Fractional Laser Scanner Diffractive Beam Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dermatological treatment lasers with large spot sizes are inefficient for treating deep wrinkles, as they require a large number of individually generated spots, which is time-consuming for smaller diameter treatment areas.
Innovation Solution
A laser handpiece with a semi-monolithic resonator and diffractive element that splits the beam into multiple sub-beams, allowing for rapid generation of a matrix of small diameter treatment spots using stepper motors to scan the sub-beams across the skin, increasing treatment speed and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large spot size laser is used for dermatological treatment, then the treatment area per spot is larger, but the number of spots required increases and treatment time becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single laser beam into multiple sub-beams using a diffractive element, creating an array of multiple treatment spots simultaneously. This segmentation allows treating multiple areas at once, dramatically increasing productivity while reducing total treatment time compared to sequential single-spot treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sub-beams into a single laser source, allowing simultaneous generation of multiple treatment spots from one beam. This merging approach maintains the benefits of a single laser system while achieving multi-spot treatment capability, improving efficiency without requiring multiple separate laser devices.
2Manufacturing precision
If a matrix of small diameter non-overlapping spots is used for deep wrinkle treatment, then the precision and depth of treatment is improved, but the number of spots required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The diffractive element segments the laser beam into multiple precisely-defined sub-beams that form a matrix of small diameter spots. This segmentation enables creation of many precise treatment points simultaneously, maintaining spot size precision while dramatically increasing the number of spots that can be treated per unit time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with a diffractive optical element that automatically generates multiple beams. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical movement to create multiple spots, achieving both precision and high productivity through optical means rather than mechanical scanning.
3Measurement precision
If individually generated treatment spots are used, then each spot can be precisely controlled, but the time required to generate a large number of spots increases
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is segmented into multiple sub-beams with fixed geometric relationships, allowing precise spot placement to be achieved simultaneously for all spots rather than sequentially. This maintains measurement precision for each spot while eliminating the time penalty of individual generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive element is pre-configured with a specific pattern that determines the exact positions of all treatment spots before treatment begins. This preliminary arrangement of beam paths ensures precise spot placement is achieved automatically without requiring real-time adjustment or sequential positioning, reducing time per spot.
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 the rapid formation of a large number of small diameter treatment spots on the skin, significantly reducing treatment time while maintaining the desired spot size and depth of focus, improving the efficiency of dermatological treatments for deep wrinkles.
Implementation Method 1
A laser handpiece with a semi-monolithic resonator and diffractive element that splits the beam into multiple sub-beams
Data Source
AI summary
A dermatological treatment device is disclosed for generating a matrix of two dimensional treatment spots on the tissue. A handpiece carries a laser which generates a beam of laser pulses. The pulses are focused onto the tissue with a lens system. A diffractive element is positioned between the laser and the lens system for splitting the laser beam into a plurality of sub-beams. A scanner translates the beam over the diffractive element to generate the two dimensional spot pattern. The laser has a semi-monolithic resonator design with one integral end minor defining the output coupler and a second, independent mirror for adjustment.