Laser Adapter With Optical Reference Structure For Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current adapters for laser processing devices lack precision in positioning and alignment, particularly for materials with low linear optical absorption, leading to suboptimal laser beam focusing and processing outcomes in applications like LASIK surgery.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a locking mechanism and a reference structure optically detectable by the laser beam, allowing the laser processing device to accurately determine its position and control beam deflection, ensuring precise alignment and preventing eye movement during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a contact lens with reference marks is used for positioning, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to separate measurement devices required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reference structure directly into the adapter body, merging the positioning reference function with the adapter structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate measurement devices and complex multi-component systems, while maintaining high alignment precision through the integrated reference structure that is optically detectable by the laser beam.
2Manufacturing precision
If the laser beam is focussed into a small processing volume for high precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but positioning stability becomes more critical and harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by using the reference structure in the beam path to continuously monitor and determine the actual position of the adapter. The control device receives position information from the reference structure and uses this feedback to adjust and maintain precise positioning, ensuring stability even when focussing the laser beam into a small processing volume.
3Ease of manufacture
If the adapter structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then ease of manufacture is improved, but positioning precision and optical condition control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adapter into functional components: a simple adapter body for ease of manufacture, and an integrated reference structure for precision. This segmentation allows the main adapter structure to be manufactured simply while the reference structure provides the necessary positioning precision and optical condition control through its optically detectable features.
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 high-precision laser processing by maintaining constant optical conditions and allowing real-time correction of beam deflection, improving the accuracy of treatments like LASIK by ensuring the laser focus is at desired locations.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a laser beam to the object along a beam path, said laser beam having been supplied to the input side by the laser processing device
Implementation Method 2
comprising a reference structure, which reference structure is located in the beam path of the adapter and is optically detectable by means of the laser radiation scanned across said region
Implementation Method 3
said device comprising a beam deflecting unit for scanning a laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter for coupling a laser treatment device to an object for treatment, whereby the adapter has an input side, which may be fixed relative to the laser treatment device, by a locking mechanism and which may be fixed to the object, for alignment of the object relative to the laser treatment device. A scanned laser beam is introduced on the input side, from the laser treatment device, along a beam path to the object with a reference structure. The reference structure lies on the beam path of the adapter and may be optically detected by means of the laser beam scanned over the region.