Ophthalmic Laser Focal Point Adjustment via Temperature Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ophthalmological laser surgery techniques face challenges in achieving precise incision depth due to manufacturing tolerances and temperature drifts in contact elements, leading to inaccuracies in laser focus positioning, which increases production costs and complicates achieving the required precision for incisions in the human eye.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus for ophthalmological laser surgery that includes an optical imaging system, a temperature-measuring device, and an electronic control arrangement to adjust the focal point based on temperature measurements, ensuring precise control of the laser beam focus in the z-direction by accounting for manufacturing tolerances and temperature-induced changes in the optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If contact elements are manufactured with high precision to minimize manufacturing tolerances, then manufacturing cost increases and production complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from controlling manufacturing parameters to measuring and compensating for actual dimensional parameters. Instead of striving for tighter manufacturing tolerances, the system measures the actual z-position of the contact surface and adjusts the focal point setting accordingly, allowing standard manufacturing tolerances to be acceptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the actual z-position of the contact surface is measured and this information is used to adjust the focal point setting. This closed-loop approach compensates for manufacturing variations without requiring high-precision manufacturing, thereby reducing production complexity and cost.
2Manufacturing precision
If contact elements are manufactured with high precision to ensure consistent z-position, then manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent shifts from pre-control of manufacturing parameters to post-manufacturing measurement and compensation. By measuring the actual z-position and adjusting the focal point setting based on this measurement, the system accepts standard manufacturing tolerances while achieving the required precision, thereby reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from z-position measurement to adjust the focal point setting, creating a closed-loop that compensates for manufacturing variations. This eliminates the need for expensive high-precision manufacturing while maintaining consistent treatment outcomes.
3Reliability
If temperature control is implemented to compensate for thermal expansion, then system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temperature sensors to continuously monitor the temperature of optical components and uses this feedback to calculate and compensate for thermal expansion effects on the focal point position. This feedback mechanism maintains positioning accuracy without requiring complex active temperature control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanical temperature control systems to actively maintain constant temperatures, the patent substitutes a measurement and calculation approach. Temperature is measured and its effects are compensated through computational adjustment of the focal point setting, replacing mechanical control with a sensor-based compensation system.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If focus diameter is reduced to limit photodisruptive action locally, then positioning precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the measured z-position of the contact surface to adjust the focal point setting, ensuring that even with a small focus diameter, the photodisruptive action occurs at the precisely intended location. This compensation mechanism allows small focus diameters to be used safely while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the focal point z-position parameter based on measured contact surface position and temperature data. This parameter adjustment compensates for variations and ensures that the small focus diameter produces the desired localized effect at the correct position, rather than requiring inherently higher manufacturing precision.
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 solution enables highly precise incision depths during procedures like LASIK and corneal grafting by compensating for manufacturing inaccuracies and temperature fluctuations, ensuring the laser-induced photodisruptions are accurately positioned within the eye, thereby improving the accuracy and reducing the costs associated with precise contact element production.
Implementation Method 1
temperature drifts in contact elements, leading to inaccuracies in laser focus positioning
Implementation Method 2
an optical imaging system for imaging a treatment laser beam onto a focal point
Implementation Method 3
optical imaging system for imaging a treatment laser beam onto a focal point
Implementation Method 4
the production of an incision in the human eye is normally based on the effect of so-called laser-induced optical break-through, which results in a photodisruption
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus 10 for ophthalmological laser surgery, with an optical imaging system for imaging a treatment laser beam 14 onto a focal point, with a temperature-measuring device for measuring a temperature assigned to the imaging system, and with an electronic control arrangement (22) connected to the temperature-measuring device, which is configured to control the focal-point setting in a manner depending on the measured temperature. The present invention further relates also to an associated method.