Laser Ablation Program Generation for Inclined Surface Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser ablation methods for shaping surfaces, such as in laser surgical treatments for vision correction, face challenges in achieving high precision due to inaccuracies in the ablation profile, particularly when dealing with inclined surfaces and variable beam profiles, leading to issues like reduced ablation depth and changes in corneal aspherity.
Innovation Solution
A method for generating an ablation program that considers the shape of the laser beam profile and the inclination of the surface, allowing for precise control of pulse energy and fluence distribution to match the desired ablation profile, using a data processing device to calculate and adjust the ablation program based on surface topography and beam parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional laser ablation methods are used without considering surface inclination and beam profile shape, then the ablation process is simple and fast, but the ablation precision and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation program is generated in advance by calculating the cumulative ablation volumes of multiple pulses before actual ablation begins. This preliminary calculation considers surface inclination and beam profile shape to predict the final ablation profile, allowing the actual ablation process to proceed quickly without real-time complex calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters used in ablation program generation from simple single-pulse volume assumptions to cumulative multi-pulse volume calculations that account for surface inclination angles and beam profile shapes. This parameter transformation enables accurate prediction of final ablation profiles while maintaining computational efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If the ablation program is generated based on single-pulse ablation volume assumptions, then the calculation is simple and fast, but the final ablation profile accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cumulative ablation volumes for all pulses are calculated in advance during program generation, considering the interaction between multiple pulses and the evolving surface geometry. This preliminary calculation eliminates the need for complex real-time computations during actual ablation, achieving both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses computational modeling to create a virtual copy of the ablation process, calculating cumulative volumes through simulated pulse interactions before actual ablation. This virtual simulation allows accurate prediction of final profiles without requiring complex real-time measurements during the physical ablation process.
3Manufacturing precision
If laser pulses are emitted without considering cumulative ablation effects, then the ablation process is simple and quick, but the final ablation depth and profile accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation program assigns different energy distributions to different spatial locations based on local surface inclination angles and beam profile characteristics. Each pulse's energy is optimized for its specific location and the cumulative effect of all pulses at that location, achieving precise local control of ablation depth and profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the control approach from uniform pulse energy distribution to spatially varying energy distribution based on cumulative ablation calculations. Pulse energies are adjusted according to local surface geometry and the predicted cumulative effect, enabling precise control of final ablation depths while accounting for multi-pulse interactions.
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 approach enables high-precision ablation by accurately predicting and achieving the desired ablation profile, reducing errors and improving outcomes in laser surgical treatments by compensating for surface inclination and beam profile variations.
Implementation Method 1
The ablation, i.e. removal, of material from a surface of a body by means of a pulsed laser beam
Implementation Method 2
material of the body absorbs at least part of the laser radiation
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for generating an ablation program for ablation of material from a surface of a body according to a predetermined desired ablation profile by emission of pulses of a pulsed laser beam onto the surface, the ablation program is generated from the desired ablation profile as a function of the shape of a beam profile of the laser beam and of an inclination of the surface to be ablated and/or considering a water content of the material to be ablated.