B, the support 12 protrudes from the front end of the first outer shell portion 15-1 along the +Z direction and from the rear end of the second outer shell portion 15-2 along the -XZ direction. The opening on the front end side of the first outer shell portion 15-1 is sealed by the second insulating layer 17 when the support 12 is protruding. The opening on the rear end side of the second outer shell portion 15-2 is sealed by the third insulating layer 18 when the support 12 is protruding.

[0045] Similar to the light irradiation device 10A, the rear end of the first housing portion 15-1 is sealed by the first insulating layer 16, and the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 is exposed in the first space 153 between the first insulating layer 16 and the second insulating layer 17. The front end of the second housing portion 15-2 is sealed by the first insulating layer 16, and the second surface 112 of the light-emitting element 11 is exposed in the second space 154 between the first insulating layer 16 and the third insulating layer 18. Between the first housing portion 15-1 and the second housing portion 15-2, at least a portion of the light-emitting element 11, excluding the first surface 111 and the second surface 112, is integrally sealed by the first insulating layer 16 together with the support 12 and the insulated wires 14a and 14b. The first insulating layer 16 isolates the electrical connection portion between the light-emitting element 11 and the insulated wires 14a and 14b from the refrigerant 51 and functions as a heat dissipation material that can release heat from the light-emitting element 11 to the outside.

[0046] In the light irradiation device 10B, the support 12 protrudes from both the first outer casing 15-1 and the second outer casing 15-2, thereby further improving heat dissipation compared to the light irradiation device 10A. Furthermore, by sealing the space between the first outer casing 15-1 and the second outer casing 15-2 with the first insulating layer 16, the overall diameter of the light irradiation device 10B can be reduced. Thus, a light irradiation device 10B that combines heat dissipation and electrical insulation and can be installed within a conduit can be realized.

[0047] Figure 3 It means Figure 2A Light irradiation device 10A or Figure 2B A side view of the appearance of the light-emitting element mounting part of the light irradiation device 10B. Figure 3 The configuration shows the state before sealing by the first insulating layer 16, the second insulating layer 17, and the third insulating layer 18, with the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 of the light-emitting element 11 exposed in the first space 153 and the second space 154 of the first housing portion 15-1 and the second housing portion 15-2.

[0048] The light-emitting element 11 is, for example, an end-face light-emitting laser element that resonates in a direction parallel to the Z-axis. The light-emitting element 11 is disposed on the support 12 such that the first surface 111, which serves as the light-emitting surface, faces the optical component 13. The second surface 112, which serves as the rear end surface of the light-emitting element 11, is a reflective surface and may be formed of a highly reflective film. A laser cavity is formed between the first surface 111 and the second surface 112.

[0049] The optical component 13 guides the light emitted from the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 in the desired direction. Figure 3In the optical component 13, the output light Lout is guided along the +Y direction. However, as long as the light emitted from the light-emitting element 11 can be extracted from the first housing portion 15-1 to the outside without being obstructed by the second insulating layer 17 and the support 12, the output light Lout can also be guided in any direction.

[0050] Insulated wires 14a and 14b are configured in a manner that does not obstruct the light output of the end-face emitting laser element. Part of the insulating film on insulated wire 14a is removed, thereby allowing the internal metal wiring to be directly or indirectly electrically connected to one electrode of the emitting element 11. Part of the insulating film on insulated wire 14b is also removed, thereby allowing the internal metal wiring to be electrically connected to the other electrode of the emitting element 11. Figure 3 In this example, a conductive film 124 is formed from the light-emitting element mounting surface 121 of the support 12, extending from the side to the back surface 122. The internal metal wiring of the insulated wire 14b is connected to the conductive film 124. Accordingly, an electrical connection can be made between the other electrode of the light-emitting element 11 and the insulated wire 14b. By providing the conductive film 124 for electrical connection on the surface of the support 12, the conductive film 124, together with the first insulating layer 16, can be used as a heat dissipation component. Furthermore, see below. Figure 5 Furthermore, a second support can be disposed between the insulated wire 14a and the light-emitting element 11. By clamping the light-emitting element 11 between the support 12 and the second support, heat dissipation can be improved.

