Laser Beam Reshaping With Spherical Optics for Fiber Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Laser systems used in lithotripsy procedures face alignment tolerance issues due to the elliptical cross-section of the laser beam, which can lead to energy absorption by the cladding of the optical fiber, potentially causing damage, and conventional methods like using a cylindrical lens increase costs and transmission loss.

Innovation Solution

The laser system employs a reflective device with a spherical surface and a coupling device with a spherical surface to reshape the elliptical laser beam into a circular cross-section without adding a cylindrical lens, using simulation programs to adjust parameters and implement them in the system to achieve optimal alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a cylindrical lens is added to reshape the laser beam, then the alignment tolerance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and transmission loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment toleranceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the cylindrical lens from the laser system while maintaining beam reshaping functionality through alternative means (adjusting the pump lamp arrangement and gain medium geometry), thereby eliminating the additional manufacturing cost and transmission loss associated with the cylindrical lens

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the laser system by arranging pump lamps in a specific configuration and adjusting the gain medium geometry to naturally produce a circular beam cross-section, replacing the need for a cylindrical lens and avoiding its associated drawbacks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If a cylindrical lens is added to reshape the laser beam, then the alignment tolerance is improved, but the transmission loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment toleranceVSAvoidtransmission loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the cylindrical lens from the laser system while maintaining beam reshaping functionality through alternative means (adjusting the pump lamp arrangement and gain medium geometry), thereby eliminating the additional transmission loss associated with the cylindrical lens

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser system uses its own internal components (pump lamps and gain medium) to perform the beam reshaping function that would otherwise require an external cylindrical lens, eliminating the energy loss introduced by the additional optical element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If side pumping is used to simplify the laser system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the beam cross-section becomes elliptical reducing alignment tolerance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser system structureVSAvoidalignment tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the pumping parameters by arranging multiple pump lamps in a specific geometric configuration and adjusting the gain medium dimensions, which transforms the beam cross-section from elliptical to circular while maintaining the simple side-pumping structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different pumping intensities and geometries to different regions of the gain medium, with pump lamps positioned to provide balanced energy distribution that produces a circular beam cross-section, thereby achieving both structural simplicity and alignment tolerance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances alignment tolerance by reshaping the laser beam to a circular cross-section, improving performance and reliability while avoiding the drawbacks of conventional methods, such as increased costs and transmission loss.

Implementation Method 1

first reflective device configured to reflect the input laser beam to produce a first reflected laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

coupling device configured to focus the second reflected laser beam to produce an output laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS20250013060A1Apparatus and Methodology for Reshaping a Laser Beam

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

A laser system may include a laser resonator configured to emit an input laser beam having an elliptical cross-sectional shape. The laser system also may include first reflective device configured to reflect the input laser beam to produce a first reflected laser beam. The first reflective device may include a spherical surface for reflecting the input laser beam. The laser system also may include a second reflective device configured to reflect the first reflected laser beam to produce a second reflected laser beam. The laser system also may include a coupling device configured to focus the second reflected laser beam to produce an output laser beam. The coupling device may include a spherical surface for receiving the second reflected laser beam. The laser system also may include an optic fiber configured to transmit the output laser beam for emission of the output laser beam onto a target area.