Laser Beam Alignment Using a Visible Aiming Beam and Movable Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional alignment procedures for medical laser systems are time-consuming and pose safety risks due to the use of laser pulses and thermal paper, which can damage optics and contaminate the system.
Innovation Solution
A laser system with a coupling lens assembly that can move in x-, y-, and z-directions, along with alignment devices and an aiming laser generator, is used to align the laser system efficiently and accurately without generating laser pulses on thermal paper.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional alignment techniques using laser pulses and thermal paper are used, then alignment can be performed, but alignment time is excessive (1-2 days) and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an alignment laser generator that emits a visible alignment beam as an intermediary tool. This alignment beam allows operators to visually track and adjust the laser path without using the actual high-power medical laser pulses, thereby eliminating safety risks while significantly reducing alignment time from 1-2 days to a much shorter duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment laser generator creates a visible copy or simulation of the invisible medical laser beam path. By generating a visible alignment beam that follows the same optical path, operators can perform alignment operations without exposing the system to the actual medical laser pulses, thus preventing damage while maintaining alignment functionality.
2Measurement precision
If thermal paper is used during alignment, then accuracy can be improved, but particles are generated that contaminate and damage optics
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment laser generator serves as an intermediary that provides a visible beam for precise alignment without requiring thermal paper. The visible alignment beam allows operators to directly observe and adjust the laser path, eliminating the need for thermal paper and the subsequent generation of contaminating particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the thermal paper component from the alignment process. By using the visible alignment beam from the alignment laser generator, the system eliminates the step of shooting laser pulses through thermal paper, thereby preventing particle generation and optical contamination while maintaining alignment accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If laser pulses are generated during alignment, then alignment can be performed, but damage to optics occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment laser generator emits a visible alignment beam that acts as a safe intermediary for performing alignment operations. This alignment beam allows operators to adjust mirrors and optical components without using the actual medical laser pulses, thereby maintaining alignment capability while preventing damage to the optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visible copy of the medical laser beam path using the alignment laser generator. This copied beam follows the same optical path but at much lower power levels, enabling alignment operations to be performed safely without exposing the optics to the high-intensity medical laser pulses that would cause damage.
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 proposed solution significantly reduces alignment time, enhances precision, and eliminates safety risks associated with conventional methods, allowing for faster and safer calibration of medical laser systems.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling lens assembly, the coupling lens assembly including a lens located at a third position on the third path, wherein the coupling lens assembly is configured to move the lens in x-, y-, and z-directions
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter removably located at a first position on the second path
Implementation Method 3
a beam combiner removably located at a second position on the second path
Implementation Method 4
a first mirror configured to receive the laser light from the first laser cavity, and redirect the laser light along a second path that is different than the first path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A laser system includes a first laser cavity to output a laser light along a first path, a first mirror to receive the laser light from the first laser cavity, and redirect the laser light along a second path that is different than the first path, a second mirror to receive the laser light from the first mirror, and redirect the laser light along a third path that is different than the first path and the second path, a beam splitter located at a first position on the third path, a beam combiner located at a second position on the third path; and a coupling lens assembly, the coupling lens assembly including a lens located at a third position on the third path, wherein the coupling lens assembly moves the lens in x-, y-, and x-directions.