[0051] The semiconductor material and composition of the light-emitting element 11 are designed to emit laser light of the desired wavelength. When the light-emitting element 11 is used as an ultraviolet laser, violet laser, blue laser, or green laser, GaN-based materials such as GaN, InGaN, and AlGaN can be used. When the light-emitting element 11 is used as a red laser, infrared laser, or near-infrared laser, GaAs-based materials such as GaAs and AlGaAs, or InP-based materials such as InAlGaP and GaInP, can be used. To make the shape of the light irradiation device 10A or 10B suitable for installation within the conduit 50, the length of the resonator of the laser element is shortened as much as possible, and the width direction is widened to the maximum width that the first housing portion 15-1 and the second housing portion 15-2 can accommodate to form a wider ridge, thereby ensuring the gain of the active layer. The width of the ridge can be designed, for example, from 2 μm to 100 μm. The transverse mode can be multimode or single-mode.

[0052] Unlike fiber optic irradiation devices, the light emitted by the light-emitting element 11 is linearly polarized. By using optical components 13 such as a reflector to change the reflection direction, the direction of the emitted linearly polarized light can be altered. This can, for example, reduce the reflectivity when incident on a biological body and increase the transmittance to the biological body. Even if the laser light is in a specific polarization state during the emission phase, the polarization state will change or depolarize when passing through a transmission medium such as an optical fiber. In this embodiment, light can be directly irradiated onto the affected area inside the body without using an optical fiber, thus maintaining the specific polarization state while irradiating the target location such as the affected area.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an example of the configuration of optical component 13. Figure 4 The diagram shows the state before the first surface 111 and the second surface 112 of the light-emitting element 11 are housed in the first housing portion 15-1 and the second housing portion 15-2. The optical component 13 may have two or more optical elements. For example, it may have an optical element 131 that functions as a lens to control the divergence angle of light emitted from the light-emitting element 11, and an optical element 132 that reflects light whose divergence angle is controlled by the optical element 131 at a predetermined angle. In this configuration example, the incident surface of the optical element 131 is formed as a convex surface, while the reflecting surface of the optical element 132 may be a concave surface. Figure 4 In the example, optical element 132 reflects light collimated by optical element 131 along the +Y direction, but the reflection direction or reflection angle of optical element 132 can be appropriately designed as needed. By integrating multiple optical elements 131 and 132, the overall size of the optical component 13 can be reduced, thereby achieving miniaturization of the light irradiation device 10.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a light irradiation device 10C, a further modification of the light irradiation device according to the first embodiment. In the light irradiation device 10C, a light-emitting element 11 is sandwiched between a first support 12-1 and a second support 12-2. The first support 12-1 is in contact with the upper surface of the light-emitting element 11, and the second support 12-2 is in contact with the bottom surface of the light-emitting element 11. By sandwiching the light-emitting element 11 between the first support 12-1 and the second support 12-2, heat can be effectively dissipated to the upper and lower sides of the light-emitting element 11, thereby improving the heat dissipation performance of the light irradiation device 10. The rear end of at least one of the first support 12-1 and the second support 12-2 extends in the -Z direction and can protrude toward the rear of the second housing portion 15-2. Figure 5In this process, the direction or angle of the reflective surface of the optical component 13 can be determined so that the light emitted from the light-emitting element 11 can be extracted in a direction that is not obstructed by the first support 12-1 or the second support 12-2, such as the +X direction or the -X direction.

[0055] The light irradiation devices 10A, 10B, or 10C of the first embodiment can be used in combination with an endoscope. The light-emitting element 11 can be used not only as a therapeutic laser source but also as an illumination source. In either case, it functions as a light irradiation device that combines heat dissipation and electrical insulation and can be installed inside a catheter. Unlike optical fibers, insulated wires with an insulating coating have greater flexibility. Furthermore, the integration of the structure in which the light-emitting element is mounted on the support 12 is superior, and its application to sensors is also wider.

