Fluorescent Indicator Laser Assessment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing refractive laser system performance are not automated, leading to inefficiencies in calibration and frequent replacement of optical components, which limits the number of surgeries and requires extensive testing.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a fluorescent indicator and camera-analyzer combination to direct laser shots onto the indicator, detect light patterns, and calculate differences with predetermined ablation patterns, allowing for real-time correction and assessment of laser performance during surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual calibration and assessment methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases due to frequent component replacement and extensive testing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-assessment by automatically monitoring laser performance through fluorescence detection and image analysis, eliminating the need for manual calibration and testing. The analyzer continuously evaluates laser shot uniformity and triggers alerts when performance thresholds are exceeded, enabling the system to self-diagnose and self-correct without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by detecting fluorescence emission from laser-irradiated material, analyzing the emitted light patterns, and comparing them against reference standards. This continuous feedback loop allows immediate identification of performance degradation and automatic adjustment or alerting, preventing the need for frequent component replacement and enabling higher surgical throughput.
2Manufacturing precision
If frequent calibration and testing are performed to maintain pulse-to-pulse uniformity, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive testing and component replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The fluorescence detection system operates continuously during laser operation, providing uninterrupted monitoring of pulse-to-pulse uniformity. By detecting fluorescence emission in real-time and analyzing it through the camera and analyzer, the system maintains continuous assessment without requiring periodic interruptions for manual calibration or testing, thus preserving both precision and time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical calibration and physical inspection methods with optical detection and automated image analysis. The fluorescence-based optical measurement system substitutes for traditional mechanical gauges and subjective visual inspection, enabling automated, continuous, and objective assessment of laser performance without time-consuming manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If manual analysis of physical impressions is used for calibration, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision decreases due to subjective analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces fluorescence emission as an intermediary medium between the laser beam and the detection system. The fluorescent material absorbs laser energy and re-emits light at a different wavelength, providing an amplified and detectable signal that mediates the measurement process. This intermediary enables precise, objective quantification of laser parameters through optical detection rather than direct mechanical measurement or subjective visual assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits the wavelength shift that occurs during fluorescence emission, where the emitted light has a different color (wavelength) than the incident laser light. This color change provides a detectable signal that can be easily distinguished from the original laser wavelength, enabling precise measurement and analysis of laser performance through spectral differentiation and filter-based detection.
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 system provides an automated and accurate method for assessing laser performance, reducing the need for frequent component replacement and enabling more efficient surgery by continuously monitoring and correcting laser patterns, thereby improving pulse-to-pulse uniformity and reducing calibration demands.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent indicator which is adapted to emit a first wavelength of light different from a second wavelength of light impinging thereon
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for assessing a performance of a laser system (11) for use in corneal ablation is provided that includes directing (101) a beam (13) of laser (14) shots onto a fluorescent indicator (12). The indicator is adapted to emit a first wavelength of light different from a second wavelength of light impinging thereon. The directing step is performed in a plane (18) of a cornea (21) of an eye desired to be ablated and also onto a cornea positioned at the corneal plane. Light reflected (20) from the indicator is detected (102) using a camera (22), and a difference between a detected light pattern from the camera and a predetermined ablation pattern desired to be made on the cornea is calculated (107). The predetermined pattern is then corrected (108) to compensate for the calculated difference.