Laser Alignment Fixture for Faster Optical Axis Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alignment techniques for medical laser systems are time-consuming and inaccurate, often requiring multiple beam spots on a mirror, which can lead to misalignment and contamination issues due to the use of thermal paper, resulting in inefficient alignment and potential damage to optics.
Innovation Solution
A laser system and method utilizing an alignment device with adjustable features and a beam splitter/combiner configuration, along with a brighter alignment laser beam, to simplify and expedite the alignment process by ensuring accurate perpendicular alignment and reducing the need for thermal paper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional alignment techniques are used with multiple beam spots on a mirror, then alignment can be performed, but alignment accuracy deteriorates and alignment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the alignment beam spots from the mirror surface by using a separate alignment card with alignment marks. Instead of projecting multiple beam spots directly onto the mirror, the system projects them onto the alignment card, allowing for clearer observation and more accurate alignment without contaminating the mirror surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment card serves as an intermediary element between the alignment laser and the mirror. It provides a dedicated surface with alignment marks that facilitate accurate alignment while preventing direct contact between the laser beam and the mirror surface, thereby avoiding contamination and improving alignment precision.
2Measurement precision
If thermal paper is used during alignment to correct accuracy, then alignment accuracy improves, but contamination and damage to optics occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the disposable thermal paper with a reusable alignment card that can be cleaned and used multiple times. This eliminates the need to continuously introduce new disposable materials into the optical path, reducing the risk of contamination and damage to the optics while maintaining alignment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding contaminated thermal paper and introducing new sheets, the alignment card can be removed, cleaned, and reused. This recovering process eliminates the need to introduce new materials into the optical system, thereby preventing contamination and damage to the optics.
3Reliability
If conventional alignment procedures are followed, then alignment can be completed, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment procedure into distinct, manageable steps using a structured alignment card with specific alignment marks. The card provides clear visual cues for each alignment stage (coarse alignment, fine alignment, perpendicularity check), making the complex process more organized and easier to follow, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining reliability.
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
The solution significantly reduces alignment time, enhances accuracy, and minimizes the risk of contamination, allowing for precise and efficient alignment of medical laser systems, ensuring the output beam is on the same optical axis as the output fiber.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror configured to receive the laser light from the first cavity, and redirect the laser light along a second path that is different than the first path
Data Source
AI summary
A laser system includes a first cavity to output a laser light along a first path, a first mirror to receive the laser light from the first cavity, and redirect the laser light along a second path that is different than the first path, a beam splitter removably located at a first position on the second path, a beam combiner removably located at a second position on the second path, and an alignment device having first and second alignment features. The first and second alignment features occupy the first position and the second position, respectively, on the second path, when the beam splitter and the beam combiner are removed from the first position and the second position.