[0056] <Second Implementation Method>

[0057] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the light irradiation device 20 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the first outer casing and the second outer casing use a casing 25 connected by a connecting portion. Similar to the first embodiment, the light irradiation device 20 is inserted into the conduit 50 (see...). Figure 1 The light irradiation device 20 has a light-emitting element 11 that emits light of a specific wavelength, a support 12 for mounting the light-emitting element 11, an insulating first insulating layer 26 covering at least a portion of the light-emitting element 11, insulated wires 14a and 14b electrically connected to the light-emitting element 11, and a housing 25. The light-emitting element 11 has a first surface 111 that emits light of a specific wavelength and a second surface 112 located on the opposite side of the first surface 111. The first insulating layer 26 covers at least a portion of the light-emitting element 11 except for the first surface 111 and the second surface 112. The insulated wires 14a and 14b are electrically connected to the light-emitting element 11 in the area excluding the first surface 111.

[0058] The housing 25 has a first housing portion 251 that seals the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 within a first space 253, a second housing portion 252 that seals the second surface 112 of the light-emitting element 11 within a second space 254, and a connecting portion 255 that connects the first housing portion 251 and the second housing portion 252. The first housing portion 251 and the second housing portion 252 are cylindrical, and the connecting portion 255 is shaped by cutting a slit in the side of the cylindrical shape. At least a portion of the light-emitting element 11, the electrical connection portion between the light-emitting element 11 and the insulated wires 14a and 14b, and a portion of the support 12 are entirely covered by the first insulating layer 26 and supported by the connecting portion 255. At least the portion of the first housing portion 251 that extracts light emitted from the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 to the outside is light-transmitting.

[0059] The portion of the light-emitting element 11 between its first surface 111 and second surface 112, which is entirely covered by the first insulating layer 26 along with the support 12 and insulated wires 14a and 14b, is stably supported by the connecting portion 255 of the housing 25. The connecting portion 255 does not need to support the entire circumference of the portion covered by the first insulating layer 26; it only needs to support the minimum necessary area of ​​the surface of the first insulating layer 26 along the long side direction (Z direction) of the support 12. The first insulating layer 26 seals the overlapping portion of the support 12, the light-emitting element 11, and the insulated wires 14a and 14b, preventing the refrigerant 51 from entering the first space 253 and the second space 254, while simultaneously contacting the refrigerant 51 at its outer surface, thereby dissipating heat from the light-emitting element 11.

[0060] The first outer shell portion 251, the second outer shell portion 252, and the connecting portion 255 can be integrally molded from a biocompatible plastic or the like. The front end of the first outer shell portion 251 on the +Z side is sealed by the second insulating layer 27, and the rear end of the second outer shell portion 252 on the -Z side is sealed by the third insulating layer 28. The second insulating layer 27 and the third insulating layer 28 can be formed from a resin of a different type than the first insulating layer 26. For example, the second insulating layer 27 and the third insulating layer 28 can be formed from a material with a higher wettability relative to the outer shell 25 than the first insulating layer 26 or a material with a lower viscosity than the first insulating layer 26. Accordingly, the minute openings of the first outer shell portion 251 and the second outer shell portion 252 can be reliably sealed.

[0061] From the rear end of the first housing portion 251 to the front end of the second housing portion 252, at least a portion of the light-emitting element 11, except for the first surface 111 and the second surface 112, is integrally sealed by the first insulating layer 26 together with the support 12 and the insulated wires 14a and 14b. Between the first insulating layer 26 and the second insulating layer 27, the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 is exposed within the first space 253 formed in the first housing portion 251. Between the first insulating layer 26 and the third insulating layer 28, the second surface 112 of the light-emitting element 11 is exposed within the second space 254 formed in the second housing portion 252. The first insulating layer 26, the second insulating layer 27, and the third insulating layer 28 are preferably insulating resins having biocompatibility and high thermal conductivity.

