Fiber End Distance Estimation Using Dual-Wavelength Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the distance between the distal end of an optical fiber and a target in medical laser treatments face challenges due to factors like movement within the body, tissue environment, and difficulty in separating light beams of different numerical apertures, leading to inaccurate distance and orientation measurements that can cause complications or poor treatment outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A system using multiple laser sources with different wavelengths and a light emitting, transmitting, and detecting (LETD) system to measure intensity values of reflected light, allowing for accurate distance estimation and real-time adjustment of laser parameters based on target conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple laser sources with different wavelengths are used to measure intensity ratios of reflected light, then distance estimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into multiple wavelength channels, using separate laser sources (e.g., 1064nm and 1319nm) to probe different optical properties. By segmenting the measurement into wavelength-specific intensity ratio comparisons, the system achieves higher distance estimation accuracy while managing complexity through modular optical paths for each wavelength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the laser light to differentiate between various optical effects (reflection, scattering, absorption). By measuring intensity ratios at multiple wavelengths, the system can distinguish between target distance effects and tissue optical property variations, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
2Measurement precision
If numerical apertures of light beams are shifted to estimate distance, then distance measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment of numerical aperture with optical wavelength differentiation. Instead of physically shifting beam parameters through mechanical means, the system uses multiple laser sources at different wavelengths to probe the same optical path, allowing distance estimation without manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure distance. By comparing intensity ratios of reflected light at different wavelengths, the system derives distance information without directly manipulating beam geometry or numerical aperture, simplifying the operational procedure while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If separation of reflection of light beams of different numerical apertures is performed, then distance measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by not separating beams of different numerical apertures, but instead using beams of different wavelengths that naturally maintain distinct optical signatures through the same path. The wavelength differentiation allows distance measurement without requiring complex separation optics, reducing device complexity while preserving measurement accuracy.
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 distance measurement between the optical fiber end and target, ensuring accurate treatment delivery and reducing the risk of complications by automatically adjusting laser settings in response to target changes.
Implementation Method 1
The first laser source may generate laser light of a first wavelength and the second laser source may generate laser light of a second wavelength
Implementation Method 2
the optical fiber may have a distal end and be configured to pass laser light from the first and second laser sources out of the distal end and to receive reflected laser light into the distal end
Implementation Method 3
The light detector may measure intensity of the reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to field of Fiber Feedback (FFB) technology, and provides a method and system for estimating the distance between a fiber end and a target. The method includes illuminating, by a Light Emitting, Transmitting and Detecting (LETD) system, the target with laser light of different wavelengths having low and high water absorption coefficients, using different laser light sources, as well as receiving a returned signal corresponding to the incident laser light of different wavelengths, and detecting the returned signal to measure intensity values of the returned signal of a specific wavelength. Using the measured intensity values, a processing unit may estimate distance between the fiber end and the target. The present disclosure enables accurate estimation of distance between a fiber end and the target. The present disclosure also provides a robust distance estimation technique which is compatible with different types of targets.