Optical Homogeniser for Medical Laser Beam Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser devices, particularly those used in medical applications, face challenges in providing adequate power density over larger areas while maintaining Class I safety standards, which restricts their usage and increases operational costs due to the limitations of diode laser sources with small emitting apertures.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical homogeniser, such as a microlens array or holographic diffuser, to modify the apparent source size of the laser beam, increasing the effective area and power distribution to meet Class I requirements without exceeding safety limits, thereby allowing higher power output over a larger area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the area required to be treated increases for a required power density, then the power of the source laser needed increases, but the laser device may exceed Class I safety limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser beam into multiple sub-beams using a microlens array, where each microlens creates a separate beam path. This segmentation allows the total power to be distributed across multiple smaller apparent sources, reducing the apparent source size while maintaining high total power output, thereby achieving Class I safety classification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the single apparent source in one dimension into multiple apparent sources arranged in a two-dimensional array. The microlens array converts a single high-power beam into a grid of lower-power beams, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the source distribution and reducing the apparent source size in the original dimension
2Area of stationary object
If diode laser sources with small emitting apertures are used, then the apparent source size is reduced, but the device cannot meet Class I requirements for larger treatment areas
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array segments the single small emitting aperture into multiple virtual apertures, each microlens acting as a separate light source. This creates an array of apparent sources that collectively cover a larger treatment area while each individual source remains small enough to maintain safety classifications
Solution Approach 2:
The microlens array serves as an intermediary optical element between the diode laser source and the treatment area. It mediates the transformation of light from a single small aperture into a distributed array of apparent sources, enabling both large treatment area and small apparent source size simultaneously
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 the laser device to operate within Class I safety standards, reducing operational costs and allowing for more efficient treatment of larger areas with minimized patient discomfort and treatment time.
Implementation Method 1
The homogenizing means includes an optical homogeniser which may include a microlens array
Implementation Method 2
the optical homogeniser includes a holographic diffuser
Data Source
AI summary
A device is disclosed usable for low level laser therapy to induce a photochemical reaction (non-heating) which is used in the treatment of conditions like tendonitis and other soft tissue injuries, wound healing and pain relief. The arrangement proposed will allow the device to be a Class I laser device thus providing long term minimization of the running costs of the device. The device includes a laser generating means (10) for generating a laser beam (14), the laser generating means (10) having an apparent source size and homogenising means (12) for modifying the laser beam (14) for modifying the apparent source size of the laser beam (14).