[0062] Inside the first housing portion 251, an optical component 13 facing the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 is disposed on the support 12. The optical component 13 guides light emitted from the light-emitting element 11 to the outside of the first housing portion 251. The optical component 13 is a mirror or prism that has been machined into a thin plane. As the optical component 13, a metapolarizing element with a thin metasurface element inserted can be used. Alternatively, the optical component 13 can also be an optical element with a lens function, which can control the divergence angle of the light emitted from the light-emitting element 11. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 The optical component 13 may have two or more optical elements. For example, it may have an optical element 131 with a lens function that controls the divergence angle of light emitted from the light-emitting element 11; and an optical element 132 for reflecting light whose divergence angle is controlled by the optical element 131 at a predetermined angle. By constructing the optical component 13 from multiple optical elements, the overall size of the optical component 13 can be reduced, thereby enabling miniaturization of the light irradiation device 20.

[0063] Figure 6 In this example, the optical component 13 causes light emitted from the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 along the +Z direction to be emitted along the +Y direction, but this is not limited to this example. As long as the light can be emitted to the outside of the first housing portion 251 without contacting the light-emitting element mounting surface 121 of the support 12 and the second insulating layer 27, the light can also be emitted in any direction between the -X and +X directions in the XY plane. Furthermore, as long as it does not impede the function of the second insulating layer 27 and the light-emitting element 11, the light can also be emitted at an angle that is tilted from the normal of the light-emitting element mounting surface 121 of the support 12 toward the +Z or -Z direction.

[0064] The support 12 for mounting the light-emitting element 11 protrudes outward toward at least one of the first housing portion 251 and the second housing portion 252. Figure 6 In this configuration example, the support 12 protrudes from the housing 25 at both the front end of the first housing portion 251 and the rear end of the second housing portion 252. The opening at the front end of the first housing portion 251 is sealed by the second insulating layer 27 when the support 12 is protruding. The opening at the rear end of the second housing portion 252 is sealed by the third insulating layer 28 when the support 12 is protruding. Figure 5As shown, heat dissipation can also be improved by sandwiching the light-emitting element 11 between the first support 12-1 and the second support 12-2. The first support 12-1 and the second support 12-2 can protrude from at least one of the first housing portion 251 and the second housing portion 252 along the +Z or -Z direction. When the first support 12-1 and the second support 12-2 protrude from the first housing portion 251 towards the +Z side, emitted light can be extracted along the +X or -X direction by adjusting the direction or angle of the reflecting surface of the optical component 13.

[0065] Between the first housing portion 251 and the second housing portion 252, at least a portion of the light-emitting element 11, excluding the first surface 111 and the second surface 112, is integrally sealed by the first insulating layer 26 together with the support body 12 and the insulated wires 14a and 14b, and supported by the connecting portion 255. The first insulating layer 26 isolates the electrical connection portion between the light-emitting element 11 and the insulated wires 14a and 14b from the refrigerant 51, and functions as a heat dissipation material that allows heat from the light-emitting element 11 to be released to the outside. When two-core enameled wires are used as the insulated wires 14a and 14b, the width of the wiring is widened, thereby allowing heat dissipation from both sides.

[0066] The light irradiation device 20 of the second embodiment can be used in combination with an endoscope. The light-emitting element 11 can be used not only as a therapeutic laser source but also as an illumination source. In either case, it can function as a light irradiation device that combines heat dissipation and electrical insulation and can be installed inside a catheter. Unlike optical fibers, the insulated wire with an insulating coating has greater flexibility. Furthermore, the integration of the structure in which the light-emitting element is mounted on the support 12 is superior, and its application to sensors is also wider.

[0067] <Third Implementation Method>

[0068] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the light irradiation device 30 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, only the area containing the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 is housed within the housing 15, and the portion extending from the housing 15 along the -Z direction is sealed with an insulating resin. Similar to the first and second embodiments, the light irradiation device 30 is inserted into the conduit 50 (see...). Figure 1 The light irradiation device 30 includes: a light-emitting element 11 having a first surface 111 that emits light of a predetermined wavelength; a support 12 for mounting the light-emitting element 11; a first insulating layer 16 covering at least a portion of the light-emitting element 11 other than the first surface 111; insulated wires 14a and 14b electrically connected to the light-emitting element 11 in the area other than the first surface 111; and a housing 15 for sealing the first surface 111 within the first space 153.

