Change in the spectral profile depending on the distance to the target

Abstract

A surgical system can include a light source that generates therapeutic laser light and can controllably vary the spectral profile of the therapeutic laser light. An optical fiber with a distal end can direct the therapeutic laser light to a target area. A distance sensor can repeatedly measure a time-dependent distance value, corresponding to a time-dependent distance between the distal end of the optical fiber and the target area. A control unit can cause the light source to vary the spectral profile of the therapeutic laser light over time, depending on the distance value. In some embodiments, the light source can include a first laser that is activated only when the distance value is less than a defined distance threshold, and a second laser with a different wavelength that is activated only when the distance value is greater than the defined distance threshold.