Optical Fiber Laser Scanning via Bubble Contraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanning methods in medical devices require actuators to drive optical fibers, increasing complexity and power consumption, and struggle to effectively scan laser beams in liquid mediums without causing adverse effects on endoscopic images.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a pulsed laser beam to generate bubbles at the distal end of an optical fiber, leveraging contraction forces to induce vibration of the fiber, allowing for scanning without an external actuator and minimizing power consumption, while maintaining clear endoscopic images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an actuator is added to drive the optical fiber for laser scanning, then the laser beam scanning capability is improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber itself generates the vibration needed for laser scanning through self-heating effects. By applying electrical current directly to the optical fiber, it heats up and expands thermally, creating vibration without requiring any external actuator. This eliminates additional components while maintaining scanning functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical actuators (electromagnetic or piezoelectric devices) with a thermal-mechanical effect. Instead of using complex mechanical systems to vibrate the optical fiber, the invention uses electrical current to generate heat, which causes thermal expansion and subsequent vibration of the fiber, achieving scanning through a non-mechanical approach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an actuator is added to drive the optical fiber for laser scanning, then the laser beam scanning capability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber uses its own electrical conductivity to generate the energy needed for scanning. The same fiber that transmits laser light also serves as the actuator by converting electrical current into thermal energy, which then produces mechanical vibration. This self-powered approach eliminates the need for separate power sources for actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters of the optical fiber by applying electrical current that causes thermal effects. By controlling the current magnitude and duration, the thermal expansion and resulting vibration amplitude can be controlled, enabling scanning through parameter modulation rather than mechanical actuation.
3Force
If a bubble is generated at the distal end of the optical fiber, then the contraction force can be utilized to vibrate the fiber, but the bubble may interfere with endoscopic images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of bubble formation into a beneficial mechanism. Instead of avoiding bubbles, the invention deliberately generates them through controlled heating of the optical fiber. The bubbles create acoustic radiation pressure and contraction forces that drive the vibration needed for laser scanning, turning a visual interference into a functional advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic generation and collapse of bubbles to create oscillating forces. By controlling the heating cycle of the optical fiber, bubbles are formed and then collapse in a rhythmic manner, producing periodic contraction forces that sustain continuous vibration of the fiber for scanning purposes.
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 efficient scanning of laser beams in liquid mediums without the need for additional actuators, reducing power consumption and preventing interference with endoscopic images, while allowing for precise calibration of resonance frequencies for optimal vibration amplitude and scanning range.
Implementation Method 1
generating a bubble that is to come into contact with the distal end of the optical fiber and an operation member by means of the laser beam emitted from the distal end of the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
causing a contraction force to act on a space between the optical fiber and an operation member located adjacent to the optical fiber to move the optical fiber close to the operation member
Implementation Method 3
causing the optical fiber to move toward a side opposite from the optical member by a restoring force of the optical fiber when the bubble vanishes and the contraction force dissipates
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanning method that is a method for scanning a laser beam emitted from a distal end of an optical fiber in a liquid medium. The laser scanning method includes emission of a pulsed laser beam from the distal end in the medium, wherein the emission of the pulsed laser beam includes: generating a bubble that is to come into contact with the distal end and an operation member by means of the laser beam emitted from the distal end, the operation member being disposed only at one side of the distal end in a radial direction of the optical fiber; and contracting the bubble by stopping the emission of the laser beam from the distal end.