Dual Confocal Microscopy for Non-Contact IOL Thickness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the thickness and refractive index of intraocular lenses are inaccurate due to the need for direct physical contact, which can damage the lenses and is impractical for precise measurements.
Innovation Solution
A dual confocal microscopy system that uses two confocal microscopes aligned along a common beam axis to measure the reflection of laser beams from opposite surfaces of the lens without contact, employing collimating and focusing lenses to calculate thickness and refractive index based on peak intensity detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical devices such as calipers or micrometers are used to measure the thickness of an intraocular lens, then the measurement process is simple and direct, but the optical quality of the lens is affected and measurement accuracy is reduced due to direct physical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement devices (calipers, micrometers) with an optical measurement system consisting of a confocal microscope and laser beam. This substitution eliminates direct physical contact with the intraocular lens, preventing damage to the lens while enabling precise non-contact thickness measurements through optical focusing and signal detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system (confocal microscope with laser beam and detector) that mediates the measurement process. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the laser beam serves as an intermediary to probe the lens thickness by detecting reflected light intensity variations, thereby preserving lens integrity while obtaining accurate measurements
2Measurement precision
If direct physical contact is used to measure intraocular lens thickness, then the measurement can be obtained, but the intraocular lens may be damaged and optical quality compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement with an optical non-contact system. A confocal microscope directs a laser beam through the intraocular lens, and a detector measures the reflected light intensity. This optical system eliminates mechanical contact forces that could damage the lens, while still providing precise thickness measurements through optical focusing characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses light (laser beam) as an intermediary to perform the measurement without physical contact. The confocal microscope system directs the laser beam through the lens, and the detector captures the reflected light. This intermediary approach allows measurement of thickness while completely avoiding mechanical stress or damage to the delicate intraocular lens
3Measurement precision
If the curvature of the intraocular lens is taken into account for precise measurement, then measurement accuracy improves, but the complexity of obtaining precise measurements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-calibrating confocal microscope system that automatically adapts to the curvature of the intraocular lens. The system uses the lens's own optical properties (refractive index, curvature) to calibrate measurements without requiring external reference standards or complex manual adjustments. The confocal microscope's optical focusing inherently compensates for surface curvature, simplifying the measurement process while maintaining high precision
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
Enables precise, non-contact measurements of thickness and refractive index with high accuracy, preserving the optical quality of the lens and allowing for the measurement of lenses with complex shapes and curvatures.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the first reflective side of the object by the first confocal microscope at a first position and measuring the second reflective side of the object by the second confocal microscope at a second position
Implementation Method 2
a first collimating lens for transforming first divided laser beam into a plurality of first collimated laser beams and a first focusing lens having a first focal length for focusing the plurality of first collimated laser beams
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for conducting contact-free thickness and refractive-index measurements of transparent objects, such as intraocular lenses using a dual confocal microscopy system are disclosed.