Laser Energy Calibration via Optical Interferometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating the pulse energy of laser devices in ophthalmological surgery are cumbersome and lack precision, often requiring repetitive manual adjustments to achieve the desired ablation depth, especially when using mechanical measurement methods like the fluence test disc on PMMA.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a coherent optical interferometric measuring device, such as Optical Low Coherence Reflectometry (OLCR), for contactless measurement of ablation depths on test objects, allowing for precise and automated calibration of pulse energy by determining the setpoint pulse energy based on measured ablation depths and integrating this process into the laser device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical measurement methods (fluence test disc on PMMA) are used for energy calibration, then the calibration process can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and requires repetitive manual adjustments to achieve desired ablation depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods (physical contact with test discs and manual depth measurement) with optical measurement methods. The interferometric measuring device uses light waves to non-contactly measure ablation depths, eliminating the need for mechanical test discs and manual measurements, thereby simplifying the calibration process while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an interferometric measuring device as an intermediary between the laser ablation process and the measurement process. This device acts as a mediator that automatically captures and quantifies ablation depths through optical interference patterns, eliminating the need for direct mechanical interaction and manual measurement operations.
2Reliability
If repetitive manual adjustments are performed to achieve desired ablation depth, then calibration can be achieved, but the process lacks precision and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the interferometric measuring device continuously monitors ablation depths and provides real-time measurement data. This feedback allows for precise determination of the relationship between pulse energy and ablation depth, enabling accurate calibration without repetitive manual adjustments and significantly improving calibration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically measuring its own ablation depths using the integrated interferometric device. The laser device and measuring device work together in an automated manner, eliminating the need for external manual intervention and repetitive adjustment operations, thereby improving both reliability and productivity.
3Extent of automation
If optical interferometric measuring device is used for contactless measurement, then measurement precision and automation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the interferometric measuring device with the laser device into an integrated system. By combining the calibration and measurement functions into a single unified device, the patent reduces the number of separate components and interfaces that would otherwise be needed, thereby achieving high automation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interferometric measuring device serves multiple functions: it measures ablation depths, determines pulse energy relationships, and enables automated calibration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices for each measurement and calibration task, thereby achieving high automation while managing system complexity through functional integration.
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 precise and reproducible calibration of pulse energy, automating the process and reducing user intervention, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of laser energy calibration for ophthalmological procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the ablation depths are measured by means of a coherent optical interferometric measuring device
Implementation Method 2
by means of the working laser radiation, multiple test ablations, in particular multiple-pulse test ablations, are carried out on one or more test objects
Data Source
AI summary
In a method of calibrating the pulse energy of a laser device which provides pulsed working laser radiation, by means of the working laser radiation, multiple test ablations, in particular multiple-pulse test ablations, are carried out on one or more test objects, each with different pulse energy. The ablation depth of each of the test ablations is measured, and then, on the basis of the measured ablation depths and a specified setpoint ablation depth, an associated setpoint pulse energy is determined and set on the laser device. According to the invention, the ablation depths are measured by means of a coherent optical interferometric measuring device.The invention also concerns a laser device, in particular to carry out the above method.