[0069] The first insulating layer 16 seals the rear end (-Z side) of the housing 15 and continuously covers at least a portion of the light-emitting element 11 except for the first surface 111, the electrical connection portion between the light-emitting element 11 and the insulated wires 14a, 14b, and a portion of the support 12, starting from the rear end of the housing 15. Figure 7 In this example, the first insulating layer 16 covers the second surface 112 on the rear end side of the light-emitting element 11 together with the support 12 and the insulated wires 14a and 14b. The first insulating layer 16 is preferably a resin with high thermal conductivity and electrical insulation. The first insulating layer 16 continuously seals the opening on the rear end side (-Z side) of the housing 15 and the overlapping portion of the support 12, the light-emitting element 11, and the insulated wires 14a and 14b in a manner that prevents the refrigerant 51 from entering the first space 153, while contacting the refrigerant 51 at the outer surface, thereby releasing heat from the light-emitting element 11.

[0070] The support 12 protrudes outward from one or both of the housing 15 and the first insulation layer 16. By making the support 12 protrude outward toward the housing 15 and / or the first insulation layer 16 and in contact with the refrigerant 51, heat can be dissipated to the outside of the light irradiation device 30.

[0071] The light irradiation device 30 has a second insulating layer 17 that seals the front end (+Z side) of the housing 15. The rear end (-Z side) of the housing 15 is sealed by the aforementioned first insulating layer 16. The first insulating layer 16 may be formed of an insulating resin material, and the second insulating layer 17 may be formed of a different type of resin material than the first insulating layer 16. For example, the second insulating layer 17 may be formed of a resin material with higher wettability relative to the housing 15 than the first insulating layer 16 or a resin material with lower viscosity than the first insulating layer 16. Between the first insulating layer 16 and the second insulating layer 17, the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11 is exposed within the first space 153. The length of the first insulating layer in the Z direction is greater than the length of the second insulating layer in the Z direction. The first insulating layer 16 is applied in a manner that covers a large area extending from the rear end of the housing 15, which makes resin sealing easier. In contrast, the second insulating layer 17 only seals a small area, the opening at the front end of the housing 15. By making the viscosity of the second insulating layer 17 lower than that of the first insulating layer 16, the opening at the front end of the housing 15 can be reliably sealed, thereby preventing refrigerant from entering the first space 153.

[0072] Preferably, the first insulating layer 16 and the second insulating layer 17 are insulating resins with biocompatibility and high thermal conductivity. As resin materials, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PI), polyurethane, polyesterimide, etc., can be used, as their adverse effects on organisms can be mitigated by adjusting their composition and structure. Alternatively, the first insulating layer 16 and the second insulating layer 17 can be polysilazane coatings. The first insulating layer 16 and the second insulating layer 17 can be the same material or different materials. For example, the second insulating layer 17 can use a resin with a higher viscosity than the first insulating layer 16. When a polysilazane coating is used for the first insulating layer 16, to prevent the refrigerant from entering from the rear end of the housing 15, it is preferable to use an additional resin with a higher viscosity than the polysilazane. This additional resin can be the same as the resin used in the second insulating layer 17 or a different resin.

[0073] Similar to the first and second embodiments, an optical component 13, opposite to the first surface 111 of the light-emitting element 11, is disposed on the support 12 inside the housing 15. The optical component 13 guides light emitted from the light-emitting element 11 to the outside of the housing 15. The optical component 13 is a mirror or prism with a planar surface. As the optical component 13, a metapolarizing element with an inserted metasurface element can be used, as shown in [reference needed]. Figure 4 The optical component 13 can also be composed of multiple optical elements as a whole.

