BSS-Only Laser Probe Faceted Surface Beam Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical surgical probes face challenges in designing beam splitting elements to fit into narrow cannulas and maintaining performance under non-ideal conditions, such as ex-ocular operations or partial optical path blockages, which can lead to overheating and performance deterioration.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a multi-spot generator with a faceted distal surface that splits a focused light beam into multiple components when immersed in a fluid with a refractive index of 1.30-1.40, and employs a focusing lens and optical elements with specific refractive indices and orientations to confine the beam within the probe when operated in air, preventing overheating by using a 'BSS-only' optical surgical probe configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a diffractive element is positioned inside the surgical probe, then multiple beams can be generated, but the probe design becomes complex and difficult to fit into narrow cannulas
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into distinct functional sections: a light guide portion for beam delivery and a treatment portion containing the diffractive element. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific function while simplifying overall integration into narrow cannulas.
Solution Approach 2:
A diffractive element is introduced as an intermediary component that converts a single incoming laser beam into multiple diffracted beams. This mediator enables multi-spot treatment capability without requiring multiple separate light guides or complex mechanical systems.
2Reliability
If the probe is designed for ideal operating conditions only, then performance is optimized, but reliability deteriorates under non-ideal conditions such as ex-ocular operation or optical path blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The faceted distal surface is designed to reflect stray light back into the optical path when the probe is operated in air or under blocked conditions. This converts potentially harmful stray light that would cause overheating into useful reflected light that maintains beam integrity and prevents temperature buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical properties of the distal surface are specifically engineered with facets at predetermined angles to change the behavior of light based on the operating environment. In fluid conditions, the facets enable beam splitting; in air conditions, they enable light reflection back into the optical path, adapting the probe's thermal and optical characteristics to prevent overheating.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a faceted distal surface is used to split beams, then multiple spots can be produced, but the optical element becomes complex to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The faceted distal surface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a beam-splitting element when the probe is immersed in fluid, provides protective reflection when operated in air, and maintains structural integrity for the optical element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam-splitting functionality and the protective reflection functionality are merged into a single faceted distal surface structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate beam-splitting elements and protective coatings, reducing manufacturing steps and complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows the optical surgical probe to effectively produce multiple spots in a surgical target region while avoiding overheating, even when operated outside the eye or with blocked optical paths, without the need for additional structural elements, thus enhancing operational reliability and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the optical element has a faceted distal surface configured to split the focused beam into multiple distally emitted beam-components when the optical surgical probe is operated in a fluid with a fluid index of refraction in the 1.30-1.40 range
Implementation Method 2
a focusing lens, positioned inside the optical element to focus the received light beam into a focused beam
Implementation Method 3
to confine the focused beam within the optical surgical probe when the optical surgical probe is operated in air
Data Source
AI summary
An optical surgical probe includes a cylindrical cannula; a light guide partially within the cannula to receive a light beam from a light source through a proximal end, to guide the light beam to a distal end of the light guide, and to emit the light beam through the distal end of the light guide; a multi-spot generator at a distal end of the cannula that includes an optical element with a proximal surface to receive the emitted light beam, and a focusing lens, positioned inside the optical element to focus the received light beam into a focused beam, wherein the optical element has a faceted distal surface to split the focused beam into multiple distally emitted beam-components when the optical surgical probe is operated in a fluid with an index of refraction of 1.30-1.40, and to confine the focused beam in the optical surgical probe when the optical surgical probe is operated in air.