[0074] like Figure 5 As shown, heat dissipation can be improved by sandwiching the light-emitting element 11 between the first support 12-1 and the second support 12-2. Even in this case, the first support 12-1 and the second support 12-2 can protrude from at least one of the first housing portion 251 and the second housing portion 252 in the +Z or -Z direction. In addition, when the first support 12-1 and the second support 12-2 protrude from the housing 15 towards the +Z side, the emitted light can be extracted in the +X or -X direction by adjusting the direction or angle of the reflecting surface of the optical component 13.

[0075] The configuration of the third embodiment allows for further miniaturization of the light irradiation device 30, thereby facilitating its insertion into the conduit 50. Furthermore, by sealing the entire area of ​​the light-emitting element 11, except for the first surface 111, with the first insulating layer 16, and by pulling the support 12 and the insulated wires 14a and 14b out to the outside of the first insulating layer 16, heat dissipation can be improved.

[0076] <Industrial Applicability>

[0077] This invention can be used not only as a light irradiation device for inserting medical catheters, but also for other medical applications. Furthermore, it can be applied to applications such as sensors requiring the use of a refrigerant for localized light irradiation.

[0078] The embodiments of this disclosure may include, for example, the following configuration.

[0079] (Item 1) A light irradiation device, comprising:

[0080] A light-emitting element having a first surface that emits light of a predetermined wavelength;

[0081] A support body for mounting the light-emitting element;

[0082] The first insulating layer covers at least a portion of the light-emitting element other than the first surface;

[0083] An insulated wire is electrically connected to the light-emitting element in the area other than the first surface; and

[0084] A housing for sealing the first surface within the first space.

[0085] (Item 2) The light irradiation device as described in Item 1, wherein,

[0086] The first insulating layer seals the rear end of the housing and continuously covers at least a portion of the light-emitting element, the electrical connection between the light-emitting element and the insulated wire, and a portion of the support body, starting from the rear end of the housing.

[0087] (Item 3) The light irradiation device as described in Item 1 or 2, wherein,

[0088] The support protrudes outward from one or both of the outer shell and the first insulating layer.

[0089] (Item 4) The light irradiation device as described in any one of items 1 to 3 further comprises:

[0090] A second insulating layer that seals the front end of the outer casing.

[0091] The first insulating layer is an insulating resin that seals the rear end of the outer casing, and the second insulating layer is formed of a resin material different from the first insulating layer.

[0092] (Item 5) The light irradiation device as described in Item 1, wherein,

[0093] The housing has a first housing portion that seals the first surface of the light-emitting element within the first space, and a second housing portion that seals the second surface of the light-emitting element on the opposite side within the second space.

[0094] The first insulating layer covers at least a portion of the light-emitting element, the electrical connection between the light-emitting element and the insulated wire, and a portion of the support body, excluding the first surface and the second surface, between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

[0095] (Item 6) The light irradiation device as described in Item 5 further comprises:

[0096] A second insulating layer that seals the front end of the first outer casing; and

[0097] A third insulating layer that seals the rear end of the second outer casing.

[0098] (Item 7) The light irradiation device as described in Item 6, wherein...

[0099] The rear end of the first outer casing is sealed by the first insulating layer.

[0100] The first surface of the light-emitting element is exposed in the first space between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer.

[0101] (Item 8) The light irradiation device as described in Item 6, wherein...

[0102] The front end of the second outer casing is sealed by the first insulating layer.

[0103] The second surface of the light-emitting element is exposed in the second space between the first insulating layer and the third insulating layer.

[0104] (Item 9) The light irradiation device as described in Item 6, wherein...

[0105] The second and third insulating layers are formed of a different material than the first insulating layer.

[0106] (Item 10) The light irradiation device as described in Item 5, wherein,

[0107] The outer casing has a connecting portion that connects the first outer casing portion and the second outer casing portion.

[0108] At least a portion of the light-emitting element, the electrical connection between the light-emitting element and the insulated wire, and a portion of the support are entirely covered by the first insulating layer and supported by the connection portion.

[0109] (Item 11) The light irradiation device as described in Item 5, wherein,

[0110] The support protrudes outward from at least one of the first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion.

[0111] (Item 12) The light irradiation device as described in any one of items 1 to 11 further comprises:

[0112] An optical component disposed inside the first space to guide the light emitted from the first surface of the light-emitting element to outside the housing.

[0113] (Item 13) A biological in vivo light irradiation device, comprising:

[0114] Catheter; and

[0115] A light irradiation device as described in any one of items 1 to 12, inserted into the conduit.

[0116] The conduit is filled with refrigerant at least during use.

[0117] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-211660, filed with the Japanese Patent Office on December 15, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0118] <Explanation of Figure Markers>

[0119] 10, 10A, 10B, 20 Light Irradiation Devices

[0120] 11 light-emitting elements

[0121] 111 First Surface

[0122] 112 Second Surface

[0123] 12, 12-1, 12-2 Support Structure

[0124] 121 Light-emitting element mounting surface

[0125] 122 Back

[0126] 124 conductive film

[0127] 13 Optical Components

[0128] 14a and 14b insulated wires

[0129] 15, 25 Casing

[0130] 15-1, 251 First outer shell section

[0131] 15-2, 252 Second outer shell section

[0132] 16, 26 First Insulation Layer

[0133] 17, 27 Second Insulation Layer

[0134] 18, 28 Third insulation layer

[0135] 50 catheters

[0136] 51 refrigerant

[0137] 153, 253, First Space

[0138] 154, 254 Second Space

[0139] 255 connecting part.

Claims

1. A light irradiation device, comprising: A light-emitting element having a first surface that emits light of a predetermined wavelength; A support body for mounting the light-emitting element; The first insulating layer covers at least a portion of the light-emitting element other than the first surface; An insulated wire is electrically connected to the light-emitting element in the area other than the first surface; and A housing for sealing the first surface within the first space.

2. The light irradiation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The first insulating layer seals the rear end of the housing and continuously covers at least a portion of the light-emitting element, the electrical connection between the light-emitting element and the insulated wire, and a portion of the support body, starting from the rear end of the housing.

3. The light irradiation device as described in claim 1, wherein, The support protrudes outward from one or both of the outer shell and the first insulating layer.

4. The light irradiation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: The second insulating layer seals the front end of the outer casing. in, The first insulating layer is an insulating resin that seals the rear end of the housing, and the second insulating layer is formed of a resin material different from the first insulating layer.

5. The light irradiation device as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The housing has a first housing portion that seals the first surface of the light-emitting element within the first space, and a second housing portion that seals the second surface of the light-emitting element on the opposite side within the second space. The first insulating layer covers at least a portion of the light-emitting element, the electrical connection between the light-emitting element and the insulated wire, and a portion of the support body, excluding the first surface and the second surface, between the first housing portion and the second housing portion.

6. The light irradiation device as described in claim 5, comprising: A second insulating layer that seals the front end of the first outer casing; and A third insulating layer that seals the rear end of the second outer casing.

7. The light irradiation device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The rear end of the first outer casing is sealed by the first insulating layer. The first surface of the light-emitting element is exposed in the first space between the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer.

8. The light irradiation device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The front end of the second outer casing is sealed by the first insulating layer. The second surface of the light-emitting element is exposed in the second space between the first insulating layer and the third insulating layer.

9. The light irradiation device as claimed in claim 6, wherein, The second and third insulating layers are formed of a different material than the first insulating layer.

10. The light irradiation device as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The outer casing has a connecting portion that connects the first outer casing portion and the second outer casing portion. At least a portion of the light-emitting element, the electrical connection between the light-emitting element and the insulated wire, and a portion of the support are entirely covered by the first insulating layer and supported by the connection portion.

11. The light irradiation device as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The support protrudes outward toward at least one of the first outer shell portion and the second outer shell portion.

12. The light irradiation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising: An optical component disposed inside the first space to guide the light emitted from the first surface of the light-emitting element to outside the housing.

13. A biological in vivo light irradiation component, comprising: Catheter; and The light irradiation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 12 is inserted into the conduit. in, At least during use, the inside of the conduit is filled with coolant.

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